Feeling confused and disheartened this Budget Day? You’re not alone. The Justice & Peace Commission blog their opinion on the current political climate in Aotearoa New Zealand.
As we sat around the morning tea table, we couldn’t help but notice the similarities between what is happening in the world, the current political state of our country and the direction of our ministries within the Church. As Catholics we believe in something referred to as ‘predestination.’ Essentially, this means God knows our future, but we still have the freedom to choose our actions in responding to God’s grace (it’s worth a google search if you want to know more).
There is a lot of unrest and noise in the world today, especially within our country as we await the Budget Day release. We as a Church are thankfully experiencing a reprieve with the uplifting joy of celebrating a new Pope, who seems to be saying and doing all the right things at the right time: morally, ethically, spiritually and theologically.
It is a shame our country seems to be engaging in political misdirection and finger pointing at a time when focus should be directed on budget allocations that will sustain those who continue to do without: those on the margins, our poor, sick, elderly and young, those who do not receive a fair and equitable wage, or adequate schooling, those who cannot feed or shelter their families because the cost of living is robbing them of a life.
One could be mistaken in seeing and hearing only the negative that is eventuating from the latest cacophony of political imbalance. It has been a disorientating disarray of hidden agendas and secretive readjustments – and we are not referring to conclave!
What is the ordinary, everyday person and catholic to think about our government?
Let’s recap:
The Waitangi Tribunal has been the utmost pillar of strength for almost 50 years in holding the Crown accountable to the bipartisan agreement established by Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The Waitangi Tribunal is now facing review and scrutiny by way of reviewing the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975. We can only marvel at the timing of this review, and the power of political overreach to regulate any opposing forces. For more information read Public Service Association’s Media Release here: MEDIA RELEASE: Protect the… – Public Service Association | Facebook
The Equal Pay Amendment Bill 2025 passed under urgency that is anything but equal, equitable or just. Read our Media Release here: MEDIA RELEASE A Call for Justice and Equity
It’s a cliff hanger for Te Pati Māori Members as they continue to await their fate after the Privileges Committee debate postponement yesterday. Postponement or not, Te Pati trio are still facing unprecedented suspensions and punishment for disrupting Parliament in cultural defense and defiance to a Bill that was deliberately and culturally divisive. As to the matter of ‘showing remorse’ for an act of cultural passion and solidarity -hmph! We ask is the punishment just, is it restorative, is it equitable, is it fair?
By the same coalition agreement, another failed vision is seeking rebirth through the Regulatory Standards Bill. We have provided our submission in opposition to the Bill, read here: Submission Regulatory Standards Bill JPCA
No matter which way you look at the political climate this Budget Season 2025, it is a disconcerting time to be Māori, female and on the fringes of society in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Thank goodness, Pope Leo XIV is running true to social doctrine in opposing unjust economies and promoting universal peace, unity, and dialogue.
The Government here could certainly learn a thing or two from the quiet missionary who became Pope.
We await the Budget Day coverage today with abated breath, and prayers of hope and fairness.
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