Activism for 'introverts': Craftivists find their political voice
Auckland crafters are on a mission to change the world one stitch at a time.
The newly-launched Craftivist Companions are turning to needlework to find their political voice at Ponsonby's Unitarian Church in central Auckland.
Ten “introverted” activists are creating mini protest banners
– the square placards will form a temporary quilt that will be presented to Auckland Council on April 1 for the updated living wage announcement.
The banners will then be left as “respectful graffiti” on public spaces such as lamp posts.
Group founder and church member Kay Parish said the goal was to get people thinking from a different perspective.
A midwife driven by a strong dislike of injustice, she was inspired by a movement in England led by Sarah Corbett and the Craftivist Collective.
“Sarah talks about craftivism as being an ideal form of activism for introverts, people who don’t love getting out there shouting and challenging people in a confrontational way,” said Parish.
“Craftivism is a way of approaching people more gently and presenting a message in a more respectful and thoughtful way.”
Corbett’s group persuaded British retailer Marks & Spencer to pay its workers a living wage by giving every board member a personalised hand-embroidered handkerchief explaining why paying a living wage should fit with their values.
“The board members really took that message on board ...and it just shifted their perspective,” Parish said.
The Titirangi resident said paying people a fair wage helped them live their lives with dignity.
Read more here:
www.stuff.co.nz...
Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?
At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).
Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.
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70.4% Yes
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26.6% No
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3% Other - I'll share below
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Cost of living relief for parents
More cost-of-living relief kicks in from Tuesday, targeted at parents and caregivers with young kids in childcare.
Family Boost lets eligible families claim back up to 25 per cent of their childcare costs, to a maximum of $975 every three months. The first quarterly payments can start being claimed from October 1.
We know it’s tough for Kiwis right now and National is proud to be delivering relief for childcare costs, on top of the tax relief that started landing in Kiwis’ pockets from the end of July.
So if you or someone you know has young kids in childcare, make sure you check out the IRD website for details about eligibility and how to make a claim.
But we also know the only way we can afford to support Kiwis with the cost of living is by rebuilding the economy – with more opportunities for growth and investment.
That’s why it was so exciting that, after just four months of negotiations, National Party Minister Todd McClay signed the dotted line this week on a new trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates.
It’s a perfect example of what can be achieved when we go out and hustle on the world stage – unleashing new markets for trade and investment so Kiwis can do the business.
It’s awesome news for farmers and growers – the agreement will scrap duties on 98.5 per cent of our exports to the UAE immediately when it comes into effect: meaning more cash in their pocket, when their product moves offshore.
Federated Farmers summed it up well by saying "This agreement will take millions of dollars that would have been charged in tariffs and pump them directly into our rural communities.”
We promised to work at pace to rebuild our economy and completing New Zealand’s fastest-ever trade agreement negotiations is a great example of how we’re doing exactly that.
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NATIONAL party website
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