An Open Letter to New Zealanders
Doctors want no part in assisted suicide
We are committed to the concept of death with dignity and comfort, including the provision of effective pain relief and excellence in palliative care.
We endorse the views of the World Medical Association and the New Zealand Medical Association that physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia are unethical, even if they were made legal.
We uphold the right of patients to decline treatment, as set out in the NZ Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights.
We know that the proper provision of pain relief, even if it may unintentionally hasten the death of the patient, is ethical and legal. Equally the withdrawal or withholding of futile treatment in favour of palliative care is ethical and legal.
We believe that crossing the line to intentionally assist a person to die would fundamentally weaken the doctor-patient relationship which is based on trust and respect.
We are especially concerned with protecting vulnerable people who can feel they have become a burden to others, and we are committed to supporting those who find their own life situations a heavy burden.
Doctors are not necessary in the regulation or practice of assisted suicide. They are included only to provide a cloak of medical legitimacy. Leave doctors to focus on saving lives and providing real care to the dying.
Join us
If you are a New Zealand doctor and would like to add your name to this Open Letter, please email sineadmairedonnelly@gmail.com with your name, qualifications and Medical Council registration number.
‘Doctors say no’ is an Open Letter to all New Zealanders by doctors supporting the World Medical Association and New Zealand Medical Association position statements that euthanasia and assisted suicide are unethical, even if they were to become legal. doctorssayno.nz...
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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0% Yes, supporting people is important!
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0% No, individuals should take responsibility
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0% ... It is complicated
Position available at Chartwell Church - Mainly Music Facilitator
Make a Difference in Young Lives
Chartwell Church is seeking an enthusiastic and engaging person to facilitate our weekly Mainly Music sessions during term time. This is a rewarding role where you’ll support young children (0–5 years) and their caregivers through music, movement, and connection in a warm, welcoming environment.
About the Role
As the Mainly Music Facilitator, you will:
Lead and facilitate the weekly Mainly Music session on Friday mornings
Create a caring, inclusive, and supportive environment for children and caregivers
Work alongside volunteers to ensure sessions run smoothly
Prepare music and session content ahead of time
Hours
On site: Fridays, 9:00 to11:00am during school term time
Preparation: Approximately 1 hour per week (in your own time)
About You
You will ideally:
Enjoy working with young children and adults
Be confident leading music and group activities (singing ability helpful but not essential)
Have strong communication and organisational skills
Be warm, reliable, and able to foster a sense of community
Be supportive of the values and mission of Chartwell Church
Applications
Applications close 22 February.
For further information, please contact the Church Office on 07 855 7434 or send your CV to the Parish Administrator at
office@chartwellchurch.org.nz
Starting gun sounds for housing on Te Rapa Racecourse land with re-zoning
Hamilton City councillors have signed off on a plan change that could see Te Rapa Racecourse swap stables for townhouses.
The deputy mayor says this paves the way for “basically creating a new suburb within the city”.
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