HUMANE TEACHING IN SCHOOLS
SAFE education officer Nichola Kriek recently spoke at the South Pacific Humane Education Conference in Auckland. The conference, co-organised by WSPA and the RNZSPCA, was attended by representatives and delegates from animal welfare and rights organisations from throughout the South Pacific. More ...

SAFE LAUNCHES WORLD-CLASS RESOURCE
SAFE officially launched the second booklet in the Animals & Us series Animal Rights, Human Values, Social Action last week in Auckland. Guest speaker internationally acclaimed author Jeffrey Masson exclaimed the resource was a “world first” and was encouraged to hear schools were keen to engage in learning about animal rights. More ...

AUCKLAND CITY BANS RODEOS
SAFE has applauded the Auckland City Council for their landmark decision to ban rodeos from council-owned land within Auckland. SAFE campaign officer Eliot Pryor presented evidence of injuries suffered by animals performing in New Zealand rodeos. More ...

PROTESTS TO FREE JUMBO CONTINUE
Demonstrations against the touring Loritz Circus for its abuse of circus animals continue. Loritz Circus will be at the Tauranga Racecourse for the next three weeks and then Matamata (23-27 July). Those wishing to help with a protest or leafleting please email sacha@safe.org.nz. More ...

STREET PARTY A SIZZLE SELLOUT!
A SAFE vegetarian sausage sizzle held at the recent Lyttelton Street Party was so popular the SAFE team reported they sold out in 2 hours! Everyone who bought a sausage also received information about the costs of eating meat and many people came back for seconds (or thirds) after discovering how tasty they were. More ...

MEET HAMILTON SAFE
Local supporters in Hamilton are invited to a ’meet and greet’ on Tuesday, 20th of July. If you’re keen to become involved with local activities to advocate for animals on behalf of SAFE, this is for you! Email hamilton@safe.org.nz for details.

CHRISTCHURCH FILM NIGHT
The Chicago Tribune described it as “a gritty, shocking look at how man can turn all too easily on his proverbial best friend.” Dealing Dogs is an excellent feature-length documentary about an undercover operation in America aimed at a dog-breeding facility. More ...

WELLINGTON SAFE BENEFIT GIG
The San Francisco Bathhouse is hosting the second Polar Fleece Day - The Return of the Fleece this Saturday. Hosted by Radio Actives DJ Redbird, the gig will feature performances from Cassette, Vorn and Tommy Ill from 8pm. Tickets $5 at the door. Proceeds to SAFE. Prizes for the best polar fleece costume!

CHRISTCHURCH COLLECTIONS
Can you help collect for SAFE for a few hours? SAFE has organised collections outside The Warehouse stores in July to raise money for the LovePigs campaign. Upcoming collections are: Saturday 12th July (Papanui), and Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July (Riccarton). If you can help please email sacha@safe.org.nz.

BATTERY HENS RAIDED AND CLOSED
Two Auckland poultry farms were closed after police, MAF and food safety officials raided the farms last month. Officials found up to five birds crammed into each cage, all of which measured a mere 40 centimetres high and wide. Dead hens were also found alongside emaciated live birds intended for human consumption. More than 5600 birds had to be destroyed and another 5000 relocated. More ...

SNEAK PEAKS AT THE SAFE SHOP
Say Sheese! Now there’s no need to miss out on grated mozzarella on pizza, cheddar sammies or cream cheese bagels anymore. Sheese and Creamy Sheese are delicious and healthy alternatives to dairy cheese and cream cheese. They are dairy-, egg-, lactose-, gluten- and hydrogenated fat-free. More ...

SPECIAL ANNUAL MEETING - 29TH JULY, AUCKLAND
SAFE has lodged an application with the Charities Commission. Some changes to the rules were required for the application. At a Special General Meeting in Auckland 24 June, it was agreed to amend the rules to meet these requirements. A copy of the rules and the amendment are available on the commissions website but can also be emailed on request by emailing SAFE’s lawyer at: gretel@fairbrother.net.nz. Unfortunately there is one further change that needs to be made. More ...

Delight your senses and indulge! SAFE has put together a gorgeous prize that’s sure to keep you smelling sweet. This luxurious package worth $70 contains 5 Blue Earth soaps and an organic cotton towel set courtesy of Fernbird Organic & Eco Living Store. Blue Earth soaps are handmade using traditional methods. The soaps contain high-quality plant oils that moisturise and soften the skin. Blue Earth uses completely natural ingredients. Fernbird Organic & Eco Living Store is a passionate company that works in harmony with the environment. Fernbird offers its customers a guilt-free shopping experience — you know you are buying products that have been designed with people and the planet in mind. Enter now! Congratulations to Kylie Hickey of Palmerston North and Kimberley Macdonald of Christchurch for each winning an exciting gift hamper.

VEGAN BERRY DONUT CUPCAKES

1 1/2 cups plain flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup soymilk
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp cornflour
1/3 cup canola oil
3/4 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup berry jam
2 tbsp icing sugar

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a cupcake tin with paper cases. In a large mixing bowl sift together plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and salt. Create a well in the centre of the flour mixture. Combine the soymilk, vinegar and cornflour and stir until smooth, then add to the flour mixture. Add the oil, sugar and vanilla and mix well.

Fill the cases three-quarters full with batter. Place a heaped spoonful of jam into the centre of each cupcake, being careful not to overfill. The jam will sink into the bottom of the cupcake during baking. Bake cupcakes for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack, and then allow to set uncovered overnight in a cool and dry place. This will make the tops slightly crispy, like a donut crust. Using a sifter, sprinkle with icing sugar and serve with coffee. Presto!