Thursday August 15, 2019
Three faiths, one message By Lauren Simpson
Reverend Ryhan Prasad from Khandallah Presbyterian Church has welcomed Rabbi Eliot Baskin from the USA and Ustad Oji Fahruroji from Indonesia to Wellington as part of 1000 Abrahamic Circles.
The global initiative, which strives to foster understanding between Christianity, Judaism and Islam has moved into its second phase in New Zealand, after visiting Denver in the first week. Rev Ryhan, dressed in clothing from all three religions, spoke about what he learned from the
trip thus far at Sunday’s service in Khandallh. “The yarmulke and the prayer shawl are not symbols that I have converted to Judaism or Islam,” says Rev Ryhan. “What they are is recognition that different faiths have different ways of worshiping.”
“It seems to me that the main goal of interfaith relations should be this; that our voices, our moderate voices, should be heard a lot more than the radicalised ones. “Out of our three faiths of Christianity, Judaism and Islam what are the two words we would use to represent them?” Asked Rev Ryhan. “Love and peace. If you hold on to those two words, then you will be a big change maker in this world.” Rabbi Eliot and Ustad Oji will not only experience Christianity but how all the faiths practiced in New Zealand.
“ We a r e g o i n g t o Christchurch, to the mosque where the tragedy was, and I was reading the remarks of the Imam which were filled with reconciliation and forgiveness,” says Rabbi Eliot. “If a white supremacist attacked my family and loved ones I’d be filled with bitterness, so to see this is quite remarkable.” Ustad Oji says the three faiths may have differences but they ultimately share the same values. “The goal is to understand each other, and through understanding we can have love and peace.”
Brett’s Brief National Party List MP based in Ōhāriu
Last week NZ Post and Kiwibank appeared again before a parliamentary select committee to face questions on the proposed changes to services in Johnsonville. NZ Post plans to partner with a local business to continue to provide the full suite of postal and bill payment services. Kiwibank proposes to close its physical presence locally, retaining services through phone and internet banking, with the closest branches to be in the city and Lower Hutt.
Rev Ryhan Prasad, Ustad Oki Fahruroji and Rabbi Eliot Baskin gathered at Khandallah Presbyerian Church PHOTO: Lauren Simpson.
Some peak hour services cancelled Metlink has released details of a range of temporary peak bus changes which the organisation announces will provide customers with certainty over the next six months while Tranzurban addresses its driver shortage. Starting on August 25, 10 routes will see some trips suspended in the morning and afternoon peak with customers given advanced warning through the Metlink website and app detailing the trips affected, alternate travel times and alternate services where available.
Local routes affected with the temporary peak hours suspensions include 19e–Porirua, thorough Johnsonville to Wellington; 24–Johnsonville through Broadmeadows to Miramar and 26, Khandallah-Ngaio-Brandon Street. The local route suspended since April 2019 which will continue to be suspended is 34 – Karori West to Brandon Street. Barbara Donaldson, chair of Greater Wellington’s sustainable transport committee, says the
temporary suspensions will enable Tranzurban to deliver the best possible service to customers with the drivers they currently have. “The past few weeks have been an uncertain time for customers across the network not being sure if their trip will happen or not.” She adds that Metlink expects that customers travelling at alternate times and on alternate services during the morning and afternoon peak will result in fuller buses with customers having to stand more.
While there is no question that commercial realities will strongly influence their decisions - decisions which must be made independent of political interference – it’s puzzling that Kiwibank would remain so insistent on removing its physical branch presence in the highest growth area of Wellington. To exit from the area hands an advantage to their rivals. I have previously encouraged Kiwibank to take another
It’s a shame Kiwibank can’t seem to see the same opportunity. Having questioned them both on their proposals previously, I asked what they are doing to support their staff during this protracted period of uncertainty. Both offered assurances that staff are being supported well, including potential employment prospects following the store closures. They both also committed to retaining services in the current location until NZ Post has found a suitable partner to take over their services.
Contact me 29 Broderick Road, Johnsonville brett.hudson@parliament.govt.nz 04 478 0628
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look at the market potential across the area. The Johnsonville Mall owners consider the catchment area to cover at least Ngaio through to Tawa, as well as Ōhāriu Valley across to Woodridge, including future development on Lincolnshire Farm. They consider the demographics across our area to be amongst the most attractive for a suburban mall in the country.
Authorised by Brett Hudson MP, 29 Broderick Road, Johnsonville.
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