There is no Heather Roy’s Diary this week. In New Zealand’s worst natural disaster in living memory our focus is entirely on the people of Christchurch and Canterbury. Parliament rose early this week to allow MPs to concentrate on assisting those affected as best they can. Like all kiwis we are finding it impossible to work on anything else.

The death toll is rising and the lives of too many have been cut short – may they all rest in peace. My sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.

To the rescue workers, volunteers and all those who are participating in helping those affected, our grateful thanks from all those who feel the frustration of not being able to assist personally.

Kia kaha

How You Can Help

Many charities have launched appeals to assist earthquake victims. ACT has listed several of these charities along with billeting services and an online people finder on its website: http://www.act.org.nz/news/christchurch-earthquake-how-you-can-help.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On Failures Of Care For Those With Mental Disabilities

Hard to imagine a more disturbing insight into the treatment of the vulnerable than the Health Ministry report on Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau. The Ministry has found that the country’s only kaupapa Maori intellectual disability residential care provider has been “seriously dysfunctional.”

The ministry says the business has failed to recruit and retain quality staff – and says the kaimahi (caregivers) that have been employed are seriously unsuitable for the job, lacking basic knowledge. But Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau doesn’t get all the blame. The report says there’s a significant gap under disability laws to ensure there’s oversight by qualified clinical professionals. More>>