NZ Social workers strengthen their voice

Kia ora, below is a media release related to New Zealand social work. Perhaps what is exciting, is that their Congress is raising issues about New Zealand's anti-stance on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples as well as supporting the strengthening of partnerships with Maori and the Government. Good read, Taima

For Monday 20 April 2009
MEDIA RELEASE /
Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers

Social Workers taking steps to strengthen their voice on social issues

Members of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW) have identified the profound social impacts of the current recession as one of several issues that they will be taking steps to speak out more about in 2009, on behalf of the often “voiceless

At the conclusion of their annual national Congress, held in Wellington over the weekend (Saturday 17 April), ANZASW members collectively identified those areas of social work they expect will carry the brunt of harder economic times and lead to more pressure at the ‘frontline’ of social work.

These included the social issues that arise from any form of increase in poverty, and the likelihood that needs in specific areas of social work such as domestic violence and mental health services, that are already under pressure, may increase even further. This may mean extra resources will be needed for social work education, for recruitment and retention of Social Workers, and for more specific workforce development support for Māori and Pasifika Social Workers.

A key point of discussion at the ANZASW Congress was how to strengthen and develop the social work profession’s ability to influence and inform more positive and balanced responses to social issues. A consensus view was expressed that the diverse work of Social Workers is not well understood in the wider public arena and that more effort is required to demonstrate positive examples of social work in action, including the ways in which Social Workers work in many different sectors and in collaboration with other professions.

Another specific issue raised during the Congress was a question about the failure of the New Zealand Government to indicate whether it may yet become a signatory to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as the Australian Government recently decided to, or not.

During the Congress ANZASW members learnt from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade that the New Zealand Government has finalised a new report on New Zealand’s human rights record to the United Nations, which ANZASW had sought to be consulted on.

The Congress noted two changes in the “key human rights priorities” section of the final report. A new priority now reads that the New Zealand Government intends to improve its consultation process with civil society for future human rights reporting and follow-up. The existing priority for continuing to support Māori to realise their potential, was changed by adding the words: “Strengthening the partnership between the Government and Māori”.

ANZASW members attending the congress represented roopu, branches and interest groups from all regions of the country. ANZASW has a current membership of approximately 4000 members. ANZASW has been the professional association for Social Workers in Aotearoa New Zealand since 1964. All actions of ANZASW and its members are founded on principles of social justice and human rights in accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Honouring Cyndy Kiro

Kia ora all, I wanted to dedicate a piece to the work of Dr Cyndy Kiro who has recently stepped down after five years from her role as New Zealand's Child Commissioner. Cyndy was the first Maori and the first woman (and the youngest person) to assume this position (to date). In her role, she was a strong advocate for the rights of children and was quoted as being "outspoken about child abuse, her anti-smacking stance and bullying". She was honest in making public issues of child abuse. As well, Cyndy shared messages of prevention and intervention (at the family, community and political levels) - this gives a message of support from all levels, as well as it is directed to the individual that you can seek help and that's okay. I am sure, that her hard work and legacy for anti-child abuse will continue to resonate throughout society as a result of her efforts. It is awesome to have an ally and advocate at the top echelons also speaking out and sharing intervention ideas. Good mahi Cyndy, kia kaha, Taima

new Native social work blog

Kia ora, Kwe kwe, Aanii, Boozhoo, Hello

I am pleased to support the new Native Human Services Social Work blog site which can be found at http://nativesocialwork.blogspot.com

I look forward to the postings about Native social work. The Native Human Services social work bachelors programme is based at Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

Taima

Australia supports UN Indigenous Rights Declaration

Kia ora, this is great news that should be spread widely as well as celebrated. Taima

United we stand - Support for United Nations Indigenous Rights Declaration a watershed moment for Australia - Friday, 3 April 2009

This morning’s formal support from the Australian Government for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is likely to go down in history as a watershed moment in Australia’s relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today. Commissioner Calma said the statement being made in Canberra this morning by the federal government in support of the Declaration substantially adds to the foundations for a new partnership between the federal government, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community.
"I congratulate the Australian Government for the giant step it is taking today in embracing the fundamental guiding principles of mutual respect and partnership outlined in the Declaration," Commissioner Calma said.
"In making this formal statement of support, the federal government is committing to a framework which fully respects Indigenous peoples’ rights and creates the opportunity for all Australians to be truly equal.
"The challenge for government now, is to build understanding of the Declaration among government officials, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the general community, so we can give meaning and content to its provisions."
Commissioner Calma said the strength of the Declaration was that it provided a set of internationally endorsed objective standards to guide the relationship with Indigenous peoples, and to promote actions that respected and protected Indigenous cultures.
"It should be clear that on any measure, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples remain marginalised in Australia and face entrenched poverty and ongoing discrimination on a daily basis.
"The statement of support for the Declaration fills me with hope for Indigenous peoples the world over," he said
"The Declaration could be put to immediate use in Australia by providing guidance and articulating minimum standards to help the government in addressing some of the discriminatory elements remaining in the Northern Territory intervention," Mr Calma said.
While emphasising the significance of today’s formal statement of support for the Declaration, Commissioner Calma said it was also important to acknowledge that the statement of support followed other significant steps the government had taken towards resetting its relationship with Indigenous Australians including: making the National Apology; providing substantial funding boosts to close the life expectancy gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and committing to the establishment of a new national representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"While substantial challenges remain for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, support for the Declaration can unleash Australia’s potential to be a world leader on how it engages with its Indigenous peoples," he said.
"Australia’s support for the Declaration will help in the global fight against racism and discrimination and firmly re-establishes Australia’s leadership role in the international human rights system."

For further information about the Commission's Electronic Mailing List Service visit: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/mailing_lists/

Post: East Bay group outraged by family violence stats

Kia ora, below is an article that talks to the serious issue of domestic violence. The statistics are as they say alarming and credit is due to those groups such as Te Roopu Whiriwhiri who bring these statistics to the awareness of the community and public. Importantly they are calling for family members to seek help quickly. This article endorses agencies working collaboratively together to combat violence. Moving families from violent situations to living change is difficult yet fruitful work. Kia kaha, Taima

EAST BAY GROUP OUTRAGED BY FAMILY VIOLENCE STATS
Wednesday, 01 April 2009 - Whakatane Beacon, New Zealand.
NEW Zealand looks set to beat its own shameful record of domestic violence deaths this year, according to a Whakatane woman charged with combating the alarming statistics.
Raewyn Butler, co-ordinator of Te Roopu Whiriwhiri, a multi-agency collaborative which seeks to address family violence, said seven New Zealanders had already been killed in the first 11 weeks of 2009 as a result of domestic incidents. The toll comprises three women, two children and two men following the death of Wellington woman two weeks ago. In all but one of the deaths, an arrest has been made. Ms Butler, describing the total so far this year as an outrage, said the figures showed that New Zealand had a high rate of domestic violence deaths.
“Each year, on average, 14 women, 10 children and six men die.
“New Zealanders need to wake up to our appalling statistics and think what they can do to prevent these horrendous killings.
“We all need to be alert to warning signs that someone is experiencing violence and could be at serious risk.”
Ms Butler said social services could not be in people’s homes, and it was the family and friends of victims who were most likely to detect warning signs.
“There are some danger warning signs that we can all watch for - threats, especially after separation; that a person is fearful; jealous and obsessive behaviour; signs of mistreatment of children; a history of violence; and stalking behaviour.”
The deaths this year are:
• January 16: A Nelson man killed, his brother arrested.
• January 24: Mark McCutcheon dies after intervening in a domestic incident in Hawke’s Bay.
• January 26: Moana Aranui killed by her former partner in Dunedin.
• February 16: Joanne Thompson killed by her partner in South Canterbury.
• February 17: Cherish Tahuri-Wright killed in Marton, grandmother arrested.
• March 7: Five-week-old baby Jayrhis killed in Taupo, man arrested.
• March 14: Woman killed in Johnsonville in a domestic violence incident.
“In most of these deaths, someone - mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, neighbours, friends, police or agencies - would have known that these victims were at risk. We need to choose to help.
“Domestic violence deaths are preventable, but we all need to take responsibility for the welfare of our communities.
“If people think someone is at risk, they should seek help.”
The Whakatane collaborative includes Family Works, Relationship Services, Te Tohu O Te Ora o Ngati Awa, Victim Support and the police.