Scrutiny Week, the rise of Matariki, and the Feast Days of John the Baptist and the Sacred Heart. What a time for celebration!
One could be forgiven in thinking New Zealand Parliament went quiet after the Budget Day onslaught in May. For those following the shifts in political seasons in Aotearoa, many would know last week was the 3rd ever ‘Scrutiny Week’ – something that sounds remotely religious. In contrast to our Catholic scrutinies, it was unlikely MPs attending select committee hearings applied prayers, exorcism and the laying on of hands to defend their 2025 Budget plans… or did they?
Scrutiny Week is just that – a dedicated time for MPs and other relevant public service providers to come together and scrutinise the Budget. Ideally, to devise if what is being said, allocated, spent or promised in Budget plans will live up to its intention, delivery or indeed – be carried out, intentionally or otherwise.
There are two annual Scrutiny Weeks in New Zealand Parliament, one in June for ‘Estimates’ before the new financial year (commencing July 1) and an ‘Annual Reviews’ of past performance and spending in December (i.e. the opposite of estimates – outgoings, expenses, costs and so forth).
Never heard of Scrutiny Week before? Again, one could be forgiven. It is a relatively new initiative introduced through the 2023 Review of Standing Orders. Parliament’s version of an ‘examination of conscience’ for government spending and performance of public sector agencies through the democratic processes of transparency and accountability.
As a Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, we ‘scrutinise the scrutiny’ and analyse whether results and outcomes from Scrutiny Week will further our advocacy for justice, ethical policy, peace and protection, especially regarding those who are at risk and vulnerable in our communities.
There were certainly a few surprise remarks and choice use of profanities to liven up the Scrutiny hearings this year, but once the Budget was thoroughly scrutinised, one can’t help but think there is a lot more said than done – justified and held accountable – yes, but was anything truly achieved? That is the question.
We have our own CST Examination of the Budget 2025 which helps us navigate the Budget and Scrutiny Week. While some questions remain unanswered, it is a valuable tool to refer back to as Budget spending develops throughout the year, and how we as advocates for justice, peace and social doctrine can lend our hand, ear, voice or prayers to issues as they arise.
Scrutiny Week finished with the rising of the star cluster of Matariki, the Māori New Year and Winter Solstice the shortest day of the year. A fitting celebration of the past, present and future.
For the Church, we also celebrated the Feast Days of the birth nativity of John the Baptist (June 24) another time of preparation in heralding the coming of Jesus Christ, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 27) which reminds us of the social implications of the heart of Jesus – a heart for the marginalised and a call to action through love and compassion for social justice, peace, mercy and forgiveness.
As we begin this new year – financially and with the rising of Matariki, we give thanks to God for our country’s prosperity, democracy, freedom, transparency and faith.
We pray:
May God bless us
with listening ears and open hearts
to the world’s needs.
May God bless us
with hearts that create community
wherever we are.
May God bless us
with peace in this land
and justice that brings life and redeems.
May God bless us
with the fire of love
as we journey with God. [1]
🕊JPCA
[1] Prayer Adapted from SOSJ Prayer Book: https://www.sosj.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Sacred-Heart-Feastday-Morning-and-Evening-prayer.pdf
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