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What are the conditions that will make New Zealand the kind of nation we want to pass on to our children? We regularly research and provide commentary on timely issues that we believe must be addressed to ensure a sustainable future for our families, our communities, and our way of life.
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History should make us uncomfortable
By Rowan Light
The notion that “history is written by the winner” might seem clichéd but, as the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) crack-down…
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End Of Life | Referendum Short Cuts
“Do you support the End of Life Choice Act 2019 coming into force?” Every voter will be faced with this…
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Educational hubs or babysitters clubs
By Kieran Madden
The Alert Level 3 announcement that schools would be opened was met with a collective sigh of relief from some…
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FAQ #1 | What is the difference between euthanasia and assisted suicide?
By Danielle van Dalen
Assisted dying can take two forms: euthanasia or assisted suicide. Broadly, euthanasia describes the situation where the person who is…
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FAQ #2 | What is the current law?
By Danielle van Dalen
Currently, it is not a crime to commit suicide or attempt to commit suicide, but it is a crime to…
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FAQ #3 | If you don’t want to have assisted suicide, why not just allow the choice for others and don’t do it yourself?
By Danielle van Dalen
The principle of personal autonomy, or choice, is core to the functioning of a free society. Our laws that relate…
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FAQ #4 | Who would be eligible for euthanasia and assisted suicide under the Act?
By Danielle van Dalen
A person is eligible for euthanasia or assisted suicide under the End of Life Choice Act 2019 if: They are…
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FAQ #5 | Is it possible to create a clear, immovable boundary between who should be eligible for assisted death and who is not?
By Danielle van Dalen
The evidence suggests not. Our current laws protect all human life equally. No-one’s life is treated under law as more…
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FAQ #6 | Where is euthanasia and/or assisted suicide currently legal?
By Danielle van Dalen
Of a total 252 jurisdictions worldwide, only 18 allow some combination of euthanasia and assisted suicide, with two additional jurisdictions…
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FAQ #7 | In places where forms of assisted dying are already legal, how many people actually choose it?
By Danielle van Dalen
International experience shows us that after euthanasia and/or assisted suicide has become law the number of people who choose to…
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FAQ #8 | If we vote in favour of the End of Life Choice Act, is that going to be the end of the debate?
By Danielle van Dalen
It is unlikely that proponents of assisted suicide will be satisfied with the End of Life Choice Act. As the…
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FAQ #9 | Can the End of Life Choice Act overcome the risks?
By Danielle van Dalen
Our research has found that assisted dying legislation poses significant risks, and that no piece of legislation has been able…
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FAQ #10 | Who is vulnerable to the risks of euthanasia and assisted suicide legislation?
By Danielle van Dalen
People with disabilities, the elderly, the chronically ill, and people with mental illness like depression are all groups that are…
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FAQ #11 | How do we currently care for people at the end of their life?
By Danielle van Dalen
The legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide is often framed as the only compassionate response to people with terminal illnesses…
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FAQ #12 | Have jurisdictions that said no to assisted dying legislation responded with alternative approaches to caring well for people at the end of life?
By Danielle van Dalen
In 2015 Scotland investigated a bill on assisted suicide. In their report, the Health and Sport Committee recommended the Scottish…
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FAQ #13 | Why are we having a referendum?
By Danielle van Dalen
The End of Life Choice Act passed Third Reading in Parliament in November 2019 with 61 MPs in favour and…
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FAQ #14 | What doesn’t count as euthanasia or assisted suicide?
By Danielle van Dalen
Research shows that many people think that relatively normal medical decisions count as a form of euthanasia.[1] However, withdrawing treatment,…
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FAQ #15 | What do nurse and medical practitioners think of the End of Life Choice Act?
By Danielle van Dalen
Under the End of Life Choice Act, nurse and medical practitioners will be required to directly participate in the provision…
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FAQ #16 | What are the key arguments in favour of the End of Life Choice Act?
By Danielle van Dalen
There are two key arguments that are regularly discussed in favour of the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide: choice…
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Disruption – more than consensus – has been key to Anzac Day and its history
By Rowan Light
For the second year in a row, Anzac Day is essentially cancelled. In 2019, security concerns following the March 15…
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