Replacing the cross with the dollar in youth work: the rise of capitalism in youth services

Youth workers are important. With rising inequality in our country exacerbating dysfunctionality in our communities and families, youth workers alongside social workers, therapists, community workers and others in the caring industries can be the repairing glue in broken relationships. My views come from my work in different communities and it means I am keenly interested in the training… Read More Replacing the cross with the dollar in youth work: the rise of capitalism in youth services

grahamcameron

“Love… always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 15 years of marriage to a wonderful woman.

I was in Pak’n’Save this afternoon, saving money apparently whilst buying a range of essential household items. At the checkout a woman perhaps in her 50s was admiring the wedding and engagement rings of the checkout worker. In the midst of the compliments both women commented, I presume about the institution of marriage, “you don’t… Read More “Love… always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 15 years of marriage to a wonderful woman.

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Fighting ISIS & the troublingly “high price” of being family with the USA and Britain

On 24 May 1965, Keith Holyoake and his Cabinet formally committed to provide combat troops to the growing conflict in Vietnam. Though they had provided modest support up until this date, this was the point at which our position became the position of our allies Australia and the USA. Over the next decade, more than… Read More Fighting ISIS & the troublingly “high price” of being family with the USA and Britain

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Loving our enemies is how we can love Waitangi Day

With the approaching National Day of Flagellation, aka Waitangi Day, our media and politicians have gone into overdrive to ensure we are all well-prepared for the actual day with a dousing of cynicism, suspicion and rage. The appointment of Hinewhare Harawira as a trustee on Te Tii Marae – through an entirely legal, well scrutinized… Read More Loving our enemies is how we can love Waitangi Day

grahamcameron

Pāpaki tū ana: ruāhine as female spiritual experts & our misreading of Wahinerua & the Tainui grounding

Pāpaki tū ana ngā tai ki Mauao I whakanukunukuhia, I whakanekenekehia, I whiua reretia e Hotu a Wahinerua ki te wai, ki tai wīwī, ki tai wāwā, Ki te whai ao, ki te ao mārama, Tīhei mauriora. This is a very well known tauparapara and waiata ā ringa in Tauranga Moana. It translates as following: The waves… Read More Pāpaki tū ana: ruāhine as female spiritual experts & our misreading of Wahinerua & the Tainui grounding

grahamcameron

Ruatara’s Mission: 200 years since the first Christian service in Aotearoa through Māori eyes

Article originally written for the Salvation Army’s War Cry Issue 6606 Christmas 2014. On 12 April 1799, the Society for Missions to Africa and the East (later renamed the Church Missionary Society) was founded at a meeting of the Eclectic Society, supported by members of the Clapham Sect, including Henry Thornton, Thomas Babington and William… Read More Ruatara’s Mission: 200 years since the first Christian service in Aotearoa through Māori eyes

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#Icantbreathe: Eric Garner is another casualty in the war on colour

Racism has many faces….These faces may be grouped into three main forms – personal racism, cultural racism and institutional racism. Cultural racism is… entrenched philosophy and beliefs. Its most obvious form in New Zealand is in the assumption that Pakeha culture, lifestyle and values are superior to those of other New Zealand cultures, notably those… Read More #Icantbreathe: Eric Garner is another casualty in the war on colour

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Fear and loathing of the black stormtrooper in Star Wars: The Force Awakens

The teaser trailer for Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens has landed: I love Star Wars. It has been a minor obsession since I saw Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope in the Waiouru movie theatre. My Mum was the projectionist and we used to ride there on her nifty fifty. The… Read More Fear and loathing of the black stormtrooper in Star Wars: The Force Awakens

grahamcameron