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Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Rawhitiroa was just one of 30 schools performing at Te Tai Tokerau Festival this week - share your photos heree
In response to the recent crusade to rally support for a name change of a rugby team, let me be quite clear, I don’t care if the consensus decides they should be called “The Marshmallow Puffs”. The real issue of note here is the not so subtle underlying message that this call for a name … View moreIn response to the recent crusade to rally support for a name change of a rugby team, let me be quite clear, I don’t care if the consensus decides they should be called “The Marshmallow Puffs”. The real issue of note here is the not so subtle underlying message that this call for a name change entails.
It’s a question of history.
Whether we like it or not, our history shapes us. It influences us now, and will influence our future and thus it’s vital we acknowledge that the measure of accuracy by which we as a nation perceive our past- will have a bearing on what sort of society we will be in the future.
For too long now I have observed a loosely unified ideology firmly controlling the general narrative, such that we have come to accept a gross distortion of our recent history which has become a political football to conform us. For too long we have played dumbly into the hands of an ideology bent on engineering our attitudes and shaping NZ society. And I don’t like where we are headed.
And now the Christchurch terror attacks are being used to further this agenda.
To put this in perspective, and because our recent history is perhaps too big of a game, a game we are not yet fit to tackle right now, I want to put some distance in here and go further back in time. In effect, the name change being demanded of the Crusaders is an issue being played out in the public square, and is somewhat going to be decided in the court of public opinion. Trial by media. But, as in every trial, things like truth, accuracy and justice are paramount. It is vital that we not be blindsided by prejudice.
The Crusades, a series of historical events, are being portrayed as an ugly blot on our track record. Being a nation comprised mostly of European descent and culture, the West, whose history we share, whose values we hold in common, are feeling the pressure of collective guilt. Guilt, as we know is a powerful tool in shaping who we are. But to focus entirely on the Crusades without taking into account the contextual background in which they took place opens a way for being manipulated into an unwarranted perception of ourselves.
Rightly or wrongly, the Crusades, some call the Christian Crusades, were an attempt to re-open and defend the pilgrimage routes to the “Holy Lands”. Though certainly violent, they weren’t acts of aggressive expansionism which had already been evident for hundreds of years and which provided the catalyst for them. In terms of time, the response from nominally Christianized nations were interspersed over the space of less than two hundred years against a background within fourteen hundred years of violent aggression. In numerical terms, the Crusades were 16 major battles, relative to over five hundred forty battles to overcome classical civilization. In geographical terms they took place in the immediate vicinity of the traditional routes of pilgrimage to the birthplace of Christianity in stark contrast to the deliberate extension of Islamic dominance from Spain in the west, east to Asia, from North Africa, the Middle East to the countries North of the Mediterranean.
It is crucial to put this in perspective, and I see no better way of doing it than by graphic representations courtesy of the Center for the Study of Political Islam.
The elephant in the room.
Some may claim that in presenting the history this way there is already a conflation of issues. We will no doubt be told, for instance, that there is a need to distinguish the violent aggressive expansionist programme of the Ottoman Empire from the ideology of the religion of Islam. But if that is to be, then why are we, on the other hand, told incessantly that the violence of the Crusades were directly attributable to the ideology of Christianity? Are there not double standards in the way we treat these issues?
The only way to really know whether the correlations are real is to study the source material, the ancient texts and also to rightly appreciate the effects these two opposing ideologies have had on human history.
Having spent the last couple of years coming to an understanding of Islam, it is clear that the correlation between 1400 years of bloody aggression and the ideology of Islam is no mere accident of history. On the other hand, it is equally clear that to blame the Crusades on the ideology of Christianity is not so clearcut. I would be happy to elaborate further.
I will be the first to admit, (and have already done so in a previous letter www.nzherald.co.nz...),
that the majority of the world's Muslim population are moderate, and appreciate the ideal of peace. However, Islam is, as the recent controversies regarding the Hijab have shown, a belief system with two faces. Just as many women expressed it, in the regions in which Islam has been practiced for centuries, the hijab is a mark of oppression, of subjugation. In the liberal West it is a sign of solidarity, of choice, of cultural expression, of peace and compassion, and each is a legitimate expression of Islam. And each appearance has a common goal. While we may think that this dualism, like a house divided against itself that cannot stand, will tear itself apart, it is in fact a direct consequence of the theology of Islam and is one of the reasons for it’s astounding expansion which isn’t confined to conquest by violence.
While Islam has many iterations, just as in Christianity, there is consensus on major issues. The apparent tensions between, peace and violent Jihad, between choice and compulsion, the contrast between difficulty in assimilation with other cultures, and the seeming contradiction to this with the appearance of Muslim people exerting an influence at every level of society- is not a sign of conflict within Islam, but an overarching expression of its brilliance.
To understand this one must venture into the musty halls of history and examine the life of Muhammad, beyond the scope of this letter.
In a very real way this issue, and whether or not it reaches the public at large, is a litmus test for knowing just how tightly the narrative is being controlled.
Yippeee! Just received the early copies of How to Grow Flowers 1944-2019, a special edition celebrating our 75th year (making us the oldest continuously published magazine in New Zealand), and it's beautiful! The first of a set coming out this year, How to Grow Flowers features the best advice… View moreYippeee! Just received the early copies of How to Grow Flowers 1944-2019, a special edition celebrating our 75th year (making us the oldest continuously published magazine in New Zealand), and it's beautiful! The first of a set coming out this year, How to Grow Flowers features the best advice from our archive, complete with vintage wisdom from long-time subscribers, garden clubs and knowledgeable experts. You have until April 14 to get the pre-sale price of $11.90 (25% off retail price). Order online or phone 0800 624 744.
Thanks to everyone who joined us or submitted questions for our live chat with Resene colour experts Christine Hawkings and Merenia Patira.
If you missed it, you can still check out their answers and get some fresh decorating ideas, here.
Please join Whangarei’s Improv Mob at OneOneSix on Saturday April 27 as two teams of actors improvise ridiculous scenes for your amusement.
The first improv battle in two years, Whangarei’s Improv Mob go up against the Fig Mints of Auckland.
There will be no door sales – tickets are … View morePlease join Whangarei’s Improv Mob at OneOneSix on Saturday April 27 as two teams of actors improvise ridiculous scenes for your amusement.
The first improv battle in two years, Whangarei’s Improv Mob go up against the Fig Mints of Auckland.
There will be no door sales – tickets are exclusively through Eventfinda so please buy yours this week.
The night runs 7.30pm-9.30pm with comedian and The Project entertainer Steven Lyons as your MC and judge.
Tickets are $20 – an amazing price for two hours of belly laughs.
50% of proceeds go to Victim Support’s GiveALittle fundraiser for Christchurch. The other 50% pays our suppliers, crew and the venue.
Please purchase your ticket through Eventfinda simply by clicking www.eventfinda.co.nz...
Please note this is an R15 event.
You are welcome to bring your own food and drink; nibbles will be provided by chef Amber Wallace.
Date: Saturday April 27 7.30pm-9.30pm
Doors Open: 6.30pm.
Location: 116a Bank Street Whangarei
Tickets: $20 per person + Eventfinda fees making it $23, sorry.
Question / requesting group seating / questions/ vthonger@gmail.com / 021 250 7486
www.ImprovMob.nz...
Do you know what your rights are at work? How about your rights to do with renting or owning a home? If you buy something that’s faulty do you know what your options are? This CAB Awareness Week from 8-14 April you’re being invited to Discover Your Rights – Tūhuratia ō motika!
Helping … View moreDo you know what your rights are at work? How about your rights to do with renting or owning a home? If you buy something that’s faulty do you know what your options are? This CAB Awareness Week from 8-14 April you’re being invited to Discover Your Rights – Tūhuratia ō motika!
Helping people to know what their rights and responsibilities are and how they can act on these is core to what the Citizens Advice Bureau is about. We help people from all walks of life to access the information they need so they are empowered to take next steps and to resolve their problems.
A highlight of this year’s Awareness Week is the launch of the CAB’s new public website - www.cab.org.nz.... After a year of development and user testing, the resulting website provides an accessible, mobile-friendly, knowledgebase of 2,000 questions and answers about people’s rights that are based on real issues confronted by clients.
The information about rights is grounded in the law but is practical and is expressed in a way that’s easy to understand.
The website also provides a directory of more than 30,000 community organisations so that the CAB can help connect people with any additional services they need.
We’re keen to break down any barriers people face in finding out what their rights are. Our new website is a fantastic resource for the whole community, and complements the amazing face-to-face and phone service provided by our skilled and dedicated volunteers.
We invite you to Discover Your Rights with us this Awareness Week by checking out our new website www.cab.org.nz..., calling us 0800 367 222, or by visiting your local CAB. We’re here to help.
For many, having depression is like walking through mud every day.
Walk in their shoes for a day: put on your gumboots, and donate if you can to help us provide free counselling to any kid in need.
Two thumbs up to our awesome team over at Neighbourhood Support Waitakere for supporting this … View moreFor many, having depression is like walking through mud every day.
Walk in their shoes for a day: put on your gumboots, and donate if you can to help us provide free counselling to any kid in need.
Two thumbs up to our awesome team over at Neighbourhood Support Waitakere for supporting this year's campaign. 👍👍
#GumbootUpNZ
Police are appealing for sightings of missing Northland woman Bridget Simmonds.
The 42-year-old was last seen about midday on February 23rd when she was dropped off by family at Countdown Regent in Whangarei.
Anyone with information as to her whereabouts can contact Detective Constable Joseph… View morePolice are appealing for sightings of missing Northland woman Bridget Simmonds.
The 42-year-old was last seen about midday on February 23rd when she was dropped off by family at Countdown Regent in Whangarei.
Anyone with information as to her whereabouts can contact Detective Constable Joseph Reuben on 021 191 5901 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Keep updated here
1998 Toyota spacio
1600cc
4 Spd auto with overdrive
New windscreen
New wipers
New front brakes
Alloy wheels
Brand new wof
117000kms
Hi Neighbours!
The April edition of the SuperSenior newsletter is out now! It's filled with all the latest news and Super Gold Card offers.
In this issue we talk to Senior New Zealander of the Year, Dr Bill Glass
We also find out more about the annual adjustment to NZ Super and the payment … View moreHi Neighbours!
The April edition of the SuperSenior newsletter is out now! It's filled with all the latest news and Super Gold Card offers.
In this issue we talk to Senior New Zealander of the Year, Dr Bill Glass
We also find out more about the annual adjustment to NZ Super and the payment dates and rates for the Winter Energy Payment.
To subscribe, follow this link: bit.ly...
To view the current edition go to bit.ly...
Kia ora! Is your marae wanting support to uplift or broaden mātauranga Māori ā-marae, ā-hapū, ā-iwi?
At Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, our School of Iwi Development can provide pathways and resourcing for marae and other Māori entities to support their own aspirations.
We have a … View moreKia ora! Is your marae wanting support to uplift or broaden mātauranga Māori ā-marae, ā-hapū, ā-iwi?
At Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, our School of Iwi Development can provide pathways and resourcing for marae and other Māori entities to support their own aspirations.
We have a long history of supporting marae in Te Tai Tokerau so if you are a community group, marae or an individual who’d like to study with us we’d love to hear from you!
Ramco Fishmaster 2002, four stroke 115 Yamaha done 541 hours, Hummingbird 958c gps fishing System, vhf radio. Twin Battery set up. Hydraulic steering ,backdrop cover, underfloor fuel tank holds approx 90L. Game rigged. On a Aakron Xpress Trailer April 2017. Single axle, hydraulic brakes with a … View moreRamco Fishmaster 2002, four stroke 115 Yamaha done 541 hours, Hummingbird 958c gps fishing System, vhf radio. Twin Battery set up. Hydraulic steering ,backdrop cover, underfloor fuel tank holds approx 90L. Game rigged. On a Aakron Xpress Trailer April 2017. Single axle, hydraulic brakes with a spare tyre and lock nuts. Still under warranty. Have paperwork. The original trailer was a Voyager A17HD 2002.
The bimini hard top with aluminium Rocket launcher, eyebrow typed canopy and full clears was fitted in July 2017. Best thing I ever did. Have paperwork and still under warranty. Current rego and WOF
A new bilge pump was fitted in October 2017. Have paperwork. Still under warranty.
Accessories:
Water anchor
Ski pole and rope
Bait board
I purchased the boat Oct 2014 and it has caused me no problems at all. All I have done it upgrade it to a better boat.
You can sleep on it if you wish. I’ve spent 3 nights in a row on it several times and it's more than comfortable.
The old Bimini is available and comes with the boat. You can do with it as you wish.
I also have a type of sea biscuit (sausage type) and a crayfish pot that can be purchased at additional cost if you want them.
Calling all creative cookies and DIY devotees! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards. Whether it's an old item you've spruced up or something you've found a completely new purpose for, we want to see your creations!… View moreCalling all creative cookies and DIY devotees! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards. Whether it's an old item you've spruced up or something you've found a completely new purpose for, we want to see your creations!
Submit your entry in the 2019 Resene Upcycling Awards by sharing your upcycled masterpiece with your neighbours. Of course, there are goodies to be won including four prizes up for grabs worth $500 (plus spot prizes). Multiple entries are welcome - don't forget to include your before and after pics and mention any Resene products you've used!
McCullough weed eater for sale, approx 5 years old, hasnt been used all that much as weve had a contractor doing our garden maintenance for the last 4 years. Only problem is that the Petrol tank has a small hole in it.
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