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New Zealand’s Attitude towards Abortion

4 November 202216 October 2022

The overturning of Roe v Wade sparked a controversial and heated debate in the United States about taking away the constitutional right to abortion. Soon enough, it got many people in different parts of the world talking about the validity and moral issues concerning abortion. This debate has now spread to New Zealand as well.

Liberal View of New Zealand

At present, New Zealand holds a liberal view of abortion, with most citizens in New Zealand supporting the right of a woman to terminate pregnancy in different circumstances. Termination is allowed up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. If the abortion is being done within this time frame, the abortion service provider need not even consult a health practitioner.

However, if there is a need for the abortion to be done after 20 weeks of pregnancy, a qualified health practitioner will decide whether it is necessary by considering various factors and in consultation with other health practitioners.

Luxon’s Recent Statements

National Party leader Christopher Luxon recently criticized this issue being brought up in New Zealand. He asserted that there was no need to bring the culture war in the United States to New Zealand, where the stance is pretty clear.

Although he is a conservative Christian who has voiced his ‘pro-life’ opinions in the past, Luxon made it clear that he empathizes with the women in New Zealand and supports their right to abortion. He was criticized by the opposition for the flexibility in his views.

Jacinda Adern Supports Right to Abortion

The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Adern, has also pushed back against the ‘pro-life’ sentiment of the US Supreme Court. She stated that abortion would continue to remain a fundamental human right in New Zealand.

She expressed her disappointment on Instagram recently, where she coined the abortion issue as a ‘health issue.’ She has challenged the view of abortion being treated as a criminal issue. She also reiterated by saying that it is important for nations to follow the principles of foreign policy and refrain from commenting on domestic politics happening in other countries.

The Current State

Abortion is currently easily accessible to women in New Zealand. There are plenty of abortion providers located in all regions. Women do not require any reference for the procurement of these services. They can make an appointment and receive it for free if they meet the eligibility requirements. However, there may be some costs involved in the ultrasound scan.

Women in New Zealand can also receive support from an abortion counselor both before and after the abortion in order to deal with any possible mental or emotional problems that may arise.

If there is a failure of health practitioners to meet any regulations, standards, or guidelines, women in New Zealand can reach out to the Ministry of Health for abortion services.

Crime Rate in New Zealand is Growing at a Faster Pace

4 September 202216 October 2022

New Zealand has always had the reputation of being a peaceful country full of friendly and cheerful citizens. However, the two things have been rampant in the last few years, i.e., the number of people leaving New Zealand for better career prospects and the number of people committing crimes.

New Zealand has unfortunately experienced its share of gun crime recently. It has been observed that the offenders often tend to be young people. The police are troubled by this rise. Why is this happening more than ever? Read on to learn more.

The Causes for the Rise in Crime

Experts state that generational family trauma tends to play a huge role in the rise of crime. Most of these young offenders come from families where they felt unsafe or mistreated.

Many of them have endured physical, psychological, and emotional abuse. There have been many cases of sexual assault and homicide. The issue of ram raids has also become rampant, where the young boys ram their cars into the stores and steal whatever they can get their hands on.

There has been a rise in the trend of young people forming gangs and developing their own gang culture. The gangs usually tend to have plenty of discord among each other as they attempt to display their muscle and influence. As a result, the incidents of the drive-by shooting have increased.

The attendance of the youth in schools has dropped as well. Hence, the lack of father or authority figures is also to blame. This trend of absenteeism is said to have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Zealand Police Expresses Its Challenges

It hasn’t been easy for the New Zealand police. One of the biggest issues why there hasn’t been a strong enough action against the rise in crime, has been because of New Zealand’s three-year election cycle, which doesn’t allow the Government to devote its attention wholeheartedly to this crisis. Attempting to resolve generational trauma issues can be quite an expensive and time-consuming process as well.

The police are at a loss and find themselves quite helpless. They state that it has become tough to catch hold of the young offenders, who often steal cars and escape from the police in smart ways. The police are complaining about not having enough resources or funding.

The Most Vulnerable Groups in New Zealand

The most vulnerable groups have been racial minorities, disabled people, and people of the LGBT community. The minorities usually live in difficult areas that make them more vulnerable to violence and victimization.

The presence of crime in the LGBT community has been startling to witness. Many non-heterosexual adults have been sexually assaulted in recent times. Hence, the LGBT community has expressed its sadness and dissatisfaction with this matter. Bisexual New Zealanders have been the most victimized group in recent times.

New Zealand Government Takes Measures Against New COVID-19 Virus Strain

6 July 202216 October 2022

When the COVID-19 pandemic was going on, New Zealand was praised and considered a strong example for its efficiency and carefulness in curbing the spread of the virus. After many months of peace from the threat of the virus, New Zealand is preparing again for the new threat named the “Omicron BA.5 variant”.

Orange Light Restrictions

Experts claim that there can be an exponential rise in the number of hospitalizations in the next few weeks. The New Zealand Government has, at present, imposed “orange light” restrictions. If the situation worsens, the people can expect to face “code red” situations, where limits will be imposed on the number of people that can gather indoors.

As per the “orange light” restrictions, people will be demanded to wear masks compulsorily in public transport and public venues. It will also be required for visiting health care and aged care facilities.

The virus is expected to mutate at a fast pace. This is why the Government is again placing a strong emphasis on isolation requirements, although most countries have done away with it. Hence, New Zealand is again being proactive in its approach.

Masks Mandates for Schools May Return

The threat is particularly increased because of the cold climate in New Zealand. Children may soon be required to wear masks in school. Hence, many parents are concerned as they may be forced to relive the worries and challenges they faced last year.

Free Masks and Rapid Tests

New Zealand has already started offering free masks to people. It is placing a strong emphasis on reducing the work burden on hospitals and ensuring that those in dire need get easy access to effective treatment. People can get quick access to rapid tests and have themselves checked with ease.

For Tourists

New Zealand has also opened its borders to many tourists from visa-waiver countries. The tourist population mainly comprises Europeans, Australians, Chinese, and Indians. Tourists will be expected to adhere to the mask requirements wherever they go strictly.

Government in a Difficult Spot

There have already been 29 deaths reported as of now due to the new virus strain. Many people have been hospitalized recently as well. Experts are stating how it might be a wise move to go back to the Zero-COVID policy and demand that schools and non-essential businesses remain shut until the new virus threat stops looming over the country. This can prove difficult for the New Zealand Government, which is already facing economic issues and an exodus of kiwis to other countries.

Many people have already criticized the Government for not doing enough. For instance, N95 and P2 masks are given only to those more vulnerable to the virus. The Government has also been slow in introducing the mandates for schools and businesses.

Many sports matches are still scheduled to be held in the stadiums as well. Hence, the Government is currently coming under tremendous scrutiny and will be expected to make some difficult decisions in the coming days.

Why are So Many Kiwis Leaving New Zealand?

6 June 202216 July 2022

New Zealand is well known for its friendly people and laidback culture. It has beautiful nature and plenty of tourist attractions. Hence, it has always attracted many people from Europe and other parts of the world to participate in the culture.

However, it is interesting to note how Kiwis have always been drawn to leaving their homes and seeking opportunities elsewhere. This has always been a trend, even in the past, with Australia being the preferred destination. But at this time, since the border curbs have relaxed, the number of people who are leaving New Zealand has been staggering to witness.

Causes

Experts have stated that the employment market is currently in a difficult place. The number of foreign workers, although significant, is still not enough to meet the expected sum. So, why has this trend of exodus been exacerbated in recent times?

It seems to have all started with the COVID-19 pandemic. After spending months in lockdowns, many New Zealand families have felt a wish to explore the world and partake in other cultures.

They hope to secure a better pay grade and a higher standard of living. They also have a desire to live in big cities. Hence, the lockdown has been a huge catalyst for this exodus. It has given many New Zealanders time to reflect on their life and priorities.

Lockdown Served as a Catalyst

The border rules were very strict during the pandemic. Although the Kiwis were allowed to leave the country, the rules on returning to the country were quite strict. This is why many Kiwi families had already started making detailed plans to go to other countries with the intention of not returning. Among the people leaving the country, a huge percentage of them happen to be young people in their 20s and 30s.

Concerns

The people in New Zealand have many grievances with the Government for its inability to handle inflation. Most people find it difficult to purchase their own homes. The crime rates have increased considerably in the last few years, with minorities and the LGBT community being the most vulnerable groups.

The New Zealand government is concerned about so much of its talent being directed to other countries. Many businesses in New Zealand are encountering different challenges for this reason. However, the tourism sector is thriving more than ever.

Tourism Sector Thrives

New Zealand has recently opened its doors to tourists from many visa-waiver countries. Non-waiver countries are not allowed as of yet. The majority of the tourist population tends to be European people, Chinese, and Indians.

During the pandemic, New Zealand came into focus and served as an example to many countries around the world for its efficiency in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Although the risk of the virus spread has reduced considerably and people are more relaxed, many precautions are still set in place for tourists.

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