Zoom Room Current Affairs Discussion Open to All
Discussions will be led by former minister, journalist and octogenarian with a passion for distance running, David Hines, joined by a selection of dynamic and diverse guest speakers.
Inspired by an initiative undertaken by the Auckland Unitarian Church, the forum titled “Zooming Newsies” is intended to provide an inclusive, casual forum to discuss topical, political and social issues of general interest. Scheduled for 7pm on the second Wednesday of each month, the Zoom forum is designed to attract participation from people throughout the country.
Leader David Hines says, “Current affairs talks are half of the recipe. The other half is participants having their say, before and after the address. It starts with a candle ceremony, where participants can light a candle for their own joys and concerns. And after the address they get another say with a discussion of worldwide joys and concerns, sparked by the address.
“It’s on Zoom, so if numbers are too large, the group can be electronically split into two or more groups, so everyone gets their say”.
Microsoft’s AI researcher Copilot chose the title. David says, “Our discussions are driven by goodwill rather than the idea that we have all the answers. So I have suggested the slogan: Caring about the world, and caring about each other.”
In the first session on 10 April, Steve Hoadley, a retired professor of foreign affairs and politics and a member of the Takapuna congregation, will discuss the Israel Hamas war. A written statement from a New Zealand Jewish leader will also be part of the discussion.
On Wednesday 8 May Rainbow Youth speaker Robin Acheson, also member of the Takapuna congregation, will be supported by a leader of the Rainbow Youth Organisation.
A former prominent gang leader has been approached to comment on the government’s intention to make it illegal to wear gang patches in public for the Zoom forum on 12 June. David had to look beyond the Takapuna congregation for a gang spokesperson. Reading a research thesis paper on the history of gangs in New Zealand revived a memory from 1978, that prompted him to contact former Black Power leader, Denis O’Reilly.
O’Reilly became a friend of then Prime Minister Rob Muldoon, which had an unexpected sequel. David recalls, “O’Reilly and Muldoon were drinking with other gang members in a pub, when the police busted in. No charges were laid, and O’Reilly ended up being a social worker among gangs, on the government payroll! I was even more surprised to find he is a life member of Black Power and still doing social work with gangs in his retirement today, and still talking to the media about it, so I am hoping he will also speak with us. I can’t wait to ask him whether he thinks Rob Muldoon would support what the National Party is doing today”.
David extends an invitation to anyone interested in joining the discussions to send him phone and email contact details and he will provide the upcoming topics and the Zoom password for each month.
David Hines
Mobile: 027-325-1382
Email: davidhines5708@gmail.com