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Insight for Sunday 22 November 2009

  • Peace for the Holy Land?

    10:06 AM.The cradle that nurtured three major religions is all to often the crucible that foments hatred and conflict. Chris speaks with two sides in the complex argument that is Israel and Palestine. Former… Read more Audio

  • Insight, Sunday 22 November: Wet House

    8:12 AM.Teresa Cowie looks at the controversy surrounding the attempt to set up the first wet house for homeless alcoholics Audio

A resident tends the garden at a wet hostel in London

Plans for the country's first shelter where homeless alcoholics can drink openly have been shelved amid community pressure on its funders.

The wet house concept is well established in other countries and ensures those with chronic alcohol dependence aren't left out in the cold.

Supporters say wet houses are also a cost saving step for the whole community.

But residents near the proposed hostel site, in the beach-side suburb of Island Bay in Wellington, expressed fears about the impact of having a house in their communtiy that could be full of drunk men.

And for now, at least, they seem to have won

Radio New Zealand's Social Issues reporter, Teresa Cowie looks at the background of the proposal and asks what is likely to happen next.

Picture: A resident tends the garden at an established wethostel in London