19 July 2004

Support For Separated Dads A Good Move

New Zealand First social services spokesperson Bill Gudgeon says he’s thrilled that a dedicated house for fathers and children during marriage separation is being recognised for the much needed service it is providing.

“Separated Fathers Support Trust House gives fathers and children a chance to get away from any stressful environments they may face, and allows dads the opportunity to maintain contact with their kids,” Mr Gudgeon said.

“Supporting fathers in various family arrangements is important. Often, fathers have been separated, through no choice of their own, from the biological mother of their children.

“The house provides a retreat for fathers, and an opportunity for separated couples to re-evaluate their situation.

“It has catered for 58 people, including 29 children since it was first established in South Auckland 18 months ago, with the majority of the house residents being Maori or Polynesian. It receives referrals from the Police, WINZ, Victim Support, Salvation Army and Citizens Advice Bureau.

“This is a very positive step towards providing a support network during the breakdown of the family unit, and places children at the top of the priority list. I hope that there is more financial support for initiatives like this because it really is invaluable,” said Mr Gudgeon.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>