Nzone Focus: 31 July 2010

On the programme this week, there's been cross-cultural support in this country, for the release of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, we talk to one of the guest speakers for next week's 'Forum on the Family', Tuhoe Isaac, and we meet the new Bishop of Polynesia, Dr Winston Halapua.

New Polynesian Anglican Bishop - Listen to the audio below!
This weekend the Fiji Islands are hosting one of the most important Christian events to take place in the South Pacific over the last decade. In Suva’s Anglical Cathedral, the Rt Rev. Dr Winston Halapua will be installed as the new Bishop of Polynesia. Dr Halapua, who was born in Tonga, and is the son of the first Polynesian Anglican Bishop, now assumes responsibility for the Anglican Church in Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji, as well as for Polynesian congregations in New Zealand. He’ll also become an Archbishop - one of the three leaders of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. Allan Lee has more.

The Price Israel will pay for Gilad Shalit - Listen to the audio below!
During his interview on this programme last week, Israel's new ambassador to New Zealand, Shimi Zur, expressed his concern about the plight of kidnapped Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit. It's now over four years since Gilad was captured during an incursion into Israel by Hamas, and to mark this year's anniversary here in this country, both New Zealanders and Israelis gathered to voice their support for his release. Anne Anderson has the story.

Tuhoe Isaac - Gang Leader to Christianity - Listen to the audio below!
It's been nearly three years since we first met Tuhoe Isaac - after he published a book called 'True Red' , which told the story of his childhood, his life as a gang leader and then his turn to Christianity. He's one of the guest speakers at a pro-family conference being held here in Auckland next week - and Allen Lee asked him back, to update us on his life after 'True Red'.