Peoples Times

Green Party MP Gareth Hughes is touring universities to promote his new member’s bill that he says will help ensure that everyone has a warm home. He will also be talking to students about the substandard housing they have to live in.

The Alternative Welfare Working Group (AWWG) held their first meeting this week, having been set up in response to concerns that the views of many community groups were not being heard by the government-sponsored Welfare Working Group.

In addition to 17 regional hui, the Kia Tutahi-Standing Together steering group is now consulting with New Zealand communities online at: http://bangthetable.com/kiatutahi.

Police say new powers that came into effect in July give them more opportunity to make a difference to families suffering violence.

The Ministry of Fisheries is seeking submissions from the public on the management of the kahawai fishery. Kahawai are a traditional food source for customary Mäori fishers, a very popular fish for recreational fishers, and a target species for commercial fishers.

A group of prominent New Zealanders took to Parliament today to urge definitive steps to combat the alarming rates of alcohol related problems in this country.

Two major processes that contribute to the implementation of Whānau Ora have opened, heralding what Governance Group chair Rob Cooper described as ‘a new era of whānau-centred services and initiatives led by families and communities around the country’.

The Kia Tutahi Standing Together Steering Group has been set-up by the Hon Tariana Turia to lead the development of a Relationship Agreement to replace the 2001 Statement of Government Intentions for an Improved Community-Government Relationship.

A bill which provides first-class electoral services through a new Electoral Commission was passed unanimously by Parliament last week.