Active Intelligence NZ

In the past decade, Christchurch families have dealt with earthquakes, terror attacks, and a global pandemic. Waimairi School Principal Mike Anderson says the children have been traumatized and that teachers have had to make well-being the greatest priority.

The US Supreme Court is currently reviewing the landmark decision on Abortion Rights - Roe v Wade. Pro-choice advocates claim it is the politicizing of the Supreme Court who now has more REpublican than Democrat Justices. Pro-Life lobbyists say the decision is long overdue for review. Andrew Moore is a Kiwi working for the Pro-Life movement in the USA who believes playing the long game might be about to pay off.

The National Party has appointed Christopher Luxon as their new leader. Whilst most know him as the former boss of Air New Zealand, others wonder what influence his Christian faith will have on him as Leader of the Opposition. Aaron spoke with former National Party MP Alfred Ngaro, a former pastor who was very open about how important faith is in public life.

Journalist and Writer Sarah Catherall recently published an editorial called “Toxic positivity: The business of happiness”, where she examines the rise of a new well-being industry focused on our happiness. Is it possible to be happy all the time? Would that even be good for us? Aaron and Sarah discuss if this new fixation on happiness might be making us sad.

Dr Jereth Kok was suspended due to 30 comments on social media cited by the Medical Board of Australia. The allegation is that his online media commentary amounted to professional misconduct. Although the legal battles continue Dr Koks is concerned about the implications for private people speaking about their view in public.

Despite 90% of New Zealanders having received at least one Covid-19 Vaccination, the Vaccine and Lockdowns continue to divide the “Team of 5 mIllion”. Some churches appear to be key players in the protests whilst others fear the implications of restriction for the unvaccinated. Pastor Sam Tolley from Auckland’s Church Unlimited says he never thought we could be so divided.

Many Kiwis assume that homeownership is out of reach. Debt and low savings are just some of the barriers apart from the ever-expanding price bubble. Te Reo teacher Jahdine Tapara has proven it is possible to defy the odds and has purchased her first home in Hamilton. She shares how loan sharks nearly made the dream of owning a home a nightmare.

Texas recently adopted a new Heartbeat Abortion Law making it unlawful to abort a baby once a heartbeat can be detected. Pro choice advocates have pointed out that most women don’t know they are pregnant in the first six weeks, rendering the law unconstitutional. Mary Castle from Texas values says the new law is proof that Pro-Life groups need to continue to stand up for the unborn child.

As Auckland continues to experience Level 3 Covid-19 lockdown, parents and children are struggling with the demands of homeschooling. The Education Sector has been incredibly innovative and parents equally tenacious. Patrick Walsh is the principal of John Paul College in Rotorua and offers his report card for Covid Homeschooling.

Every year Kiwis travel overseas to have a baby through foreign Surrogacy programs. Many say this is due to the confusing and complicated regulations around surrogacy and adoption in New Zealand. Jennifer Lahl is the Founder and President at The Center for Bioethics and Culture and she has serious concerns about surrogacy as a practice.