#303: Rally to Support Bus Drivers Friday 10am

GLOBALPEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND
NEWSLETTER No.303, October 8, 2009

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BACK THE BUS DRIVERS! PROTEST RALLY OUTSIDE NZ BUS HEAD OFFICE 10AMFRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, (Corner of Halsey Street and Guant Street)
Auckland bus drivers employed by Infratil NZ Bus will be locked out at4am on Thursday 8th October 2009. The drivers are paid between $14.05 and$16.75 an hour and can be rostered for split shifts of up to 14 hours a daywith up to four hours unpaid. Two other Auckland bus companies have recentlysettled collective agreements that will give their drivers significantly moreincome than the best offer from NZ Bus. Despite months of negotiationsInfratil, a large multinational company, continues to refuse to pay bus driversa living wage. When the unions gave notice of a work to rule that would havehad minimum impact on passengers, Infratil responded by locking out the driversand stopping bus services as of Thursday.
Slideshow of photos from the Mt Roskill NZ Bus depot on the first morning ofbeing locked out. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ndu/sets/72157622414105485/show/

RAKON TRIAL
The trial for the Rakon Kills action during the Bombardment of Gaza begins onMonday, October 12 at the Manukau District Court. Tyler Culpepper will bedefending the charges of Unlawfully on a Building and Wilful Damage. The trialis scheduled for 3 days, all welcome. Picket outside Manukau District Court8:30am, Monday 12 October. Bring placards and banners. Vigil to remember thevictims of Rakon-guided bombs In front of the Rakon Manufacturing Facility CnrPacific Rise and Sylvia Park Rd 6pm, Wednesday 14 October Bring placards andbanners

"EXPLOSIVE EXPRESSION"- CREATIVE RESISTANCE TO THE STATE TERRORRAIDS OF OCTOBER ’07. "ART EXHIBITION AND AUCTION."
Art Auction 7pm, Saturday 17 October, Thistle Hall, Wellington – orbid online at http://www.October15thSolidarity.info/artauctionWe encourage you to check out the awesome art works. The ‘Operation 8’ raids onhouses in Te Urewera and around Aotearoa targeted indigenous rights,environmental, anti-war and union activists. 18 people still face politicallymotivated charges. Funds raised will support those affected by the raids. Ifyou are in Wellington, we invite you to share in a week of events commemoratingthe 2007 ‘terror’ raids:
Tuesday 13 Oct, 6pm: Exhibition Opening with Tame Iti atThistle Hall Gallery
Wednesday 14 Oct, 7.30pm: A celebration of musical resistancefeaturing the works of Urs Signer, composer, clarinetist and Operation 8defendant with others at the Adam Concert Rooms, Victoria UniversityWellington
Thursday 15 Oct, 7pm: Film Screening of ‘Tuhoe: a history ofresistance’ and short films about the October 15th raids at the New ZealandFilm Archive, 7pm
Friday 16 Oct, 6pm: Meet the artists and hear about theircreative resistance at Thistle Hall
Saturday 17 Oct, 12-4pm: Political screen-printing workshopfor youth at Aro Valley Community Hall sponsored by a Creative Communitiesgrant
Saturday 17 Oct, 7pm: AUCTION NIGHT with food, drinks, and allof these amazing works for sale
Sunday 18 October, 1-5pm: Documenting our communities workshopwith local filmmakers at Aro Valley Community Hall sponsored by a CreativeCommunities grant
Featuring: James Robinson | Ngahina Hohaia | Fiona Jack | Louise Menzies |Brett Graham | Shane Hammond | Manu Berry | Graham Jury | Tame Iti | ArloEdwards | Freeman White | Greg Curline | Kate Logan | Marama Mayrick | ChazDoherty | Sarah Watson | Rouge Merlot | Chris Schmelz | Rua Pick | JaredDavidson | Lilia Letsch | Mihihea Davies | Rayna Fahey | Roger Morris | KateVander Drift | Martin Sullivan | Bryce Galloway | Anna-Claire Hunter | KahuScott | Iris Tuiono | Vanessa Cameron-Lewis | Clare Havell | Terri TeTai |Isabelle Gauthier | Challen Wilson | Belle Murphy | Chanz Mikaere | HeleyniPratley | Gil Hanley | Tao Wells | Reuben Moss | Charlotte Graham | GrantMcDonagh | Mark Jerkovich
Youtube video for the up coming Explosive Expression Art Exhibition &Auction in support of the the people affected by the 2007 raids. Spread far andwide! regards, Francie, Explosive Expression, October 15th Solidarity.

TRADE WITH THE PACIFIC: THE CHALLENGE FOR PACER TRADE NEGOTIATIONS -SEMINARS IN WELLINGTON AND AUCKLAND
Wellington: Monday 12th October, 1pm – 5pm Centre forGlobal Action, Level 2, James Smith Building, Cnr Manners St & Cuba Mall
Auckland: Tuesday 13th October, 1pm – 5pm, Oxfamoffices, Level 1, 14 West St, Newton, Auckland
Trade is vitally important for the Pacific’s development and well-being. Butthe rules on trade need to be fair, promote sustainable development andcultural diversity, and help the Pacific to provide jobs and opportunities,especially for the growing numbers of youth. At the 2009 Pacific Island ForumLeaders’ Meeting, negotiations were officially launched for a new tradeagreement between the Pacific Islands and Australia and New Zealand, dubbed“PACER Plus”. These negotiations are hugely important for thePacific peoples and economies, as Australia and New Zealand are theregion’s largest trading partners and donors. The New Zealand Governmentis now calling for submissions on their approach to negotiations (closes 16November) so Oxfam NZ is holding meetings in Wellington and Auckland to discussthe issues with a view to more organisations and individuals responding to thegovernment’s call for submissions. These seminars will highlight some ofthe key issues and provide opportunity for wide-ranging discussion.
Outline: Barry Coates (Oxfam) will outline the currenteconomic challenges facing the Pacific, economic development opportunities andthe background of recent trade negotiations (World Trade Organisation, Pacificnegotiations with the EU, Pacific negotiations with Australia and NZ). NickBraxton (Oxfam) will talk about options for the Pacific and New Zealand in theforthcoming negotiations; the likely impacts of different types of economiccooperation agreements; and the government consultations. Jane Kelsey(University of Auckland) will discuss the social and economic implications forthe Pacific of including services (both commercial and government) in thenegotiations, as well as the legal and political aspects of the negotiations,including the issue of Fiji’s role in the talks.
There will then be a break for afternoon tea followed by further discussion ofthe issues with a view to participants engaging in the government submissionprocess. All are welcome to attend, and we hope that the seminar will engendersome lively discussions on this highly topical and important subject. If youare able to attend, please RSVP to nick@oxfam.org.nz so that we can gaugenumbers.
Speakers:
Professor Jane Kelsey is an activist academic committed to socio-legalscholarship which brings law into contact with politics, economics, socialjustice, colonialism and international relations. She has written a number ofbooks and many articles on neoliberalism and globalisation in Aotearoa NewZealand and internationally. Her most recent book Serving Whose Interests? ThePolitical Economy of Trade in Services Agreements combines a critical analysisof the legal text and context with case studies on how these agreements impactin the real world. Jane is a frequent media commentator, public speaker andparticipant in international forums on globalisation, structural adjustment andcolonisation.
Barry Coates is Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand, an affiliateof Oxfam International. Oxfam NZ’s work is focused on the Pacific,addressing issues of clean water and sanitation, sustainable livelihoods,conflict reduction and gender rights. These link with campaigns to promote fairtrade, ensure that trade negotiations benefit the poor, and build support foran ambitious and equitable global agreement on climate change. Barry is Chairof the Council for International Development, a Board member of the Fair TradeLabelling Australia and New Zealand, a founder of the Make Poverty Historycoalition in New Zealand and a Board member of the Global Campaign for ClimateAction.
Nick Braxton is Oxfam New Zealand’s advocacy and researchcoordinator on trade issues affecting the Pacific. Initially involved in thePacific’s negotiations with the European Union, Nick has undertakenresearch in areas as diverse as fisheries, services trade, rules of origin andalternative trading systems. He was most recently the lead author on Oxfam NewZealand’s latest paper “PACER Plus and its Alternatives”.
For background reading see: PACER Plus and its Alternatives:Which way for trade and development in the Pacific, available at http://www.oxfam.org.nz Speaking Truth to Power:Australian and New Zealand use of power politics to launch Pacific free tradenegotiations, available at http://www.pang.org.fj Ministry of Foreign Affairsand Trade: Call for Public Submissions on PACER Plus, available atwww.mfat.govt.nz

WHAT’S ON INAUCKLAND

October 7-8, Manurewa Marae, 81 Finlayson Ave, Manurewa,South Auckland
NA TA TATOU ROUROU – With Our Baskets the Children Will Prosper – Ahui to build activism to end child poverty in Aotearoa. For registrationdetails see the CPAG website at http://www.cpag.org.nz
Hui speakers: The following speakers/presenters have confirmed theirparticipation. Di Grennell, Family violenceprevention worker from Northland will talk about her experience of communitybased violence prevention programmes; Teuila Percival, Apaediatrician at Kidz First Children’s Hospital in South Auckland will discussthe health needs of poor children & the challenges we face in addressingthese; John Minto, Teacher and trade unionist will discussequity in education; Shirley Maihi, Manurewa Primary schoolprincipal will talk about her progress in building community around a Decile1school; Peter Sykes, Social worker from Mangere will discussthe role of community based social work in meeting the needs of poorcommunities & alienated youth; Paul Blair, Welfareadvocate from the Rotorua Peoples Advocacy Centre will discuss his communityactivism as a welfare and ACC advocate; Nikki Turner, Generalpractitioner, university senior lecturer & member of CPAG executive willdiscuss ways in which we can move toward community based health practice;Taz Harrison, Musician & television producer will talkabout the role of music in social activism; Susan St John,Associate Professor of Economics, University of Auckland & CPAG Executivemember will discuss welfare alternatives

Friday, October 9, 8.30pm, Academy Theatre, Lorne St,CBD
Pakiwis are proud to bring you: Khuda Kay Liye (In the name of God) – Afundraising event for the displaced people of Pakistan. Khuda Kay Liye is afilm about the difficult situation in which Pakistanis in particular and theMuslims in general are caught up in since 9/11. There is a war going on betweenthe fundamentalists and the liberal Muslims. This situation is creating a driftnot only between the Western world and the Muslims but also within the Muslimcommunity. (Source: http://www.inthenameofgod.com) All funds raised from the ticketproceeds will go to Pakistan Rising, a not for profit organization made of upmembers of civil society. Since the recent tensions of terrorism in SwatValley, Pakistan Rising has been closely working with the hundreds of displacedPakistanis. For more information on Pakistan Rising visit –http://www.pakistanrising.com.pk/index.html. You can also join Pakistan Risingon facebook. Come and watch a powerful film, and hear more from fantasticspeakers around the current and future projections of the situation inPakistan. Disclaimer: Pakiwis will not be selling tickets through Academy tosave costs. If you would like to purchase tickets please contact Naveed Hamidon 021 298 2343 or me 021 286 5426 . Tickets $15. We will not be sellingtickets on the day.

Saturday, October 10, 9am-4.30pm, Wesley Hall, St John’sCollege, St John’s Road, Meadowbank, Auckland.
Anglican Pacifist Fellowship Open Day/Seminar: Anzac Day – Where to fromHere? Dr George Davis, author of Ph.D thesis on ANZAC Day from Turkish, NewZealand and British perspectives: “Twentieth century Anzac Day meaningsseen through the lenses of landscape, memory and fidelity”; Dr AllanDavidson, Research Fellow, St John’s College: “Lest We Forget!– Memorialising War and Remembering Those who Opposed War”; DrChris Marshall, St John’s Associate Professor in Christian Studies,Religious Studies Programme, Victoria University of Wellington:“Religion, Violence and the Christian Theology of Reconciliation”..Charge: $20, including lunch. Students $10. Enquiries and Registration: ChrisBarfoot: ph. 09 575 6142, fax 09 575 4836 barfoots@xtra.co.nz 332 West Tamaki Road,Auckland 1072. Please register before Wednesday 7th October.

Saturday, October 10, 9.30am-3.15pm, Room 018, Clocktower Bldg No.105, 22 Princes St, The University of Auckland
Dialogues with Islam.This Continuing Education seminar will explore and discussmany aspects of Islamic religion and culture and the challenges to be faced.The diverse topics will include Islam’s relationship to the West, post SuhartoIndonesia, Muslim feminist issues, human rights and the role of "moderate"Muslims. There will be the opportunity for discussion and debate at the end ofthe morning and afternoon sessions. Presenters: Mohsen Al Attar, Zain Ali,Ghazala Anwar, Tim Behrend, Shahlaa al Tiay. Class no: 47967; Fee:$75/$25student/ unwaged. To enrol ph:0800 864 266 or visit our website: http://www.cce.auckland.ac.nz

Sunday, October 11, 2-4pm, Alberton House, Kerr-Taylor St, MtAlbert
High Pay EquiTea at Alberton. Please join us at Alberton House. We will hearfrom Hon Professor Margaret Wilson, DCNZM about the crucial importance of PayEquity and why we are talking about women’s issues…again! ScrumptiousHigh Tea and access to Alberton house and gardens included in the charge of $30waged and $20 unwaged. We look forward to seeing you all there! Please RSVP toArna Metcalfe on 027 672 8148 or at arnametcalfe@xnet.co.nz or PamNuttall at pam.nuttallMrs Kerr-Taylor was a leading Auckland suffragist, so her former house is afitting setting for a rally for Pay Equity and a renewal of activism on issuesaffecting women. Any proceeds will go to support present and future Labourwomen candidates for Parliament and local government

Monday, October 12, 8.30am, Manukau District Court
The trial for the Rakon Kills action during the Bombardment of Gaza begins onMonday, October 12 at the Manukau District Court. Tyler Culpepper will bedefending the charges of Unlawfully on a Building and Wilful Damage. The trialis scheduled for 3 days, all welcome.

Tuesday, October 13, 7.30pm, Pioneer Women’s and Ellen MelvilleHall, corner of High Street and Freyberg Place, central city.
Ms Rebiya Kadeer: "Why China Needs to Recognise the Rights of theUighur People". Come to hear this passionate advocate for the mainly Muslimpeople of East Turkistan/Xinjiang speak on the discrimination they face inChina’s western province. Ms Kadeer, the exiled president of the WorldUyghur Congress, was jailed for six years for speaking out against the humanrights violations in her homeland. The Chinese government calls her a‘terrorist’ and has leaned on several governments not to grant hera visa. Last month the Chinese Embassy unsuccessfully tried to stop MaoriTelevision showing the moving film of her life, The 10 Conditions of Love. Comeand judge for yourself. Meetings sponsored by Keith Locke MP: Ph. 04-470-6709,09-302-0167; or visit http://www.greens.org.nz

Tuesday, October 13, 1pm – 5pm, Oxfam offices, Level 1, 14West St, Newton, Auckland
"Trade With The Pacific – the challenge for PACER negotiations" Seminar detailsabove.

Tuesday,October 13, 6.30-9pm, Room 018, Clocktower Bldg 105, 22Princes St, The University of Auckland.
From Growth to Development: Alternative Measures of Success, Ross McDonald andRod Oram – How do we measure progress in our communities or nations? Doeseconomic growth equal success? This Continuing Education seminar will exploresome of the leading alternatives that are emerging globally and their potentialto guide us forward towards more secure, sustainable and happy modes ofcollective development. In addition this seminar will identify more relevantmeasures of growth that apply at a corporate level. Presenters: Ross McDonaldis an award-winning teacher at The University of Auckland Business School, histeaching focuses on ethical issues, and the relationship between businessfunctioning and social outcomes. His current research activities centre on therelationship between economic growth and well-being, particularly in thecontext of Bhutan, a Himalayan country that has declared Gross NationalHappiness (and not Gross National Product) to be its national development goal.Rod Oram has more than 30 years’ experience as an international financialjournalist. He has worked in Europe and North America for publications such asthe Financial Times of London. Class no: 48142; Fee: $35/ $15 student/unwaged.To enrol ph:0800 864 266 or visit our website: http://www.cce.auckland.ac.nz

Tuesday, October 13, 6-8pm, OGGB3, Level 0, Owen Glenn BusinessSchool, City Campus
Sustainability Awareness Launch – A seminar – Environmental sustainability isan issue that most people have heard about but vaguely, and as a result, chooseto condone it. Given the severity of its nature and consequences and theserious impacts on everyone on a global scale, we must take measures tomitigate its effects. In partnership with AIESEC, the largest studentorganization in the world, this seminar focuses on encouraging people to applythe knowledge they learn about this matter into a practical component of theirlives. Come join us in a 2 hour seminar followed by a networking event on the13th of October for a refreshing insight on environmental sustainability led byDr Lesley Stone and Dr Rachel Wolfgramm of the University of Auckland, and AlexCutler of PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
The seminar covers three key areas:
1) The general overview of sustainability and how we can integrated into oureveryday lifestyles. 2) Local and international initiatives to combat theissue. 3) How we as part of the next generation of leaders can integrate thenotion of sustainability into our future enterprises and lifestyle. This willbe concluded with a networking session with the speakers, with free food andrefreshments catered by Loft Organic Catering provided. This seminar is freeand all are welcomed.

Wednesday, October 14, 6pm, Rakon Manufacturing Facility Cnr PacificRise and Sylvia Park Rd
Vigil to remember the victims of Rakon-guided bombs In front of the RakonManufacturing Facility.Bring placards and banners

Thursday, October 15, 4.30pm, WA 220 (ground floor), AUT, A Block TeAmorangi Building, 55 Wellesley St East, Auckland City (parking not availableon campus)
The Restorative Justice Centre of Aotearoa New Zealand invites you toa public lecture by Professor Howard Zehr. Dr Howard Zehr is a Professor ofSociology and Restorative Justice at the Eastern Mennonite University’sCentre for Justice and Peace Building. Known internationally as an expert onvictims’ issues and on restorative justice, Dr Zehr will address thefailure of the western criminal justice system to meet victims’ needs forjustice. This lecture is a must-attend event for all those interested incriminal justice policy, alternative ways to address criminal offending,restorative practices in schools, or any area where harm needs to be addressed.RSVP: by Friday Oct 9 to gwen.ferguson@aut.ac.nz Refreshmentsto follow. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear a world leader onrestorative justice.

Saturday, October 17, 12 noon, Auckland Central Remand and Mt EdenPrisons, 1 Lauder Road, Mt Eden
Auckland Central Remand and Mt Eden Prisons Campaign Rally AgainstPrison Privatisation. WE NEED YOU THERE!!! Stop the Cell off is a campaignorganised by the Corrections Association of NZ – a union for staff who work inprisons. Organised by the Stop the Cell off Campaign http://www.stopthecelloff.co.nz/index.htm

Saturday, October 17, 3pm, Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, 775 NewNorth Road, Mt Albert, Auckland
AUCKLAND HUMAN RIGHTS NETWORK FORUM – IMPRISONMENT AND IMPUNITY IN SRI LANKAHUMAN RIGHTS IGNORED. There will be a panel of speakers, a film and discussion,and food stalls. For more information contact Joan Macdonald joanmac@pl.net ph 360 8001 or Nirupa George vyjp.info@gmail.com This function isbeing held for United Nations Day 24 October and supported by the Human RightsCommission

Saturday, October 24, 10am-4pm, Engineering Building, Room 1.439,University of Auckland
350-MINUTE FILM MARATHON – Featuring – The Greening of Southie; – Sisters onthe Planet; – Lessons from a Melting Icecap; – Home; – and more…. On the 350Day of Action, 350 minutes worth of inspiring, thoughtprovoking digital media,ranging from documentaries and films to short clips will be screened. The filmmarathon will be free and open to public, hoping to achieve the followinggoals:
• Increase awareness in public and community about climate change andsustainable living.
• Emphasise on grassroot participation on issues about climate change toshake/force the government/authority to take drastic actions in their roles incombating climate change. – leading up to the Copenhagen meeting in December inDenmark.
• Shake up/educate/inform the public with the consequences of climatechange towards the well-being of humanity and the earth. – current policies arenot working, more drastic ACTIONS need to be taken. – leading to COP15.
• Encourage NZ-ers to take action/ play their own part in sustainableliving and fight against climate change with short clips of people all aroundthe world taking action in their own ways.
• Provide a platform for concerned/newly-informed community tonetwork/discuss about ideas and issues regarding the well-being of theearth.
Refreshments will be provided throughout the screening period. To find outmore, go on to http://www.350.org/o24/action/5180

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUPPORT THE LOCKED OUT OCC WORKERS
This is what a lockout looks like: http://www.iuf.org/cgi-bin/dbman/db.cgi?db=default&uid=default&ID=6209&view_records=1&ww=1&en=1
Collections of money and or non perishable food items and food vouchers areneeded to enable the 36 workers to succeed in keeping Talley’s "low road" modelout of the dairy industry. -Monetary donations can be banked direct to"Solidarity Fund" Bank of New Zealand – #02 0320 0082084 026 – Supermarketvouchers (Countdown is the closest supermarket). Food iterms can also bedropped at the Hamilton Trade Union Centre 34 Harwood St. – The picket islocated outside the Open Country Cheese plant at Waharoa just north of Matamataon the main Auckland to Rotorua/Tauranga highway (27). Please contact MarkApiata Wade (021 939 634) prior to visiting to ensure timing of visit. OpenCountry Cheese Update http://www.nzdwu.org.nz/
IUF online campaign against Open Country is now live. Go to http://www.iuf.org/ To send a message to Open CountryCheese go to http://www.iuf.org/cgi-bin/campaigns/show_campaign.cgi?c=433

100,000 AUCKLANDERS AGAINST CHANGING FREE PARKING FROM 6PM TO10PM
Ok, The Auckland City Council is simply retarded. First they want toremove all the billboards in the City, now they’re going to make taxpayers payfor 4 more hours of parking. There are no other explanations except they havemarshmallows for brains. Join this group and make them realise how retardedthey are! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=134009343026Recent news: http://blogs.nzherald.co.nz/blog/your-views/2009/9/4/will-new-parking-charges-kill-cbd-night/?c_id=1501154

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE TELECOM WORKERS
How can I help? You can: – Call 0900 STAND TALL to make a $10 donationto the support fund.
– Make a donation at any BNZ branch or by online transfer to this account:02-0568-0177685-00, Reference: Telco
– Start fundraising on your site for more information call 0800 1 UNION.
– Email Telecom CEO Paul Reynolds (the $5 million dollar man) at paul.reynolds@telecom.co.nz totell him to get Visionstream to come to the table.
– Show your support by ringing talkback, talking to your friends and workmatesand writing letters to the editor about this dispute and what it means for Kiwiworkers. For more information you can visit the campaign site here http://www.epmu.org.nz/telecom

URGENT APPEAL TO NEW ZEALANDERS FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TOPHILIPPINE FLOOD VICTIMS
Last Saturday, 26 September, Typhoon Ondoy heavily flooded the Philippines. Todate, the death toll reached 100, others remain missing and tens of thousandswere left homeless. Many are crying out for drinking water, food and clothing.Migrante Aotearoa New Zealand and Migrante chapters around the world are nowappealing to compatriots and friends to gather financial donations for thevictims. Migrante International (Manila-based office) is also currentlyassisting Overseas Filipino Workers who have difficulties reaching theirfamilies in the Philippines. If you have friends who need assistance pleaseprovide us a list of relatives/friends you need to check. The victims need allthe help they can get in the face of inadequate government resources andpersonnel. For those who can send financial assistance, we encourage you todonate through the Migrant Action Trust (MAT). You can get 1/3 back of yourdonation as rebate since the MAT is a registered charity. Donate at ASB AccountNo. 12 -3077-0509589-00. We enjoin all Filipino organisations and communitiesas well as friends in New Zealand to support this cause. It will certainly takea long time for the homeless families especially those who lost loved ones torecover from this tragedy. Your generous support to ease their sufferings willbe greatly appreciated. Please notify us via migrante@xtra.co.nz when you havesent donation. Thank you very much. Dennis Maga, National Coordinator, MigranteAotearoa New Zealand

HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR SIS FILE If you think that the SISmight have, or had, a file on you, than all you need to do is to write to:Director, NZ Security Intelligence Service, Box 900, Wellington and ask. Theydon’t do e-mail. As you’re applying for personal information underthe Privacy Act, it is free. But be prepared for a very long wait for anyresponse

HAMMER THE POKIES: MORE HAMMERS NEEDED!
Thanks for the positive responses to the appeal for people to join thecampaign. We won’t be calling for action in the short term as we need to buildnumbers much higher. This campaign aims to enlist a minimum of 200 hammers(with people attached!) and take civil disobedience action to drive pokiemachines out of our neighbourhood communities. 80% of the cases of gamblingaddiction relate to pokie machines in the community (aside from casinos) Theseare parasites on poverty and predominate in low-income areas of the country.They have to go. If you are prepared to join a crowd (min 200) and take civildisobedience action against pokie machines then please email John Minto jbminto@xtra.co.nz or Phone 8463173.

INVITATION TO JOIN MARCH ON GAZA, JA/1/2010. GAZA SHALL NOTDIE
Imagine hundreds of thousands of peaceful international and Palestinianmarchers, led by Noam Chomsky, Ralph Nader, Diana Buttu, Norman Finkelstein,Noami Klein, Arun Gandhi, George Galloway, and other prominent opponents of thesiege. Imagine them, approaching the Erez crossing under the eyes of theinternational media, breaking the siege for once and for all. This is the GazaFreedom March! The Gaza Freedom March Campaign plans to take thousands ofinternational marchers to Gaza on Jan. 1, 2010, and challenge once and for allthe Israeli blockade at the Erez crossing. Go with them, or support someoneelse who’s willing to go. Events to raise money to help enable people to go onthe March in Gaza are planned throughout the Fall. This group has many sistergroups, to enable each group to have a local focus for organizing, and to avoidexceeding Facebook’s limit of 5000 for messaging group members. Please join the appropriate campaign group which is best targeted to your locale. All FB groups will be updated with the latest information. Please invite all your friends to this or the appropriate other FaceBook group. This Campaign needs the support of hundreds of thousands around the world! intmorb

CALLING ALL NEW ZEALANDERS: JOIN THE NEXT SOLIDARITY BRIGADE TO VENEZUELA! DECEMBER 1-9, 2009
Organised by the Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network. Venezuela’s Bolivarian revolution led by President Hugo Chavez is shaking up global politics and inspiring millions of ordinary people with the evidence that a better – a peaceful, democratic and socially just – world is possible. The Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network-organised brigades to Venezuela are a unique opportunity to see an unfolding revolution first-hand. The AVSN warmly welcomes the participation of New Zealanders on the brigades. Participants in the December 1-9, 2009, brigade will visit worker-controlled factories and cooperatives, free public education and health programs, and community media outlets. They will observe “popular power” at work in communal councils, and speak to a range of grassroots organisations, unions and government representatives about the radical changes being implemented by the Venezuelan people. Brigade organisation and costs: The deadline for registering for the December 2009 brigade to Venezuela is October 31, 2009. Participants will need to book their own international airfares, but the brigade organisers can help with advice. Accommodation, transport and English translation within Venezuela will be organised for brigade participants. You will need to budget for a total cost of approximately $4000. This includes: international return airfare and taxes; accommodation (twin-share basis); transport and food in Venezuela; and the brigade registration fee ($500 for workers, $300 for full-time students or pensioners). Reports and photos from previous AVSN brigades are posted at brigades

27TH SOUTHERN CROSS BRIGADE TO CUBA
"A better world is possible": The Cuban people have proven that there is another way. ICAP (the Cuban Institute for Friendship between Peoples) provides, through its Brigades, the opportunity for people from all over the world to experience and participate in the Cuban revolution.
What does the Brigade entail? Join the Southern Cross work/study tour and support Cuba in the most direct manner by working (picking fruit or pruning fruit trees, etc) and then visiting schools, hospitals, urban agriculture projects, etc You will experience at first hand the cultural, political and social conditions in revolutionary Cuba. This year we will be having a closer look at Cuba’s innovative approaches to the environment and climate change. Children are welcome on this tour as are older participants. Our Cuban hosts take great care of visitors of all ages. The main features of the Brigade include: * Talks on various aspects of conditions in Cuba given by prominent Cuban speakers; * Working with Cubans; * Visits to places of interest (eg schools, hospitals, factories); * Opportunities to explore Havana independently; * Visits to provincial centres;* Homestays and visit to Las Tunas Province. Unbeatable value – $1000. (Includes: All meals, accommodation, excursions and transportation in Cuba during program). Not included: – Air travel to Cuba – get in early to book your flights! (Check out Aerolineas for cheap flights. There are now also weekly flights with Continental from Los Angeles to Havana.) – Compulsory travel insurance. – Any additional nights stay in Cuba prior to commencement of the Brigade or following the conclusion of the program (prior to the flight home). Inexpensive accommodation is available – opportunity for independent tourism. Contacts: NZ Paul Maunder (03) 732 4010 email wkcultur; Ina Lawrence (09) 303 1755 email inashina Australia Robert Cooper – National Coordinator of the 27th Southern Cross Brigade – 0408 624 629, email robert or write to PO Box 6139 Kingston ACT 2604.

WAIHOPAI SPYBASE PROTEST JANUARY 22-24, 2010
The Waihopai spybase was dragged into the public spotlight in April 2008 when three Ploughshares peace activists penetrated its high security and deflated one of the two domes concealing its satellite dishes from the NZ public. The Anti-Bases Campaign was happy to support this non-violent direct action anti-war activity (which is yet to come to trial). The public face of New Zealand’s role as an American ally is the NZ military presence in Afghanistan. But New Zealand’s most significant contribution to that, and other American wars, including the one in Iraq, is the Waihopai electronic intelligence gathering base, located in the Waihopai Valley, near Blenheim. It is controlled by the US, with New Zealand (including Parliament and the Prime Minister) having little or no idea what goes on there, let alone any control. Join us for the weekend of anti-war protest at this spybase. Come prepared for roughing it and camping out. We provide the food (we cater for vegetarians but vegans will have to bring their own). Bring sleeping bag, groundsheet, a tent, torch, water bottle, eating utensils, clothing for all weather, and $40 (or $20 unwaged) to cover costs. No open fires. How to find our camp at Whites Bay: turn off SH1 at Tuamarina (9km north of Blenheim or 20 km south of Picton) and drive to Rarangi on the coast. Follow the steep Port Underwood Road over the hilltop before descending to the Whites Bay turnoff. There is a DoC public camp at the bay with basic facilities. ABC has to pay a fixed charge per head.
This will be the first Waihopai spybase protest since the Domebusters’ courageous 2008 citizens’ deflation action. Waihopai does not operate in the interests of New Zealanders or our neighbours. Basically it is a foreign spybase on NZ soil and directly involves us in America’s wars. Waihopai must be closed. Register to take part in the protest ($40 waged / $20 unwaged). Writre to: CLOSE THE WAIHOPAI SPYBASE NOW! Organised by the Anti-Bases Campaign, P.O. Box 2258, Christchurch. E-mail cafca http://www.converge.org.nz/abc Make all cheques to ABC

NOMINATIONS FOR 2009 ROGER AWARD
Nominations are now open for the 2009 Roger Award for the Worst Transnational Corporation Operating in Aotearoa/New Zealand, which is organised the Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa and GATT Watchdog. You can download the nomination form (in either Word or PDF) from cafca

JOIN ANTI-BASES CAMPAIGN IN SOLIDARITY WITH WAIHOPAI DOMEBUSTERS TRIAL STARTS MONDAY MARCH 8, WELLINGTON DISTRICT COURT

Monday March 8, 2010 has been set as the opening day for the Wellington District Court jury trial of the Waihopai Domebusters – Sam Land, Adrian Leason and Peter Murnane, the Ploughshares activists who deflated one of the domes at the Waihopai spybase in April 2008. The trial has been set down for a week (and may last several days longer). Anti-Bases Campaign urges all our members and supporters, and everyone who believes that the Waihopai spybase should be closed, to come to Wellington to show active solidarity with the Domebusters. It was a Ploughshares action, not an ABC one and we were as surprised by it as the rest of the country, but it was an action that we fully endorse, the perfect example of non-violent direct action. At this stage we haven’t worked out the details of what we are going to do in Wellington, but we want to get the word out now, and we will release details as they come to hand. Activities will, hopefully, include:
•Being spectators at the actual trial, being there in court to support the three of them
•Holding a picket outside the Wellington District Court for at least part of the trial
•Holding a protest action at the nearby HQ of the NZ Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), the top secret agency which runs Waihopai
•Holding a public meeting in central Wellington one night of the trial to discuss Waihopai and related issues
These are just some of the ideas that we already have. There are others – we would like to have our excellent Waihopai spybase display in Wellington during the trial, if a venue can be arranged. And there are other worthytargets for pickets, such as the US Embassy. We need help from Wellingtonians.ABC is a Christchurch group and it is difficult to organise a range ofactivities like this from long distance. There are a number of things that canbest be done by locals. And we urge people from all around the country to joinus in Wellington from Monday March 8 to show active solidarity with theDomebusters. What these brave guys did had not only national, butinternational, significance. This trial could, quite literally, be a once in alifetime event. You will have to arrange and finance your own travel andaccommodation. Bring appropriate placards and banners. The trial is, of course,on weekdays and during work hours. And it’s worth noting that courthearings can be subject to delays at short notice. But we are proceeding on thebasis that the trial has been set to start on Monday March 8.
SEE YOU IN WELLINGTON MARCH 8, Murray Horton, Anti-Bases Campaign, Box 2258,Christchurch, New Zealand. cafca@chch.planet.org.nz http://www.converge.org.nz/abc

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

“Capital is dead labor, which, vampire-like, lives only by suckingliving labor, and lives the more, the more labor it sucks.” Karl Marx

BEST ONTHE WEB

NEW ZEALAND

Infratil/NZ Bus Rakes In Subsidies But Locks Out Auckland Commuters http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/infratilnz-bus-rakes-subsidies-locks-out-auckland-commuters/5/26434

University Trespasses Political Dissent http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0909/S00084.htm

Iti to open ‘terror raid’ exhibition http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/arts/2928546/Iti-to-open-terror-raid-exhibition

GPJA statement: Attacks on Abahlali baseMjondolo (Shackdwellers) a reminderof apartheid South Africa in the 1980s http://abahlali.org/node/5825

John Minto: Sue Bradford a big loss http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0910/S00017.htm

National’s First Step Towards Privatising ACC Case Management See thefull article at http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/politics/2938106/ACC-moves-to-cut-2b-off-claims

Former colleague on Taito Phillip Field (4:53) http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/breakfast-wednesday-october-7-3050717/video

Breakfast spoke to Zane Fulljames of NZ Bus and Karl Anderson of theNational Distribution Union about the lockout of around 900 bus drivers in theAuckland region from Thursday morning and what it will mean for commuters. http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/breakfast-wednesday-october-7-3050717/video?vid=3050819

Stock-Take’ To Be Followed By Fire Sale? Government papers obtained bythe Green Party show that the Government is considering allowing oilexploration in Fiordland National Park, as well as mining for gold, coal andother minerals in Kahurangi and Paparoa National Parks as part of its‘stock-take’ of our highest quality conservation lands for mining.http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0910/S00044.htm

Scoop Images: World March For Peace Begins In Wellington The World March forPeace and Nonviolence starts off their 3 month long voyage to promote peace inall realms of life, protest the use of nuclear arms, and spread a message ofuniversal acceptance and love today, October 2nd, the anniversary of the birthof Mahatma Ghandi. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0910/S00030.htm

ECONOMIC CRISIS

We’ve Given Trillions to the Super Rich — There Are Many Better Uses forYour Money http://www.alternet.org/module/printversion/143074

Wall Street Lies Blame Victims to Avoid Responsibility for FinancialMeltdown By Nomi Prins, Wiley Press – To hear it from the big financialcompanies, the big crash started when poor people bought homes they couldn’tafford. But that was at most 1% of the problem. http://www.alternet.org/workplace/142944/wall_street_lies_blame_victims_to_avoid_responsibility_for_financial_meltdown/

What Recession? As the Economy Crashed Around Them, 400 Richest AmericansLined Their Pockets with $30 Billion http://www.alternet.org/story/143028/what_recession_as_the_economy_crashed_around_them%2C_400_richest_americans_lined_their_pockets_with_%2430_billion_

WHAT IS GOOD FOR GOLDMAN SACHS IS GOOD FOR AMERICA – THE ORIGINS OF THECURRENT CRISIS Robert Brenner Center for Social Theory and Comparative HistoryUCLA http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/issr/cstch/papers/BrennerCrisisTodayOctober2009.pdf

REVIEWS

Greenwald Film on Afghanistan Destroys the Logic of the War, Leading the NewYork Times to Whine http://www.alternet.org/blogs/world/143098/greenwald_film_on_afghanistan_destroys_the_logic_of_the_war%2C_leading_the_new_york_times_to_whine
To watch the film, go to Brave New Film’s Rethink Afghanistan website. http://rethinkafghanistan.com/

FOOD, FARMING AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Arctic Seas Turn To Acid – Carbon-dioxide emissions are turning the watersof the Arctic Ocean into acid at an unprecedented rate, scientists havediscovered. Research carried out in the archipelago of Svalbard has shown inmany regions around the north pole seawater is likely to reach corrosive levelswithin 10 years. The water will then start to dissolve the shells of musselsand other shellfish and cause major disruption to the food chain. By the end ofthe century, the entire Arctic Ocean will be corrosively acidic http://www.countercurrents.org/mckie051009.htm

Food Supply Hangs In The Balance – The current devastating drought in EastAfrica, where millions of people are on the brink of starvation, is a window onour future, suggests a new study looking at the impacts of climate change http://www.countercurrents.org/leahy051009.htm

The Population Myth By George Monbiot. – People who claim that populationgrowth is the big environmental issue are shifting the blame from the rich tothe poor. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article23624.htm

DOWNLOADABLE BOOKS ON THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Durban group for climate Justice -New Book Exposes Scandal of Carbon Trading(downloadable) “Bad for the South, bad for the North, and bad for theclimate” http://www.carbontradewatch.org/durban/

Carbon Trading – A Critical Conversation on Climate Change,Privatisation andPower -Larry Lohmann – According to the World Bank, the market in carbondioxide will soon be worth billions. If the words carbon trading make yourbrain go numb, this is for you. Lohmann adopts, quite literally, the form of aconversation, a dialogue with the reader, interspersed with case studies andimages. In so doing he vividly reveals the world of international politics, NGOco-option, carbon colonialism and inspired grassroots movements. Shockingstories from India to Guatemala show how pollution, land-grabbing and humanrights abuses are being perpetrated in the name of carbon trading to save theworld. To download the full book in PDF format http://www.dhf.uu.se/pdffiler/DD2006_48_carbon_trading/carbon_trading_web.pdf

and … articles from the author Larry Lohmann are here – [including lots ofrecent ones about derivitives
/ bubbles / finacial crisis and carbon marketsetc] http://www.thecornerhouse.org.uk/subject/climate/

AFGHANISTAN

A War of Absurdity By Robert Scheer – Every once in a while, a statisticjust jumps out at you in a way that makes everything else you hear on a subjectseem beside the point, if not downright absurd. That was my reaction to therecent statement of the president’s national security adviser, former MarineGen. James Jones, concerning the size of the terrorist threat from Afghanistan:http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article23663.htm

BOLIVIA

Evo Morales at the UN: The cause of the crisis is capitalism http://boliviarising.blogspot.com/2009/10/evo-morales-at-un-cause-of-crisis-is.html

EGYPT

Egyptian Labor Erupting http://www.solidarity-us.org/node/2365

GUATEMALA

Photo essay: Guatemalan Indigenous communities resist violent eviction byCanadian mining company http://links.org.au/node/1279

HONDURAS

Interview with Juan Barahona, leader of the National Resistance FrontAgainst the Coup http://links.org.au/node/1286

PACIFIC

AUT’s Pacific Media Centre news and current affairs website Pacific Scoophas been covering the Samoan and Tongan tsunami disaster for the past five dayswith our postgrad students and reporters around the Pacific region. More than120 news items have been carried by the website on the tragedy. Plusinformation on how you can help. Check it out. http://www.pacific.scoop.co.nz

Fiji: Paradise Lost – Amnesty International report: http://www.amnesty.org.nz/files/ai-fiji-report-FINAL-sept09.pdf

SOUTH AFRICA

The ANC has invaded Kennedy Road’ shack settlement http://links.org.au/node/1281

THAILAND

When King Pumipon dies …http://links.org.au/node/1272

USA

How an Innocent Man Was Tortured Into Making False Confessions By AndyWorthington, CounterPunch – Like torture victims groomed for show trialsthroughout the centuries, Fouad al-Rabiah made up false stories under torturein the hopes of one day leaving Guantanamo. http://www.alternet.org/story/143072/how_an_innocent_man_was_tortured_into_making_false_confessions

The Recession’s Racial Divide – African Americans are taking on the brunt ofthe recession with disproportionately high rates of unemployment andforeclosure. http://www.ips-dc.org/articles/the_recessions_racial_divide

VENEZUELA

Venezuela plans deeper popular democracy to address economic crisis http://links.org.au/node/1283

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