GPJA #384: Thurs 11am – Protest Tony Blair’s war crimes

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 384, July 26, 2011

PROTEST THE WAR CRIMINAL TONY BLAIR – THURSDAY, JULY 28, 11AM, EDEN PARK WALTERS AVE ENTRY, AUCKLAND

Protest the war criminal Tony Blair – "An audience with Tony Blair" has been organised as a fundraiser for Blair ($495 each or $1500 for a single VIP ticket – includes an individual photograph with Blair) and the corporate sector are getting in behind. Blair was a willing participant in the lies and deceit which accompanied the decision to invade Iraq 8 years ago. The protest will highlight this infamous role by a notorious war criminal who with George Bush is responsible for untold misery inflicted on the people of Iraq and the Middle East. Mr Blair is predicted to pocket more than $1 million from the five-date July tour covering New Zealand and Australia. A statement said Mr Blair was to speak on the future global outlook, paying particular attention to the Middle East, emerging markets and global economy. Since leaving office in 2007, Mr Blair had amassed a personal fortune estimated at $60.9 million, helped by the lecture circuit and lucrative consultancies. See:
Arrest Tony Blair, collect $4500 http://www.3news.co.nz/Arrest-Tony-Blair-collect-4500/tabid/419/articleID/219965/Default.aspx
Tony Blair Watch http://www.stopwar.org.uk/index.php/tony-blair-watch
A slave to greed: Oil, the great god money and what unites Iraq invasion, BP and Blair to handing terrorist back to Libya By Johann Hari http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1297274/Oil-money-unites-Iraq-invasion-BP-Blair-terrorist-trading-Libya.html
GPJA Organises Protect Action Against Tony Blair Visit http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1107/S00144/gpja-organises-protect-action-against-tony-blair-visit.htm
Tony Blair War Criminal http://www.tonyblairwarcriminal.com/
Tony Blair is a War Criminal. Blair is back: time for his "journey" to end in jail http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=22895
Tony Blair Must Be Prosecuted by John Pilger http://www.johnpilger.com/articles/tony-blair-must-be-prosecuted

SUPPORT SYRIA’S PROTESTERS
In Syria, since March 2011, 2,000 peaceful demonstrators have been killed, 6,000 injured, 8,000 are missing and 20,000 imprisoned. Support the freedom protestors of Syria. March: Saturday 30 July 2011 @ 2pm, Assemble bottom of Queen Street, central Auckland. Organised by Syrian Solidarity New Zealand email: syrian.solidarity website: ,

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

PALESTINE SOLIDARITY 27TH JULY – 13TH AUGUST – WELLINGTON
THURSDAY JULY 28th: Screening: OCCUPATION 101. A documentary film depicting life in Occupied Palestine under Israeli military rule which dispels many of the long-perceived myths and misconceptions surrounding the Occupation. http://www.occupation101.com/ 5:00pm, SU218, Student Union Building, VUW Kelburn Campus
FRIDAY JULY 29th: Student Rep Council, with guest speaker JOHN MINTO (Global Peace and Justice Auckland): motion to affiliate with Birzeit University’s Right to Education campaign as a public show of solidarity and support to all Palestinian students and teachers struggling to live, work and study under Israeli occupation. (http://right2edu.birzeit.edu/) We need 50 people present for quorum so come along and invite invite invite! 2:00-3:00pm, Memorial Theatre Foyer, Student Union Building, VUW Kelburn Campus. (Separate FB event here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=231042753585746)
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 3rd: Speaker Panel with Dr Nigel Parsons, Senior Lecturer, Massey University ‘Occupation and Resistance’; Spokesperson from Kia Ora Gaza on the latest attempt to break the siege on Gaza; Testimonies from the Occupied Territories. 6:00-8:00pm, Memorial Theatre Foyer, Student Union Building, VUW Kelburn Campus.
SATURDAY AUGUST 13th: Palestine Solidarity Gig, featuring a variety of local music and poetry acts including Tommy and the Fallen Horses and the Shadow Blasters. Hosted in conjunction with Concerned Citizens collective. 13 Garrett St, Te Aro. Link to Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=116293718466432

ENCOURAGE THE MINISTER OF LABOUR TO SUPPORT THE EQUAL PAY AMENDMENT BILL
Equal Pay e-card available on the Green’s website. You can send a card to the Minister of Labour here: http://www.greens.org.nz/ecards/support-equal-pay The text reads: “Dear Kate Wilkinson, Minister of Labour, Our equal pay law needs updating. Men and women doing the same job should be paid the same. But that isn’t always the case. Giving us the legal right to get better information about pay rates in our workplace means we will be able to find out if there is an equal pay problem or not. It’s a small but important change that makes our current law work better. Please support the Equal Pay Amendment Bill.”

29 -31 JULY, NATIONAL HUI FOR ACTION AGAINST FOSSIL FUEL EXTRACTION, AUCKLAND
You are invited to attend the "National Hui for Action Against Fossil Fuel Extraction". The event is being facilitated by Greenpeace Aotearoa/New Zealand, and will bring together community groups, individuals, Iwi and NGO representatives to strategise and galvanise our diverse opposition to fossil fuel extraction in Aotearoa. "With the prospect of deep sea oil rigs dotted around the country and onshore fracking, drilling, open pit lignite and the old spectre of mining on conservation estate raising its head again there is an urgent need for coordinated nationwide action to ensure our priceless lands, seas, reputation and climate are not further degraded by short sighted government policy." Event Details: Location: Nga Whare Watea Marae in Mangere Auckland, Date: Weekend of 29-31 July 2011. You’re invited to eat and stay at the marae. Attendance is by koha. If you or your group are traveling a long distance and require financial assistance for travel costs incurred in attending the hui, some help may be available on request. As the objective of the hui is to bring together a diverse range of opponents to fossil fuel extraction, please forward this invitation to any group or individual you believe may be interested in attending. Follow the link below to register your attendence: https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG1hdnV6SGVvdTc2TWlXcTZiRzZPVnc6MQ

WORKSHOPS TO BUILD AND STRENGTHEN WORKING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN UNIONS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS
Auckland: Friday 26th of August – PSA Training Room, Trades Hall, 149 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn
Hamilton: Monday 29th of August – Anglican Action Conference RoomTe Ara Hou, 100 Morrinsville Rd
Dunedin: Thursday 1st of September, NZNO office, 10th Floor, John Wickliffe House, 265 Princes St
Wellington: Monday 5th of September – NZNO National office, Level 3, Willbank House, 57 Willis Street
Unions and community groups often have mutual interests.. Increasing levels of poverty, inequality and decreasing access to services are all issues we need to combine forces on. We often support each other on these issues. Imagine how much more impact we could have if we could further strengthen the ties between us. That’s why the Kotare Trust is organising these workshops – as a space for building strong, ongoing relationships between unions and community groups working for social change – and to look at how we can campaign alongside one another for mutual benefit. The workshops will include discussing our different ways of working; campaign goals, objectives, strategy and tactics; and shared courses of action in the lead-up to the election and beyond.
Cost: We are offering this workshop at the lowest possible cost. The fee is $185 per union attendee and $85 per community organisation attendee. In effect, union colleagues will be subsidising $50 per place for community organisations. If the fee is a real barrier to attending, please contact us and we will see whether we can further subsidise your place.
Registration: Please register as soon as possible and no later than Friday the 19th of August. Spaces are limited so get in quick!
Facilitation team: Tanya Newman (Kotare) and Liz Robinson (Kotare and NZNO)
Kotare’s vision is of a future with economic, social and environmental justice in Aotearoa based on Te tiriti o Waitangi. With that vision in mind, our purpose is to support community action for a more just world through participatory education and research. – education or 09 5517765.

“MIDNIGHT IN MOSCOW” – NEW BOOK OF PLAY BY DEAN PARKER
Midnight in Moscow had the shortest main-venue run of any play in New Zealand. On its second night the curtain came down, followed next afternoon by the ceiling. This was the play that had just opened at the Court Theatre in Christchurch when the great earthquake of February 22 hit, killing 185 people. Here is the full text, together with a major introduction by the author. The play is set in Moscow, 1947; the introduction is set in Moscow, too, in the Bolshevik revolution of 1917 and then at the demise of the Soviet Union in the 1980s. Along the way the introduction takes in Burgess and Philby, Napier in the early 1960s, hippie London, New Zealand politics and theatre in the ’70s, Christchurch and Mervyn Thompson and finally the present — the return of the mob. Dean Parker is a screenwriter, playwright, journalist and political commentator. Previous works include plays Baghdad, Baby, The Feds, and The Hollow Men (adapted from Nicky Hager’s book) and cowriting the screenplay of the film Came a Hot Friday from the novel by Ronald Hugh Morrieson. Play • 144 pages, A5, soft cover ISBN 978-1-877577-37-6 RRP 24.99 • Available July. Steele Roberts Publishers • ph. 04 499 0044 • f. 04 499 0056 • Box 9321 Wellington. www.steeleroberts.co.nz

SUPERFUND PETITION
“To the House of Representatives: We request that the New Zealand Parliament ask the Guardians of the NZ Superfund to disinvest the Fund from Elbit Systems, Caterpillar, G4S and 3 major Israeli banks: Bank Hapoalim , Bank Leumi and Israel Discount Bank, to ensure that New Zealanders are not profiteering from crimes against international humanitarian law.” For copies email Mandlgriffiths or write to: Lois Griffiths, 48 St Andrews Square, Christchurch, 03 355 4715 http://kiaoragaza.wordpress.com/2011/07/16/petition-nz-superfund-to-divest-from-israeli-occupation/

NOMINATIONS CALLED FOR ROGER AWARD
Nominations are now open for the 2011 Roger Award for the Worst Transnational Corporation Operating in Aotearoa/New Zealand. All details are on the nomination form, which is online at our Website. Here are the links to it, in both Word and PDF.
http://canterbury.cyberplace.co.nz/community/CAFCA/publications/Roger/2011Nomination.doc
http://canterbury.cyberplace.co.nz/community/CAFCA/publications/Roger/2011Nomination.pdf
You can use it to send us your nomination/s, either electronically, or print it it, fill it in and post it to us at the below postal address. And please distribute it far and wide. Murray Horton, Secretary/Organiser, CAFCA, Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa. cafca

Please Join CAFCA’s Facebook Group & Follow Our Blog & On Twitter http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=117427631610589&ref=ts http://www.watchblogaotearoa.blogspot.com/ https://twitter.com/#!/NZN4S

VISIT CUBA THIS SUMMER
Cuba consistently makes the news: whether it is it’s health care system (see Salud or Sicko), its response to its oil crisis, its environmental programmes, or by remaining a political opponent of US imperialism for forty years. At the moment it is fundamentally revamping its economy and administration system, while remaining true to the spirit of socialism. It is also the home of salsa and its music is world renowned. Registrations are open for the 27th Southern Cross Brigade to Cuba. Members of the Brigade, which is made up of Australians and New Zealanders, spend approximately four weeks in Cuba, leaving 27th December and returning 24th January. The Brigade stays in the Julio Mella International Camp and the time there co-incides with visits by Brigades from the Nordic countries and South America, which gives an excellent opportunity for dialogue. The programme is varied and includes social occasions, dance lessons, cultural events, talks by community groups e.g. the Womens’ Federation, visits to schools, hospitals and trade unions, resorts and national parks, as well as free time in Havana. Some voluntary work is included in the programme. Brigade members with a special interest in an area can usually be provided for. The trip is suitable for people of any age group. Children are welcome and an 85 year old has coped well. While some knowledge of Spanish is useful, an interpreter is always on hand. As an initial introduction to Cuban society and Cuban people the Brigade is an excellent opportunity to quickly gain insight into this unique country and to express solidarity. The all up cost is $5500, including airfare, spending money and all accommodation and meals. Members of the Brigade often stay longer in Cuba as private travelers or move onto other countries in the region. For further enquiries and registration e- mail Ina at inashina or Paul at wkcultur; (03 732 4010).

PLEASE SIGN ONLINE PETITION AGAINST TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
This was originally going to close on July 4th, but it’s built up momentum, so it seemed a shame to stop it now. More and more of the disastrous implications of the TPPA are making themselves obvious. The new cutoff date (which won’t be extended again) is November 1st. So please sign it now (if you haven’t already done so). And if you’ve got a hard copy of it, please post it to New Zealand Not For Sale Campaign, Box 2258, Christchurch 8140. We urge you to circulate and publicise the petition, online and hard copy, through your organisations and networks. Murray Horton, Convenor, New Zealand Not For Sale Campaign, Box 2258, Christchurch 8140. nznot4sale www.nznotforsale.org
Petition:
We the undersigned citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand call upon the Government of New Zealand.
• to cease negotiations on the Transpacific Partnership agreement; and
• to not sign this agreement; and
• to cease work on any other in-progress or proposed international trade and investment treaties containing clauses which limit or abrogate New Zealand’s sovereign and democratic right to make and enforce laws and regulations and provide services which differ from those of other states or transnational organisations.
Sign the petition

WHAT’S ON

Wednesday, July 27, 6.30pm, B15, Library, university of Auckland
The Arab Awakening: Populist challenge to long-standing dictatorships: An age of revolution in the minds of the people has hit the Middle East. The people are finally refusing to tolerate the long-standing dictatorships that have long plagued and corrupted the Middle East. Impoverished of political freedom, the Egyptians said “Game over, Mubarak!!” and succeeded in the removal of the 30-year dictator. But uncertainty surrounding the democratisation still remains: Where to from now? And what of the cases of Libya and Bahrain – are these rebellions or revolutions? Also the question of Palestine should not be far from our minds, could this ‘Arab Awakening’ spark up the Third Intifada? Students for Justice in Palestine and Amnesty on Campus invite you to explore, with a panel of speakers, these questions and many more, which are presented by the so-called Arab Awakening that has taken the Middle East by storm. There will be a question and answer session following the panel. Speakers confirmed so far: Mohsen al Attar on the Egyptian Revolution – "Coup d’etat or Revolution: Where to for the Egyptians from here?"; Zaeem Baksh on the Question of Palestine – "Revolution for the Liberation of Palestine and the Israeli Intrafada"; Speaker on the Syrian Revolution – "Syria: What’s taking so long?"

Thursday, July 28, 11am, Eden Park Walters Ave Entry, Auckland
Protest the war criminal Tony Blair – "An audience with Tony Blair" has been organised as a fundraiser for Blair ($495 each or $1500 for a single VIP ticket – includes an individual photograph with Blair) and the corporate sector are getting in behind. Blair was a willing participant in the lies and deceit which accompanied the decision to invade Iraq 8 years ago. The protest will highlight this infamous role by a notorious war criminal who with George Bush is responsible for untold misery inflicted on the people of Iraq and the Middle East.

Thursday, July 28, 7pm, WT1004 (AUT Tower Building, 2 Rutland St, 10th floor seminar room, next door to the new Pacific Media Centre office)
Papua New Guinea’s Tok Pisin language newspaper Wantok, founded in 1969, is one of the publishing icons of the South Pacific. Drawing on interviews with Fr Francis Mihalic and Bishop Leo Arkfeld made in the early 1990s, a manuscript history of the early days of the Wantok, written by Mihalic, and material drawn from the archives in the Society of the Divine Word’s mother house in Mt Hagen, Dr Philip Cass seeks to present a picture of a man who was at once a priest, a publisher, a propagandist, a linguist, a lecturer and often a cause of bewilderment to the very bishops whose work he was supposed to be doing. Dr Cass is head of postgraduate studies in the School of Communication Studies at Unitec. He is also a research associate of the Pacific Media Centre.

Friday, July 29, 5.30pm, WF8 lounge, level 8, AUT University Business school, 42 Wakefield St, Auckland city.
BOOK LAUNCH – “UNIONS IN COMMON CAUSE”: Guest speaker: Carol Beaumont, Labour List MP & former secretary NZCTU. RSVP to nzwalmi before Friday 17 July for catering purposes. Published by Steele Roberts, Unions in Common Cause is the first detailed study of the history of the New Zealand Federation of Labour (1937-88). Based on a conference held in 2007, this books includes chapters by four leading labour historians (Erik Olssen, Peter Franks, Melanie Nolan & Ray Markey), contributions by past and present union activists, biographical & statistical information. The book is richly illustrated. The book will be on sale at the launch at a special price of $20 cash only. From the foreword by Margaret Wilson: ‘Without a strong trade union movement New Zealand will never achieve the economic prosperity that will benefit us all. It is the trade union movement that provides the balance between the economic and social conditions that enable us to move forward as a society based on fairness and equality for all citizens.’

Friday, July 29, 7pm, 4/125 Grafton Rd, Auckland
‘Day Diplomacy Died’ answers imperialist slanders vs. Cuba. Movie explains arrests of 75 ‘dissidents’ in 2003. The Day Diplomacy Died, a 2010 documentary by Bernie Dwyer and Roberto Ruiz Rebo, refutes the slander of the imperialists that the Cuban government repressed freedom of speech and expression when it arrested 75 so-called dissidents in 2003. The film features interviews with Cuban revolutionaries who had infiltrated the opposition groups operating under the tutelage of United States officials working from their Interests Section in Havana. Among others interviewed are former U.S. diplomats in Cuba, and Ricardo Alarcón, president of the Cuban National Assembly. The documentary explains the role of the U.S. Interests Section in financing the “dissidents” and offering them other incentives to organise acts of provocation and sabotage. It documents the context in which the arrests took place, as Cuba faced a wave of armed hijackings and other acts of violence as the U.S. invasion of Iraq began.

The screening at this week’s Militant Labour Forum marks the anniversary of the assault on the Moncada Barracks in Cuba on July 26, 1953 by 160 revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro – the opening of the revolutionary struggle that triumphed on January 1, 1959. Suggested donation: $5 waged, $2 unwaged. By the corner of Grafton Bridge/Grafton Rd. Militant Labour Forums are held each week. Phone 369-1223 or email milauck To browse and buy Pathfinder Press books and the Militant newspaper, the hall is open one hour before the forum. For viewing at other times, call to make an appointment. On the web: Pathfinder Press books and pam-phlets: http://www.pathfinderpress.com. The Militant: www.themilitant.com

Friday, July 29, 6pm, Loaves and Fishes, Wellington
30th ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1981 SPRINGBOK TOUR : A Group of 1981 veterans recently met to discuss a celebration/reunion to mark the 30th Anniversary of the 1981 Springbok tour. An organising collective of Helen Kelly, Don Swan, Dave Wickham, Mary-Ellen O’Connor, Peter Franks, Peter Cranney, Jenny and ourselves decided that July 29, the date of the Molesworth St incident would be the most appropriate date for an event. We have booked the Loaves and Fishes (just a stones throw from the ill-fated corner, and we invite you to join us for a night of reminiscing and celebrating. The evening will kick off with some formalities at 7pm but we welcome people to come from 6pm. Finger food will be available and a cash bar will operate. You are also welcome to BYO drinks. Tickets are $15 to cover our costs. Contact Paul 027 935595 or Sue 021 380 176 or Helen Kelly for tickets. Please circulate this to those who you were involved with during 1981 and if you are able to sell some tickets please contact us. We are hoping to arrange for a special “event” with a link up to South Africa from 5.15pm but this is to be confirmed. We will contact those who have purchased tickets with more details. Please send contact details particularly emails to those to whom you sell tickets. This is not limited to those who were in Wellington and we welcome our fellow protestors who have now migrated to Wellington to be part of the celebrations. Regards on behalf of the 30th Anniversary of the Springbok Tour protest Collective. Sue Ryall and Paul T.

Saturday, July 30, 10am – 12.30pm, Auckland Trades Hall Auditorium, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
SEMINAR: WHAT’S LEFT? RETROSPECT & PROSPECT FOR THE NEW ZEALAND LABOUR MOVEMENT. Speakers: Erik Olssen, Emeritus Professor of History, University of Otago, & author of numerous publications in labour history; Peter Franks, author of numerous publications in labour history, & labour activist; Margaret Wilson, Professor of Law & Public Policy, Waikato University, formerly Speaker of Parliament, Minister for Labour & other portfolios, & president of the Labour Party. The New Zealand labour movement has been a progressive force in the industrial and political spheres since the 1840s, when the first trade society appeared and the 8 hour day was established in Dunedin. By the early 20th century New Zealand was seen internationally as a ‘social laboratory’, not least because of its industrial relations legislation, strong unions and entry of ‘workingmen’s representatives’ into national parliament. The first Labour government of 1935 introduced extensive social reforms that laid a foundation for one of the most egalitarian societies in the world. Labour has since held office for 35 out of 65 years, and until the 1990s New Zealand unions had one of the highest membership densities in the world. However, since the 1980s Labour governments have been influenced by neo-liberal policies for privatisation and market deregulation, and trade unions’ membership has declined dramatically. New Zealand is no longer an egalitarian society. These changes have occurred throughout the world. Industrially and politically, labour movements in the developed countries are weaker than they have been for almost a century, and ideologically they have struggled to develop alternatives for market liberalism as traditional concepts of state socialism have been substantially discredited. How does history help us to understand this situation and to answer the following questions? What is the future for the labour movement? What strategies and policies might the labour movement develop to arrest its decline? Will Labour remain confined to ‘market liberalism lite’, or can it generate a new social vision? Join us to discuss these questions & listen to the views of our speakers. Refreshments provided. Entry Fee: $10 members, $20 non members, $5 unwaged. RSVP: by 28 July to Gay Simpkin, pgsimpkin

Sunday, July 31, 1.30pm, WEA 9 Henderson Valley Rd, Henderson, Auckland
FED UP and OUTRAGED at the Governments attacks on wages, benefits and social services? Fed up with price & GST hikes, cuts to health education and welfare services? Fed up with harassment by WINZ staff acting on government orders to put the screws on beneficiaries? Furious at the 90 Day Fire at will Act and the threatened destruction of the welfare system? Outraged at being made to pay for the bosses own economic crisis? Come along to these forums to share your experiences with others so affected, air your frustration and forge the bonds of solidarity that will defeat the National/Act/Maori Party coalition’s anti-working class agenda. Discuss which parliamentary party-if any-is worth supporting in the coming general election.. Plan non-parliamentary actions, such as the picket of Paula Bennett’s meeting.. Refreshments provided. Further forums planned for August 14th & 28th, Sept 11th & 25th. Hosted by Waitemata Branch of Unite! Union 836 9104 027 2800080 (Ring if you need a lift.) http://waitemataunite.blogspot.com

Thursday, August 4, 7pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Pay equity and women’s rights meeting with Catherine Delahunty, Green MP and Cathy Casey, Auckland Councillor. Catherine Delahunty’s bill to amend the Equal Pay Act to achieve truly equal pay for men and women has aroused great media and public interest over the last month, particularly due to Alisdair Thompson’s controversial comments on the topic. Although Alisdair Thompson has since left his job the gender pay gap remains at 12.75%. Catherine Delahunty will speak about reasons for the gender pay gap and how we can reduce it. She will also cover other women’s rights issue in New Zealand. Cathy Casey, Auckland Councillor will also speak briefly about the work she is engaged in on women’s issues at a local government level. There will be time for questions and socializing afterwards. This event is intended to bring together those interested in women’s rights issue in Auckland for skillsharing and networking.

Saturday, August 6, 2pm, QEII Square, Customs Street and Queen St intersection, Outside Downtown Shopping Centre, Auckland
Rally for Justice and Peace in PALESTINE www.palestine.org.nz On the First Saturday of Every Month. Come support JUSTICE and PEACE based on: 1) Ending 44 years of Israeli Occupation of the West Bank & Gaza Strip (including East Jerusalem); 2. Ensuring the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees; 3. Sharing Jerusalem; 4. Vacating all settlement colonies in Israeli occupied Palestine; 5. Dismantling Israel’s annexation / apartheid wall in occupied Palestine.

Saturday, August 6, 4.30pm, WEA, 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
REMEMBER HIROSHIMA & NAGASAKI: Join us for music, poetry and speakers. Organised by WILPF Otautahi with support from Religious Society of Friends (Chch). Kate Dewes, Disarmament & Security Centre, PO Box 8390, Christchurch. Aotearoa / New Zealand. Ph/Fax: +64 3 348 1353 www.disarmsecure.org

Sunday, August 7, 5pm to 7pm, Auckland Domain Wintergarden
Hiroshima Day Commemoration: You are warmly invited to attend a very special Candle Floating Ceremony to remember those who died at Hiroshima and Nagasaki as a result of the atomic bombs dropped on their cities at the end of the Second World War. Each year we pause to commemorate this occasion and to continue our work for peace, which WILPF has been pursuing for the last 96 years. SPECIAL GUESTS : We are very pleased to host Peace Pals Alida Newman and George Shirtcliffe of One people One Planet. Alida and George are the Voice of the Children. They made compelling presentations as part of the deputation to the Auckland Council requesting that Auckland be declared a City for Peace. On this occasion Alida and George will share with us their vision of the future our youngest citizens work towards and want. They will be introduced by Vivienne Wright, Executive Trustee of One People One Planet, an Auckland based organisation which focuses on giving the children a voice and a platform to work towards a sustainably more peaceful world. There will also be an opportunity for others to speak and there will be crane-making and music. Candles will be supplied. Contacts : Ruth Coombes ph 445 1254 or Joan Macdonald ph 360 8001. WILPF Aotearoa is part of the international women’s organisation established in 1915 to bring together women of different political beliefs and philosophies who are united in their determination to study, make known and help abolish the causes and legitimisation of war.

Friday, August 12, 7pm, 13 Garrett Street (just off Cuba St), Wellington
OPERATION 8 DVD Launch Party – Films, Food & Live Music! Come and celebrate the launch of the Operation 8 DVD get your own copy. Enjoy food, korero and righteous sounds from local musicians. The film, which explores issues surrounding the 2007 nationwide police ?terror raids,’ has been highly acclaimed by film reviewers around the country. The Dominion Post rated it 5 stars and said the film was, "Impassioned, balanced, entertaining and hugely important." The New Zealand Herald review called it, "The best NZ ?terrorist’ film since Sleeping Dogs. And it’s real!" If you would like to host a community screening or need info, email contact

Tuesday, August 16, 7.30pm, Knox Centre, Bealey Ave, near corner of Victoria Street, Christchurch. Parking available
Tony Taylor on “Changing the prison system”. All welcome. FREE entry. Light supper. Copies of the lecture on sale after the lecture. Enquiries to Deborah or David on 359 3478

Friday, August 26, 9am to 5pm, in Decima Glenn, Level 3, The University of Auckland Business School, 12 Grafton Rd, Auckland

ACC Forum: Co-hosted by The University of Auckland Retirement Policy and Research Centre and the ACC Group, the ACC Futures Coalition, and AUT’s Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Research . “The future of ACC – Is New Zealand in danger of losing both what is best about the ACC scheme, and our place as a world leader in accident compensation? What can be done.” Auckland University is presenting a one-day symposium on the National Government’s proposed changes to ACC. Speakers include representatives from the NZCTU, employers, ACC claimant advocates, political parties, economists, academics, unions and Government consultants. Registration required $30 (includes lunch). Contact Tressy Menezes: t.menezes Closing date for registration and payment: Wednesday 24 August 2011.

Tuesday, September 6, 5.30pm, NZCTU, Level 7, West Block, Education House, 178 Willis St, Wellington
BOOK LAUNCH – “UNIONS IN COMMON CAUSE”: Helen Kelly, President, NZCTU, will launch “Unions In Common Cause, the New Zealand Federation of Labour 1937-88.” Published by Steele Roberts, this book is the first detailed study of the history of the New Zealand Federation of Labour. Based on a conference held in 2007, it includes chapters by four leading labour historians (Erik Olssen, Peter Franks, Melanie Nolan and Ray Markey), contributions by past and present union activists, biographical and statistical information. The book is richly illustrated. RSVP to Julia London julial@nzctu.org.nz before Thursday 21 July for catering purposes. Phone 04 8023810
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"There comes a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can’t take part, you can’t even passively take part; and you’ve got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon all the apparatus, and you’ve got to make it stop, And you’ve got to indicate to the people who run it, the people who own it, that unless you’re free the machine will be prevented from working at all." Mario Savio (1964)

"Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

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NZ worst for domestic violence – UN report http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5332717/NZ-worst-for-domestic-violence-UN-report

VUW criticised for planning to close its crime and justice research centre http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=36799

Women’s rights activist calls for ‘equality and justice for all Muslims’ http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2011/07/women%E2%80%99s-rights-activist-calls-for-%E2%80%98equality-and-justice-for-all-muslims%E2%80%99/

Farewell for ‘terror raids’ accused http://www.whakatanebeacon.co.nz/cms/news/2011/07/art10009714.php

The death of Tuhoe Lambert, defendant in the Urewera “terror raids” case, is cause for immense sadness and grieving for his whanau and friends, the October 15th Solidarity group, the defendants in the case, and for supporters around the country. Tuhoe was an incredibly generous, funny and courageous man. His family is from Lake Waikaremoana; he served in the New Zealand army in Vietnam and has spent the last few years living in Manurewa with his wife of 40 years and his extended family. Tuhoe was a fierce advocate of tino rangatiratanga and Te Mana Motuhake o Tuhoe. We miss you already, comrade. Tuhoe Lambert on scoop.co.nz: http://tinyurl.com/TuhoeLambertScoop Tuhoe Lambert on 60 Minutes (2007): http://tinyurl.com/TuhoeLambert Tuhoe Lambert on Marae Investigate: http://tinyurl.com/TuhoeLambertMarae

Tuhoe-Crown: relationship agreement to be signed http://www.indymedia.org.nz/article/79725/tuhoe-crown-relationship-agreement-be-si

OCTOBER 15 SOLIDARITY RESOURCES: The www.October15thSolidarity.info website is regularly updated. The website aims to be multilingual and gives background information aswell as updates on legal proceedings. There are poster, newsletters and leaflets available here:

http://october15thsolidarity.info/en/node/236 A DROP THE CHARGES leaflet can be downloaded here:

http://october15thsolidarity.info/sites/default/files/drop%20the%20charges%20A4.pdf

Elizabeth Binning (NZH): Maori lodge claim over kohanga reo discrimination

TVNZ: Govt tries to deport bashed wife

Steven Cowan (Against the Current): Who killed TVNZ?

NZPA: Hundreds protest ‘bias’ against kohanga

Morgan Godfery (Maui Street): Kohanga Hikoi
Waging war on and off the pitch – A look back at the 1981 Springbok Tour http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/5331035/Waging-war-on-and-off-the-pitch

Stop deep sea oil tour to begin in the North

Chris Trotter (Press): We may pay for muzzling Hone

NZ WORK RIGHTS

Wages: battle lines drawn http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/169754/wages-battle-lines-drawn

Union threatens action over lagging wages http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/union-threatens-action-over-lagging-wages-4313191

RMTU: Govt happy to talk Hobbits, but not trains http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1107/S00608/govt-happy-to-talk-hobbits-but-not-trains.htm

Procurement policy must support jobs http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1107/S00236/procurement-policy-must-support-jobs.htm

Air Pacific Threatens NZ Unions http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1107/S00230/air-pacific-threatens-nz-unions.htm

Maritime Union has strong views on transport productivity

NZ ECONOMY

Bill Rosenberg (Dom Post): Government has questions to answer on privatising ACC

CULTURAL DISSENT

The crimes of Emperor Rupert http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48247

Film details Britain’s forced child migrant scandal http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48206

Mahler: music from the volcano http://www.socialistreview.org.uk/article.php?articlenumber=11733

FEATURES

Cuba nurses East Timor to health and gives Australia a medical lesson http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/cuba-nurses-east–timor-to-health-and-gives–australia-a-medical-lesson-20110722-1hsyx.html

Gordon Campbell on the Norway massacre http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2011/07/25/gordon-campbell-on-the-norway-massacre/

Norway, Islam and the threat of the West – Dismissing this murderous act as the work of "a lone madman" ignores a more detailed study of the killer’s motivation. http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/07/2011723135619293955.html

LAND, LABOUR AND THE ENVIROMENT

Food: between hunger and plenty http://www.socialistreview.org.uk/article.php?articlenumber=11718

East Africa in the grip of famine – As famine returns to East Africa, Norman Traub pins the blame on climate change and imperialist intervention. http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article22335

WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS

Jeffrey Sachs: Budgetary Deceit and America’s Decline http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-sachs/budgetary-deceit-and-amer_b_907684.html?view=print&comm_ref=false

AFGHANISTAN

Victory in Afghanistan http://www.newleftproject.org/index.php/site/article_comments/victory_in_afghanistan

AUSTRALIA

Tear gas fired in Australian immigration riots http://tinyurl.com/4426qfx

Australia’s carbon price agreement: what’s in it for renewables? http://climateandcapitalism.com/?p=4954

Labor government’s carbon price is not a serious response to global warming http://links.org.au/node/2421

Whistleblower reveals detention centre healthcare crisis http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48191

HAZARAS IN DARWIN DETENTION BEGIN STRIKE ON ROOF http://www.kabulpress.org/my/spip.php?article74515

BOLIVIA

New Food Policy to Boost Small-Scale Farms http://boliviarising.blogspot.com/2011/07/bolivia-new-food-policy-to-boost-small.html

Media conglomerates may come to an end http://boliviarising.blogspot.com/2011/07/bolivia-media-conglomerates-may-come-to.html

Cut war spending to aid victims of climate change http://links.org.au/node/2417

CHILE

Students Defy Government, Copper Workers Strike http://www.ww4report.com/node/10142

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

At Least Three Die in General Strike http://www.ww4report.com/node/10143

INDONESIA

The democratic struggle and the fight for socialism http://www.internationalviewpoint.org/spip.php?article2219

IRAQ

1 Million Dead in Iraq? 6 Reasons the Media Hide the True Human Toll of War — And Why We Let Them http://tinyurl.com/4xa4vkx

JAMAICA

Jamaica’s crippling debt crisis must serve as a warning to Greece by Mark Weisbrot http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/jul/22/jamaica-debt-crisis

LIBYA

NATO’s debacle in Libya http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/75016

‘West Ignoring Rebel War Crimes, Claim Civilians Fleeing To Tripoli’ In Libya http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article28649.htm

Ethnic Cleansing of Black Libyans: The "rebels" in Misrata in Libya have driven out the entire Black population of the city, according to a chilling story in The Wall Street Journal today under the headline "Libya City Torn by Tribal Feud." http://www.blackstarnews.com/news/135/ARTICLE/7478/2011-06-21.html

MALAYSIA

From a Malaysian police cell: ‘Why I am a socialist and intend to remain so’, explains Jeyakumar Devaraj http://links.org.au/node/2415

MEXICO

The Economy Is Down and the Cartels Are Hiring http://www.ww4report.com/node/10145

NORWAY

Norway, Islamophobia and Anders Behring Breivik: Learning from Muslim Fundamentalists http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article22323

PALESTINE

Israel Erupts in Protest, Tens of Thousands Chant "Revolution" http://tinyurl.com/3kboyhp

BDS: The global struggle for Palestinian rights (video): Omar Barghouti is an independent Palestinian commentator and human rights activist. He is a founding member of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) and the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. http://links.org.au/node/2416

The Salit Strike enters its 2nd Month: Solidarity with the Palestinian Workers Grows http://www.wac-maan.org.il/en/home

Palestinian workers at Salit Quarries make history http://www.wac-maan.org.il/en/article__203

Send a message in solidarity with striking quarry workers http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=1057

The Grumpy Diplomats of the Rogue State By Ilan Pappe – When Palestinians solve the issue of representation and the international community exposes Israel for what it is – namely the only racist country in the Middle East – then politics and reality can fuse again.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article28664.htm

PHILIPPINES

A challenge to the left in the Aquino government http://links.org.au/node/2419

SOUTH KOREA

The Hope Bus Campaign: South Korean Workers Resist Layoffs http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/528.php#continue

Protests Challenge Naval Base Construction on Jeju Island, South Korea: Hunger Strike Precipitates a National and International Movement http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article22310

UK

Murdoch: This scandal has exposed the scale of elite corruption: Cameron wants to bury the collusion uncovered in the hacking revelations but it’s part of a growing crisis of official Britain http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jul/20/scandal-exposed-scale-elite-corruption

Amid the Murdoch Scandal,

There’s an Acrid Smell of Business as Usual By John Pilger – Long before it was possible to hack phones, Murdoch was waging a war on journalism, truth, humanity, and succeeded because he knew how to exploit a system that welcomed his devotion to the "free market".

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article28651.htm

VENEZUELA

Venezuelan People’s Militia Occupies Estate Once Used by Colombian Paramilitaries http://tinyurl.com/3bljcf8

OLDER ANNOUNCEMENTS

ME RONGO 2011 PEACE CONGRESS INFORMATION, REGISTRATION AND INVITATION 7 TO 21 NOVEMBER 2011, REKOHU (CHATHAM ISLANDS)

This message is to let you know that information about the Me Rongo 2011 Peace Congress – ‘Peace, Sustainability and Respect for the Sacred’ – the registration form and draft programme are now available. Below is the welcome message from the Congress hosts, an outline of the purpose and vision of the Congress, and an invitation for peace to groups to present workshops at it. The document with more information, the registration details, draft programme and contact details for the organisers, is available as a pdf file at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/merongo01.pdf and as a Word document at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/merongo01.doc This message is available online at http://www.facebook.com/notes/peace-movement-aotearoa/me-rongo-2011-peace-congress-information-registration-and-invitation/195449993835711

THE 2011 ELECTION: A CRITICAL GUIDE
The 2011 Election: a critical guide is currently being printed. If you click on the link below, you will see the book on our publisher’s website. Also, there is a link to a sample interview, with Professor Jim Flynn on privatisation. We tried to cover a wide range of topics, and here is a summary of who was interviewed: Dr Bryce Edwards (Otago University) The Main Political Parties & MMP; Dr Sean Phelan (Massey University) The Media; Professor Klaus Bosselmann (Auckland University) The Environment; David Do (New Zealand University Students’ Association) Student Loans; Professor Jim Flynn (Otago University) Privatisation; Professor Paul Roth (Otago University) Employment Law; Mike Treen (UNITE union) Unionism; Dr Brian Roper (Otago University) Taxation; Ali Nissenbaum (Wellington Activists) Anarchism; Andrew Tait (Dunedin Activist) Marxism; Sue Bradford (Auckland Activist & former Green MP) Feminism & Unemployment. While it is important to keep in mind that the interviewees have different opinions from each other, three themes emerged: 1) A critique of neo-liberalism; 2) De-politicisation (nearly a quarter of the population did not vote in the 2008 Election); 3) Internationalism (nearly half of the interviewees are originally from overseas: Germany, Ireland, Israel, South Africa and the United States). Please also keep in mind that we are not endorsing any political party. The interviewees disagree with each other on many points. We believe that the interviewees voted in at least five different ways in 2008. We are planning to send all interviewees a free copy of the book, to show our appreciation.

Thank you for your help, R Wright http://aptitute.co.nz/site/products http://aptitute.co.nz/The_2011_Election-a_critical_guide_sample_chapter.pdf

AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS SOCIAL CHANGE TO STOP CLIMATE CHANGE SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 3

The event, which is sponsored by the Office of Environmental Programs at Melbourne University and organised by Green Left Weekly and the Socialist Alliance, will run from Friday, September 30 to Monday, October 3 at Melbourne University. The discussions at this conference will be enriched by the participation of one of the world’s foremost radical ecologists, John Bellamy Foster. A well-known economist from the United States, Foster is also an editor of Monthly Review and the author of The Ecological Rift (with Brett Clark and Richard York) The Ecological Revolution, The Great Financial Crisis (with Fred Magdoff) and Marx’s Ecology. Also leading the conference discussions will be Canadian ecosocialist writer and activist Ian Angus. Angus co-founded the Ecosocialist International Network and is the editor of Climateandcapitalism.com. He is the author of the forthcoming book Too Many People? Population, Immigration, and the Environmental Crisis (with Simon Butler) and has also authored Food Crisis: World Hunger, Agribusiness and the Food Sovereignty Alternative and edited The Global Fight for Climate Justice. http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/47144