Latest news with #RapeAwarenessWeek
NZ Herald
07-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Northland news in brief: Library visits in Whangārei rise, with 66,000 items borrowed monthly
Whangārei District Council's libraries are thriving, according to figures from the past year. An average of 32,000 people visit the libraries and 66,000 items are borrowed each month, up 3.2% and 4.8% on last year, respectively. Library manager Paula Urlich says it's encouraging to see library use increasing, with physical books being borrowed at a faster rate than eBooks. Free checks The Heart Foundation is launching a blood pressure awareness campaign to encourage New Zealanders to get their blood pressure checked. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects a million New Zealanders and is the single biggest risk factor for New Zealand's biggest killer - heart disease, a Foundation spokeswoman says. One in three New Zealanders over 30 have high blood pressure. Of those, only a quarter have it under control. There are 350,000 Kiwis who have high blood pressure and don't know it. The Foundation is offering free blood pressure checks to the public at pop-up events around New Zealand from May 17. Awareness display Whangārei Central Library is offering a non-fiction display upstairs as part of Rape Awareness Week in collaboration with Whangārei Rape Crisis for people to access resources or support. In an online statement, the library says it has resources, support and a rundown of events for the 'He Hapori Whakaee: Community of Consent', all of which are free and safe spaces: The library staff can find books on heavy topics discreetly and gently; however, if preferred, non-fiction books on the issue can be found with the '362.76 - 362.883 ' call numbers, or search by topic or keyword on the catalogue.
NZ Herald
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Unique Whangārei festival celebrates consent, respect and communication
'Consent is a great thing, it's fun. It means that everybody is respected and we can support each other to do only the things that you want to do.' Last Rape Awareness Week, He Hapori Whakaae Community of Consent was launched in Whangārei, to help make the city a place where consent is included in everyday conversations. This year's festival launched on Monday with a collaboration between Whangārei Rape Crisis, Wairau Māori Art Gallery and Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri, including building on a community artwork where people add what consent means to them into a woven piece. Upcoming events include Consent Conversations, such as a parents talk at Whangārei Central Library on Wednesday; a gentle, supportive yoga session on Thursday; and awareness-raising and fundraising in Cameron St Mall on Friday and Saturday. Another highlight is the Consenting Adults dance party at One One Six on Friday night, featuring DJs Kevvy Small, Poppa Soul and JXO. The $25 tickets will help raise money for Whangārei Rape Crisis. Jones said the dance party is all about creating a space where people can expect their personal space will be respected. About 20 people have signed up to the seven-day Consent Awareness Challenge, which involves noting everyday situations where consent is sought and respected, and those times when it is overlooked. Jones said an example of consent being respected is when a person asks another if they would feel comfortable receiving a hug. An everyday example of it being overlooked is when a colleague interrupts a work conversation to give advice, even though the advice is not sought. The activities finish on Sunday with a chance to share meaningful music, poetry and food, and reflect on the week. Jones said the week is all about committing to make Whangārei a true community of consent - helping to create a thriving, resilient and safe community for all. The activities were supported by the Whangārei District Council's Community Fund and started with weaving during ArtBeat.
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Prima Facie Performance Spotlights Urgent Justice Issues For Survivors During Rape Awareness Week
Press Release – Elephant Publicity HELP Auckland will mark Rape Awareness Week with a special charity performance of the acclaimed play Prima Facie, starring Cassandra Woodhouse and directed by Michael Hurst, followed by an expert panel discussion on sexual violence, justice, and change in Aotearoa. The event, taking place on Monday 5 May at the Westpoint Performing Arts Centre, is part of HELP's wider Do Something HELPful campaign encouraging public action during New Zealand's national rape / sexual assault awareness week. Fresh off critical acclaim, Prima Facie, written by Suzie Miller, tells the story of a defence barrister whose world is turned upside down when she herself becomes a victim of sexual assault. The play has drawn national attention for its unflinching portrayal of justice system inequities for survivors. Following the performance, audiences are invited to a powerful panel discussion featuring: Cassandra Woodhouse, producer and actress, Prima Facie Thiyona Singh, Dear Em Embassador, youth advocate and law student Miffy Barling, HELP Auckland Court Support Advocate Dr Emily Henderson, legal academic researcher and former politician The panel will be moderated by Kathryn McPhillips, Clinical Psychologist and Executive Director of HELP Auckland, a nationally recognised expert on sexual violence prevention and recovery. 'Every day at HELP, we see the barriers survivors face in seeking justice and the ways systems often fail them,' said McPhillips. 'Events like this create public conversations we urgently need, for us as a community to find the ways forward.' The issue has never been more urgent: 2024 saw the highest number of sexual offence charges on record… With a total of 7,742 charges (an 11% increase on the previous year) and 3,526 convictions. 74% of the sexual offences related to children under 16 years of age. The 2023 New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey found over one in four New Zealand adults (27%) have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime. Reports of sexual assault at schools and universities have risen nearly 50% since 2019, according to police data. HELP Auckland is also calling on the public to join their Do Something HELPful campaign — encouraging people to take on a personal challenge during May to raise funds and awareness for survivors. Fundraising ideas range from fitness challenges to random acts of kindness, all with the goal of funding vital crisis, therapy, and education services. 'As a society, we need to take urgent action to end sexual violence,' said McPhillips. 'We're inviting New Zealanders to stand with survivors by signing up to Do Something HELPful this May.' Event Details: What: Prima Facie performance + expert panel discussion When: Monday 5 May, 6.00pm Where: Westpoint Performing Arts Centre, Western Springs, Auckland Tickets: $15 for students and $30 for adults, available at Eventbrite Media are warmly invited to attend for free — interviews available on request. Links:
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Prima Facie Performance Spotlights Urgent Justice Issues For Survivors During Rape Awareness Week
HELP Auckland will mark Rape Awareness Week with a special charity performance of the acclaimed play Prima Facie, starring Cassandra Woodhouse and directed by Michael Hurst, followed by an expert panel discussion on sexual violence, justice, and change in Aotearoa. The event, taking place on Monday 5 May at the Westpoint Performing Arts Centre, is part of HELP's wider Do Something HELPful campaign encouraging public action during New Zealand's national rape / sexual assault awareness week. Fresh off critical acclaim, Prima Facie, written by Suzie Miller, tells the story of a defence barrister whose world is turned upside down when she herself becomes a victim of sexual assault. The play has drawn national attention for its unflinching portrayal of justice system inequities for survivors. Following the performance, audiences are invited to a powerful panel discussion featuring: Cassandra Woodhouse, producer and actress, Prima Facie Thiyona Singh, Dear Em Embassador, youth advocate and law student Miffy Barling, HELP Auckland Court Support Advocate Dr Emily Henderson, legal academic researcher and former politician The panel will be moderated by Kathryn McPhillips, Clinical Psychologist and Executive Director of HELP Auckland, a nationally recognised expert on sexual violence prevention and recovery. 'Every day at HELP, we see the barriers survivors face in seeking justice and the ways systems often fail them,' said McPhillips. 'Events like this create public conversations we urgently need, for us as a community to find the ways forward.' The issue has never been more urgent: 2024 saw the highest number of sexual offence charges on record... With a total of 7,742 charges (an 11% increase on the previous year) and 3,526 convictions. 74% of the sexual offences related to children under 16 years of age. The 2023 New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey found over one in four New Zealand adults (27%) have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime. Reports of sexual assault at schools and universities have risen nearly 50% since 2019, according to police data. HELP Auckland is also calling on the public to join their Do Something HELPful campaign — encouraging people to take on a personal challenge during May to raise funds and awareness for survivors. Fundraising ideas range from fitness challenges to random acts of kindness, all with the goal of funding vital crisis, therapy, and education services. "As a society, we need to take urgent action to end sexual violence," said McPhillips. "We're inviting New Zealanders to stand with survivors by signing up to Do Something HELPful this May." Event Details: What: Prima Facie performance + expert panel discussion When: Monday 5 May, 6.00pm Where: Westpoint Performing Arts Centre, Western Springs, Auckland Tickets: $15 for students and $30 for adults, available at Eventbrite Media are warmly invited to attend for free — interviews available on request. Links:
