GPJA #386: John Minto reviews media on 30th anniversary of tour

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 386, August 7, 2011

Guest editorial: John Minto (from NZ Politics Daily http://liberation.typepad.com/liberation/2011/08/nz-politics-daily-5-august.html)

Yet another anniversary of the 1981 Springbok tour is upon us and media coverage has been extensive but generally shallow. Most have taken a magazine-style approach with no shortage of dramatic pictures or film to illustrate – for example, see: Hamilton’s Rugby Park 1981 Springboks tour protest. But Nikki Macdonald has an interesting piece using individuals to present the various views from the conflict (Waging war on and off the pitch) and the Herald posed myself and red squad senior sergeant Ross Meurant as the protagonists as though this were a civil disturbance with the politicians and rugby union on the sidelines – see: Jared Savage and Andrew Stone’s The rugby tour that split us into two nations.

There were a few new revelations however. The Listener got access to police files from the tour and gave an interesting look at the issue from behind the police barricades (Redmer Yska: Inside the 1981 Springbok tour) and the aforementioned Ross Meurant gave an honest account of the lies he told to defend the police responsible for the infamous batoning of the clowns at the last game of the tour. It’s nice to have one’s prejudices confirmed even if it takes 30 years.

What has emerged more strongly this time was the fact the tour had a much greater impact on South Africa than any of us appreciated at the time. Chris Laidlaw points this out (see Karl du Fresne’s 1981 and all that) as does Springbok captain Wynard Claassen (Team of ’81 coming ‘to reconcile’) and we will get more of this when the ’81 Boks come back for a reunion visit during the World Cup.

What’s missing is the most important story: the impact of the tour on New Zealand itself. At one level there is general feeling that the tour had an impact on our psyche and that we that we ‘grew up’ as a country. The provincial papers see this theme strongly with the Manawatu Evening Standard, for example, talking about a ‘cultural catharsis’. See: Michael Cummings’ Manawatu Standard editorial Thirty years since our cultural catharsis.

However the bigger story – the impact of the tour on race issues here in New Zealand is no-where to be found. I think this was profound and deserves a good bit of journalistic attention. For example the tour protests and aftermath gave a solid boost to Maori nationalism, best illustrated in the new powers for the Waitangi Tribunal to look at historical Treaty grievances. These changes would have taken a lot longer to come about without the tour.

And what about the politicians who benefitted from the tour? Meurant and myself agree on the cynical use of the tour for political gain by National under Muldoon. Where are the National MPs who benefitted from the tour by winning Gisborne, Invercargill, New Plymouth and Taupo in the first-past-the-post election at the end of 1981? Those were the four crucial marginal seats won by National on the basis they wanted to keep politics out of sport. Yeah right.

It’s good to see some writing, in this case by John Edmundson, looking at a current issue that will develop in the same way as the fight against apartheid in South Africa. It’s the call for BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) against Israeli apartheid (See: Thirty years on: The 1981 Springbok tour and protest today). In 30 years time it will be hard to find anyone who was not on the side of the Palestinians.

There are always some personal stories, which more than anything bring the past alive in the present. Here are a couple that caught my eye: 30th Anniversary of the Springbok Tour and Peter Clayworth’s Days of Shame or days of rage? A personal memoir of the ’81 tour.

There is plenty of scope for good journalism yet in this issue. It’s not too late for anyone out there in the media this time. Let’s not wait for the 50th anniversary…

John Minto, Guest NZPD Editor  

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

WHAT’S ON

Monday, August 8, 7pm, The Peace Place, 2F / 22 Emily Place, Mt Eden, Auckland
Cluster munitions peace vigil: to mark the 1st anniversary of the Entry into Force (1 August) of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Contact etaggy Hosted by Pax Christi, contact paxnz – information about the Convention on Cluster Munitions is available at http://www.stopclusterbombs.org.nz The Aotearoa New Zealand Cluster Munition Coalition media release marking the anniversary is available at http://www.stopclusterbombs.org.nz/2011/08/01/august-1st-one-year-since-the-ban-became-law

Monday, August 8, 7.30pm, The Peace Place, 2F / 22 Emily Place, Mt Eden, Auckland
West Papua film screening and discussion: ‘Forgotten Bird of Paradise’ (2009). Filmed undercover, produced and edited by Dominic Brown, ‘Forgotten Bird of Paradise’ provides a rare and moving insight into the forgotten struggle for independence that has gripped West Papua for over 45 years. The documentary will be introduced by Maire Leadbeater, Indonesia Human Rights Committee, who visited West Papua in late 2010, followed by refreshments – all welcome! Hosted by Pax Christi, contact paxnz – "The practice of torture in Papua is widespread and unpunished" (Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace).

Tuesday, August 9, 12 noon, Parliament Grounds, Wellington
Support RMTU "Buy N Z Trains" petition presentation. The RMTU will be presenting to Clare Curran M.P., a petition to the House of representatives asking for a commitment to building rolling stock at the Hutt and Hillside workshops. The RMTU is requesting the presence and support from all union people in Wellington

This is officially supported by “Unions Wellington.”

Wednesday, August 10, 7.30pm, Canterbury WEA, 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
The state of surface water quality in Canterbury and the challenges for its management – Ken Taylor, Director Investigations and Monitoring, Environment Canterbury. All welcome! This public meeting organised by the Canterbury Branch of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society in association with the Canterbury WEA, phone 3660285.

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

Friday, August 12, 1-3pm, Case Room 3, Owen G Glenn Building, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland
Who’s counting the costs? Welfare reform, women, and health. Contact email: info The annual Cartwright Report anniversary seminar co-hosted by Women’s Health Action and The University of Auckland Public Policy Group. Welfare reform is on the agenda, with the recommendations of the Welfare Working Group (WWG) currently being considered by a Ministerial Review Group. This seminar will explore the potential impacts of the Welfare Working Group’s recommendations for welfare reform on women’s health and wellbeing. Panel members: • Pam Apera, Manager, Beneficiaries Advocacy and Information Service (BAIS); • Maureen Baker, Professor of Sociology, The University of Auckland; • Sue Bradford, Spokesperson for Auckland Action against Poverty, member of Welfare Justice: the alternative Welfare Working Group; • Susan St John, Associate Professor / Co-Director, Retirement Policy and Research Centre, The University of Auckland; • Fololi Lologa Iosua, Programme Leader – Community Access, Senior Lecturer, Manukau Institute of Technology. Registration is required. Please email info@womenshealth or book online at www.womenshealth.org.nz

Saturday, August 13, 10am-1pm, Room 018, Clock tower Bldg, 22 Princes St, Auckland
Law into Action: Progress in Human Rights for All . The Centre for Continuing Education in association with the Human Rights Foundation brings you this seminar to celebrate the Human Rights Foundation’s 10th Anniversary and the 2011 publication of ‘Law into Action: Economic, social, and cultural rights in Aotearoa New Zealand’. Speakers include Deborah Manning, Kris Gledhill, Jill Chrisp and Rohan Jaduram. Fee: $55: Student/ unwaged $15.

Saturday, August 13, 13 Garrett St, Te Aro, Wellington
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.. Link to Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=116293718466432

Sunday, August 14, 2.30pm, Functions Room, Freemans Bay Community Centre, 52 Hepburn Street, Auckland
A small regional group of the Campaign for MMP has existed in Auckland, there are now 4 months left before the Referendum, we need a significant increase in people who will be active in the effort to Keep MMP. The purpose of the meeting is organise our efforts in Auckland. We need to know who can take a project in hand, recruit a group around them and get the job done. If you need more information contact Hamish at auckland http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/maps

Tuesday, August 16, 7.30pm, Knox Centre, Bealey Ave, near corner of Victoria Street, Christchurch.
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

Thursday, August 18, Academy Cinema on Lorne Street, beside the Auckland Central Library
The Inside Job: Young Greens Film Screening. Inside Job is a shocking expose of what caused the 2008 financial crisis, the recession which cost tens of millions of people their jobs and cost the global economy over $20 trillion. Through extensive research and interviews with leading financiers, politicians and journalists Inside Job traces the rise of a rogue and corrupt industry. Inside Job has won multiple awards, including being rated by Best Documentary of the Year by the New York Film Critics. You are invited to join us for a special screening of Inside Job with speakers including Jane Kelsey, expert on international politics and David Clendon, Green Party MP. After the film Jane Kelsey will discuss some of the issues with New Zealand’s own finance sector, including our risk of losing economic sovereignty to multi-national corporations through the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, which our government is currently negotiating in secret. David Clendon, Green Party MP will outline some of the steps our government could take to regulate our finance sector and prevent more financial melt-downs in the future. There will be time for questions and group discussion. Tickets cost $20. All proceeds raised will go to the Green Party 2011 election campaign. To purchase tickets you can either: 1. Pay online using your credit card through:http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2011/aug/auckland-cbd/the-inside-job-young-greens-film-screening 2. Or you can make an electronic transfer to our bank account YG Wintercamp 38 9010 0543173 00. If you do pay by bank transfer please email us at samr.otter@gmail.com to let us know that you have made a payment and how many tickets you would like.

Thursday, August 18, 5.30pm, University Bookshop, Ilam Campus, Christchurch
‘Sliding down the Hypotenuse’ by Eric Beardsley will be launched by the Canterbury University Press and subsequently available at good bookshops. Veteran journalist and writer Eric Beardsley (also author of the historical novel Blackball 08, about the 1908 Crib Time Strike at the Blackball Mine) arrived in Christchurch from the West Coast 80 years ago and has devoted much of his life since then to observing and noting the Canterbury scene, its people, politics, conflicts and progress. An eclectic mix of memoir, biography and history interspersed with piquant and punchy observations and barbed humour, his story is of distant and different schooldays where strap and cane ruled, where the Sugarbag Years dominated the lives of the jobless poor and of a career as night messenger, reporter, sub-editor and leader-writer at The Press – work that did not always sit comfortably with his more radical outlook on life. Anyone with a close interest in left wing politics in New Zealand over the last half century will find the book and enjoyable and amusing account of the rise and fall of Labour and the New Right.

Tuesday, August 23, 6.15pm, at the Trades Hall Foyer (126 Vivian Street, Wellington).
‘Remains to be Seen: Tracing Joe Hill’s ashes in New Zealand’, by Jared Davidson. Rebel Press is pleased to announce the Wellington launch of ‘Remains to be Seen: Tracing Joe Hill’s ashes in New Zealand’—an easy-to-read account of censorship and radical labour during the First World War. Jared Davidson, author and designer of ‘Remains to be Seen’, and Mark Derby of the Labour History Project, will share a few thoughts on the book. The Brass Razoo Solidarity Band will also be performing a few rabble-rousing songs to celebrate. Come along and share in some drinks, nibbles, and a slice of Aotearoa’s radical history. More information on the book can be found at http://www.rebelpress.org.nz/publications/remains-to-be-seen A Facebook page has also been created for the event here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=174577165945566

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

Tuesday, September 6, 7.30pm, MacLaurin Chapel, 18 Princes St, Auckland (corner of Princes Street and Waterloo Quadrant)
Hear West Papuan leaders discuss the road to peace and how the Pacific Island Forum Leaders can help. The indigenous Melanesian people of West Papua have been forced to live under Indonesian military rule since the early 1960s, but yearn to be part of the Pacific family again. Speakers: Dr John Ondawame. West Papua People’s Representative Office in Vanuatu; Rex Rumakiek, Secretary-General West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPCNL); Paula Makabory, Institute of Papuan Advocacy and Human Rights (IPAHR) Australia and ELSHAM West Papua (One of the 1000 peace women nominated for the Nobel Prize in 2005). The Pacific Islands Forum meets in Auckland 6-9 September at Sky City in Auckland. Forum leaders must not overlook West Papua which is experiencing an unimaginable human rights tragedy: ‘slow genocide’ What can we do to help. Contact Indonesia Human Rights Committee, Box 68-419 Auckland 1125 or maire

Monday, September 19, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road Grey Lynn, Auckland
GPJA Special Forum in conjunction with AUT’s Pacific Media Centre: Inside Al Jazeera: Guest Speaker Yasmine Ryan. Yasmine Ryan writes for Al Jazeera English Online, where she focuses on North Africa, France and digital activism. She has spent much of the year in Tunisia covering the uprising and its aftermath, and will be returning to cover what Tunisians hope will be their first free and democratic election in October. Al Jazeera has led the way with its coverage of the Arab Spring, gaining a much wider global audience as many people turned away Western news outlets.

Friday, December 2, Victoria University, Wellington.
New Zealand Labour Law Society Inc (In conjunction with Victoria University of Wellington Law School). Invites you to attend its Inaugural Conference. The New Zealand Labour Law Society Inc will hold its inaugural conference at Victoria University of Wellington on Friday 2nd December 2011. This conference which occurs shortly after the election will focus on two main themes: Labour law across the Tasman and future directions in labour law. Labour Law Across the Tasman: Professor Andrew Stewart (University of Adelaide) will give an address on the current state of labour law in Australia and on the impact of the Australian government’s Fair Work reforms. Professor Richard Johnstone (Griffith University) will speak on Australia’s proposed model OHS law. Future Directions for Labour Law?: The conference date is one week after the 2011 General Election – the ideal opportunity for crystal ball gazing. In addition to keynote speakers and commentators the conference will also feature special sessions looking at future directions in selected areas of the law. These (depending on interest and papers received) are likely to include: Legal Challenges in Advancing Pay Equity, Good Faith Bargaining, Workplace Health and Safety, Employment Security, whether New Zealand should adopt a comprehensive National Employment Standards on the Australian Model. Enroll online now at the Early Bird rate of $200 -Places will be limited. Online enrolment is now open at www.victoria.ac.nz/law/about/events/2011/labour-law-conf.aspx
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"Civil disobedience is not our problem. Our problem is civil obedience. Our problem is the numbers of people all over the world who have obeyed the dictates of the leaders of their government and have gone to war, and millions have been killed because of this obedience … Our problem is that people are obedient all over the world in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity, and war, and cruelty. Our problem is that people are obedient while the jails are full of petty thieves … [and] the grand thieves are running the country. That’s our problem." – Howard Zinn

"The great are only great because we are on our knees." James Connolly – Irish republican and socialist

"The present is a time of struggle; the future is ours" – Che Guevara

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed." Martin Luther King, Jr.

"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." – Oscar Wilde – (1854-1900)

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND

Waihopai spybase damages case starts Monday http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10742752

Matt McCarten: US counts financial costs of tea partiers http://www.nzherald.co.nz/economy/news/article.cfm?c_id=34&objectid=10743503

Tuku’s vision: Gulag for Tainui https://erakablog.wordpress.com/2011/06/08/tukus-vision-gulag-for-tainui/#more-810

Save our playcentre http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/central-leader/5381201/Save-our-playcentre/

Environmental Groups and Iwi Combine to Fight Fossil Fuels Danger to New Zealand’s Environment and Income http://www.celsias.co.nz/article/environmental-groups-and-iwi-combine-fight-fossil/

Government cuts threaten progress for Pasifika students http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1108/S00034/government-cuts-threaten-progress-for-pasifika-students.htm

MANA MOVEMENT

Mana AGM http://tumeke.blogspot.com/2011/08/mana-agm.html

Mana to take on Maori Party seat-for-seat – Video http://www.3news.co.nz/Mana-to-take-on-Maori-Party-seat-for-seat/tabid/370/articleID/221306/Default.aspx

Statement from Hone Harawira http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1108/S00134/statement-from-hone-harawira.htm

Rotorua’s Annette Sykes in top Mana Party role http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/have-your-say/news/rotoruas-annette-sykes-in-top-mana-party-role/3961905/

POVERTY & INEQUALITY

Harawira urges unity against poverty http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/local/news/harawira-urges-unity-against-poverty/3961046/

Brian Gaynor: It shouldn’t be just the rich getting richer http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10743233

CTU supports eliminating child poverty http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1108/S00022/ctu-supports-eliminating-child-poverty.htm

Investment hit closes gap between NZ rich and poor http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10742587

Inequality report ignores tax cuts for rich – Goff http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5379331/Inequality-report-ignores-tax-cuts-for-rich-Goff

I don’t think that shows what you think it shows http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-dont-think-that-shows-what-you-think.html

Household Incomes in New Zealand: Trends in Indicators of Inequality and Hardship 1982 to 2010 http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/monitoring/household-incomes/index.html

National treasures? That’s rich By Anthony Hubbard: The wealthy bleating that they should be unfettered from red tape does nothing to bridge our increasing poverty gap. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/opinion/5365104/National-treasures-Thats-rich

The Rich List: A pat on the back, but national treasures? by Tim Watkin

Greens announce child poverty policy http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/5380722/Greens-announce-child-poverty-policy

Bryan Gould: An outcome no political salesman can disguise: Only a divided society sustains a myth about poverty as a lifestyle choice, writes Bryan Gould, former British Labour MP and vice-chancellor of the University of Waikato. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10742332

Homeless in ‘appalling conditions’ http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5382170/Homeless-in-appalling-conditions

Claim taxpayers fund flea ridden housing http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10742720

NZ WORK RIGHTS

Foreign fishery workers mistreated in NZ – Video http://www.3news.co.nz/Foreign-fishery-workers-mistreated-in-NZ/tabid/309/articleID/221078/Default.aspx#.TjsHTp1WVaI.facebook

Fishing industry probe ‘should be broader’ http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5387165/Fishing-industry-probe-should-be-broader

Fishing probe turns ugly http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5402951/Fishing-probe-turns-ugly

Maori warned over ageing foreign fishing boats http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5051905/Maori-warned-over-ageing-foreign-fishing-boats

Gordon Campbell (werewolf): Train Wreck at Kiwirail – Behind the job losses at Hillside and Woburn…

TEU rally at Victoria University of Wellington about cuts to 5 centres and courses including the Crime and Justice Research Centre and the Political Science and International Relations programme http://teu.ac.nz/2011/08/photos-from-victoria-university-rally/

Most women in workplace say sexist pay gap exists http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10742359

NDU: Green policies will help low income workers and unemployed http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1108/S00019/green-policies-will-help-low-income-workers-and-unemployed.htm

PSA launches election campaign – Public Services Keep New Zealand Working http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1108/S00017/psa-launches-campaign-public-services-keep-nz-working.htm

Staff and students rally to support crime and politics at Vic http://teu.ac.nz/2011/08/staff-and-students-rally-to-support-crime-and-politics-at-vic/

Staff fears about future of the National Bank coming to pass http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1108/S00135/staff-fears-about-future-of-the-national-bank-coming-to-pass.htm

Government’s scythe cuts nearly 200 IRD jobs from provincial communities http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1108/S00051/governments-scythe-cuts-nearly-200-ird-jobs.htm

NZ ECONOMY

Unemployment Figures Suggest a Jobless Recovery http://union.org.nz/news/2011/unemployment-figures-suggest-jobless-recovery

Unemployment kept high by government inaction on currency http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1108/S00154/unemployment-kept-high-by-government-inaction-on-currency.htm

Opinion: Gareth Morgan fleshes out his ‘Big Kahuna’ idea for a comprehensive capital tax and an unconditional basic income http://tinyurl.com/4yodcal

Increase in 15-19 year old youth unemployment unacceptable http://union.org.nz/news/2011/increase-15-19-year-old-youth-unemployment-unacceptable

Workers put in the hours to stay ahead http://www.nzherald.co.nz/employment/news/article.cfm?c_id=11&objectid=10742568

Wages not keeping up with inflation, say new job stats http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10742440

New Zealand Workforce in Dire Straights http://www.suite101.com/content/new-zealand-workforce-in-dire-straights-a383444

Half hour documentary on TPPA, http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/sunday

CULTURAL DISSENT

Restrepo: Winner of the 2010 Sundance Film Festival – Video Documentary: The film explores the year that Junger and Hetherington spent in Afghanistan on assignment for Vanity Fair, embedded with the Second Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (airborne).

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article28710.htm

FEATURES

Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Worst single terror attacks in history

LAND, LABOUR AND THE ENVIROMENT

No, Greens must not cosy up to capitalism. They must resist it – We need a sustainable society and culture with ecological values at its heart http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jul/21/greens-must-resist-capitalism

Eritrea: An Island Of Food In Africa’s Horn Of Hunger By Thomas C. Mountain

http://www.countercurrents.org/mountain050811.htm

WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS

Market turmoil and the economics of self-harm – The real problem – and tragedy – is that the US is now following the ECB and European authorities down the path of austerity http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/aug/05/us-economy-jobs-report

AFGHANISTAN

Afghanistan isn’t working: why after 10 years are we still there? http://tinyurl.com/3pokgtw

Afghans Killed in Anti-NATO Demonstration: At least four Afghans including a policeman were killed when police fired on an angry crowd in Afghanistan’s volatile south Friday, police said, after protesters claimed NATO forces had killed a number of civilians overnight. http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/four-afghans-killed-in-anti-nato-demonstration/96013/

Killing civilians to protect them? NATO bombing raises ire: NATO’s mission to protect civilian lives in Libya has been called into question after it admitted carrying out an air strike in a coastal town in which a mother and two children were killed. http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/NATO+bombing+raises/5210157/story.html

AUSTRALIA

Serco targeted in refugee debate http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=644064&vId

BANGLADESH

Agrarian Reform for Social Justice and Peace http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article22451

BOLIVIA

WikiLeaks expose US conspiracy http://boliviarising.blogspot.com/2011/08/bolivia-wikileaks-expose-us-conspiracy.html

CANADA

Nycole Turmel’s Induction in the Federalists’ Wonderland by Richard Fidler http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/532.php

Some Québécois reactions to the Turmel affair http://lifeonleft.blogspot.com/2011/08/some-quebecois-reactions-to-turmel.html

Public Sector Austerity: Why is Canada Leading the Way? http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/531.php#continue

CHILE

Struggles erupt across Chile: Jason Farbman looks at the multiple social struggles challenging the right-wing policies of Chilean President Sebastian Piñera. http://socialistworker.org/2011/08/01/struggles-erupt-across-chile

CUBA

In Cuba, the Revolution Continues By John Pilger: For me, arriving in a Latin American society without grinding poverty filling the eye is almost a shock. http://www.johnpilger.com/articles/in-cuba-the-revolution-continues-softly-as-times-change

EGYPT

VIDEOS – Army, police crack down on Tahrir sit-in http://www.arabawy.org/2011/08/01/videos-army-police-crack-down-on-tahrir-sit-in/

Robert Fisk: Egypt’s Revolutionary Youth Are Being Sidelined: Revolution betrayed. The Egyptian army now colludes with the hated Muslim Brotherhood to bring you – well, a new Egypt that looks much like the old one. http://ind.pn/pihMHj

Robert Fisk: Once untouchable, the old despot and his sons faced the wrath of the nation they had terrorised http://ind.pn/mYHqOd

HONDURAS

Emergency Actions Needed – Honduras http://afgj.org/?p=1428

HUNGARY

The Last Stand: Trades Unions in Hungary http://www.newleftproject.org/index.php/site/article_comments/the_last_stand_trades_unions_in_hungary

ICELAND

Iceland’s loud ‘No!’: Can’t pay, won’t pay http://links.org.au/node/2437

INDIA

Kashmiryat: Religion Or Class? By Inshah Malik http://www.countercurrents.org/malik050811.htm

JAPAN

The Great Hiroshima Cover-up: The US hid shocking footage for decades. http://www.thenation.com/blog/162543/great-hiroshima-cover?rel=emailNation

LIBYA

Nightly Britain bombs Tripoli. Bar death, what do we achieve?: Britain should never have got involved in Libya. But Whitehall constraint has been eroded, and none in power admit their folly

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/aug/02/britain-bombs-libya-whitehall

Younes’ tribe warns rebels over probe: The powerful tribe of the Libyan rebels’ slain military commander vowed on Tuesday to find justice themselves for his suspicious killing last week if rebel leaders failed to investigate it fully. http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/younes-tribe-warns-rebels-over-probe-1.1111319

International Federation of Journalists Condemns NATO Bombing at Libyan Television http://bit.ly/nXe9QD

LITHUANIA

Vilnius Mayor A.Zuokas Fights Illegally Parked Cars with Tank.flv

PACIFIC

West Papua – Indon Security Forces Fail To Block Access For Demonstrations Across Papua, Militias On Streets In Jayapura http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article22459

Fiji: all-out assault on trade unionism by the military government http://www.ituc-csi.org/fiji-all-out-assault-on-trade.html

PALESTINE

Scoop Exclusive: Gaza – Dying To Break The Blockade http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1108/S00060/scoop-exclusive-gaza-dying-to-break-the-blockade.htm

For the second week in a row, tens of thousands of Israelis have held demonstrations in multiple cities, calling upon Israeli PM Bibi Netanyahu to resign. http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=7118

The Tent Intifada – http://www.challenge-mag.com/en/article__298/the_tent_intifada

SOUTH AFRICA

No Easy Path Through the Embers: resistance and repression in South Africa’s shack settlements http://tinyurl.com/3dqmnux

ANC government shuts door on Swaziland democracy movement http://links.org.au/node/2436

South African Communist Party at 90: Is it still relevant? Two views http://links.org.au/node/2435

SPAIN

Eviction of Puerta del Sol backfires — big time! http://roarmag.org/2011/08/eviction-of-puerta-del-sol-backfires-big-time/

15-M movement shakes the system http://roarmag.org/2011/05/15-m-movement-shakes-system-el-pais-spanish-revolution/

Aug 5, 15M demonstration after taking Puerta del Sol.flv

SYRIA

Competing Narratives In Syria: Between Tired Slogans And A Looming Dawn By Ramzy Baroud

http://www.countercurrents.org/baroud050811.htm

TURKEY

A New Direction for Turkey’s Democracy? http://www.nybooks.com/blogs/nyrblog/2011/aug/03/new-direction-turkeys-democracy/

UK

Fires started after Tottenham police shooting protest http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14434318

How Murdoch Ran Britain – Channel 4 Documentary: Dispatches investigates the world of the Rupert Murdoch and the influence and political power he holds in the UK.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article28715.htm

The damning of Tony Blair: Iraq war deal ‘signed in blood’ by former Prime Minister: Former PM to be held to account on Iraq in Chilcot report on war. http://bit.ly/nWknwi

UK’s Secret Policy on Torture Revealed http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/aug/04/uk-allowed-interrogate-tortured-prisoners

USA

The deficit deal — We got taken http://links.org.au/node/2431

Divesting From Private Prisons – A new coalition of immigrant and labor groups tries to shame the nation’s largest investment firms. http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/11623/divesting_from_private_prisons/

Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Comrade George Jackson http://sfbayview.com/2011/commemorating-the-40th-anniversary-of-the-assassination-of-comrade-george-jackson/

America In Decline By Noam Chomsky – What remains of political democracy has been undermined further as both parties have turned to auctioning congressional leadership positions.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article28767.htm

The Day the Middle Class Died By Michael Moore – From time to time, someone under 30 will ask me, "When did this all begin, America’s downward slide?" They say they’ve heard of a time when working people could raise a family and send the kids to college on just one parent’s income.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article28774.htm

VENEZUELA

OLDER ANNOUNCEMENTS

“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

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

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

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/

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.”

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

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