Where does the food come from, Mummy?

As they see it, agriculture is not an industry on the periphery of modern civilization. It is a fundamental act that determines whether we as a society will live or die. What binds these [farmers] is not a particular farming method, but rather the conviction that as humans, the contributions they make are essential.... In quiet ways, in quiet places, they have set about correcting the damage that has come from believing agriculture could actually be reduced to numbers alone. The first step: reclaim their place in the center of the equation.

A quote from Lisa M. Hamilton's book: Deeply Rooted


This quote came to me via the daily ezine, Culture is not optional

Marriage and more

The latest statistics on marriage, civil unions and divorce in New Zealand show a declining rate of divorce, and an increasing number of marriages over the past decade.
And while the marriage rate has retained its demand and relevance, the demand for civil unions has been negligible.
Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ, notes: “The civil unions legislation has proved to be a complete white elephant, despite the claims by the previous government that it would supposedly strengthen human rights and support the choices of apparently 300,000 people who were not married but lived in stable relationships.”
According to Statistics NZ data released today, there have been only 1,646 civil unions registered between April 2005 and March 2009 . These comprised 1,330 same-sex unions (594 male and 736 female) (80%), 312 opposite-sex unions and just four transfers from marriage.

So what are the actual stats for the marriages and divorces - have we reason to celebrate? Here's what NZ Stats says:

• DIVORCES; The Family Court granted 9,700 divorces in 2008, slightly below the annual average of 10,000 for the last decade. About one-third of New Zealanders who married in 1983 had divorced before their silver wedding anniversary (25 years).
• MARRIAGES: There were 21,900 marriages registered in 2008, compared with 21,500 in 2007. The increase was due to more first marriages, up from 14,400 to 14,800. The number of remarriages remained at 7,100, the same as in 2007.
• MARRIAGE RATE: The general marriage rate (marriages per 1,000 unmarried adults) was 13.7 in 2008, down from 15.6 in 1998. The latest rate is less than one-third of the peak level of 45.5 per 1,000 recorded in 1971.
• CIVIL UNIONS: There were 327 civil unions in 2008: 256 same-sex unions (111 male and 145 female) and 71 opposite-sex unions. Up to 31 December 2008, eight civil unions had been dissolved.
  

Western Values

Lecture by Baroness Caroline Cox - hosted by Maxim Institute

What is at stake?: Why we need to value the foundations of Western civilisation Around the world, countries fall apart from division, civil war and corruption. We are fortunate. Our heritage is a great one, and we owe much to the foundations of Western civilisation upon which our country is built. But these foundations, which include freedom, duty, responsibility, affection, belonging, goodness, civic service, are things we often take for granted. In this lecture Baroness Cox will draw from her experiences in various countries to explain the value of the underpinnings of Western civilisation, discussing why concepts like the rule of law, human dignity, civic and mutual responsibility, and equality are so vital to a strong and prosperous global society. EVENT WILL BE HELD IN BOTH CHRISTCHURCH AND AUCKLAND CHRISTCHURCH: Wednesday, 25 March, from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at Christchurch Club, 154 Worcester Street, Christchurch Drinks and canapés will be served AUCKLAND: Thursday, 26 March, from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm at Maxim Institute, 49 Cape Horn Road, Hillsborough, Auckland Drinks and canapés will be served For both events places are limited, RSVP is therefore essential. If you wish to attend, please email rsvp@maxim.org.nz or phone Summer Haycock on (09) 627 3261 by Friday 20 March. Baroness Caroline Cox is a crossbencher peer from the British House of Lords. She is known for her active involvement in humanitarian aid and human rights, as well as for her interest and work in slavery and education. Baroness Cox was Founding Chancellor of Bournemouth University and is currently Chancellor of Liverpool Hope University, and Chief Executive of Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust. Baroness Cox's work has taken her on many assignments to conflict zones, including Sudan, Burma, Nigeria and North Korea. Her vast experience makes her a compelling and insightful speaker.