GPJA #393: Special Forum Mon – “Inside Al Jazeera: Guest Speaker Yasmine Ryan”

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 393, September 16, 2011

GPJA Special Forum in conjunction with AUT’s Pacific Media Centre: Inside Al Jazeera: Guest Speaker Yasmine Ryan.

Monday, September 19, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road Grey Lynn, Auckland

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. http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/profile/yasmine-ryan

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE NEED FURNITURE!
On October 7th the latest group of Quota refugee families will leave Mangere Refugee Reception Centre to go to the first home they have ever had in AucklandŠ. At the moment though, the home is unfurnished. Before then we will need to collect sofas and lounge suites (not sofa beds, please), dining room tables (preferably with chairs), coffee tables, and chests of drawers, all in really good condition. They will need to be clean and without holes in the fabric, or stuffing coming out, or any significant marks on them. Our drivers are also not authorised to accept furniture which is broken or unstable, or which has missing parts. We would also be grateful for a limited number of frying pans and cooking pots, toasters and kettles, oil heaters and fan heaters – but not gas heaters please. Floor rugs without stains would also be gratefully received. If you would enjoy passing on furniture to us which fits our needs, we would love to hear from you! Please contact Chandra at Refugee Services if you can help. We may consider other items too. Our drivers Abdullah and John can pick up furniture on Fridays or Saturdays. Alternatively you are welcome to deliver to us at a mutually convenient time Chandra is happy to arrange a pickup from your premises, or a drop-off at our warehouse. Please contact her on: T: (09) 621 0014 M: (021) 228 2371 or chandra.yogeswaran

LEFT FURTHER BEHIND
A new report from Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), Left Further Behind: how policies fail the poorest children in New Zealand, is an urgent call for policy changes that provide solutions to child poverty. Read more and download a copy of the report. “At least one in five New Zealand children experience significant deprivation that compromises their health, their education, and their future,” says co-editor Dr Claire Dale. For example, families may be forced to move often, which impacts on children’s learning; they may live in cold and overcrowded housing; and be forced to balance competing basic needs such as paying the electricity bill or eating nutritious food. Stressful environments impact children’s immune systems and can lead to chronic illnesses. Ultimately, poverty makes many families easy prey for loan sharks as they struggle to provide basics for their children, thereby setting up a vicious downward cycle. This report is written by leading experts in children’s policy, and is a unique contribution to the current debates on child poverty, with analysis on how current policies continue to fail the children in greatest need and by doing so leave them further behind their peers.

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. Register now for this important conference! Friday, September 30 – Monday, October 3, 2011, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, Melbourne University. http://climatechangesocialchange2011.wordpress.com/http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48372

POLITICAL POSTER ART IN AOTEAROA
Kotare’s exhibition of political posters, “Art/Movement”, celebrates the creative force of flaxroot activism: the passionate energy of those working for justice in Aotearoa as embodied in the power, beauty and humour of street poster art. Highlighting a variety of key themes in the Kotare collection, the exhibition at the ArtStation Gallery features over 100 posters on honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi, anti-racism/anti-apartheid, unemployed workers’ rights, feminism, peace, environmentalism, and education. Come along and be inspired! Supporting events at the gallery. 20 September, 5-7pm, exhibition opening; 22 September, school students’ talk with Elizabeth Rankin (Professor of Art History, University of Auckland) and Sue Berman (Kotare); 24 September, 2-3pm, "The people behind the posters", oral history presentation with Sue Berman (Kotare); 24 September, "Silkscreen political posters: design and print"; workshop with Jarad Bryant (ArtStation – requires booking and fee); 1 October, 2-4pm, "Dare to struggle, dare to sing", Sue Berman and the Kotare crew: BYO stories, posters, and banners. Postcard reprints of selected posters will be available for sale. There is an opportunity also to purchase a limited edition silk screened poster by Christchurch political artist and historian Jared Davidson. Details will be available on the website : www.kotare.org.nz/Political_Poster_Exhibition Orders and enquiries to research@kotare.org.nz or call Sue Berman 09 833 3421

WHAT’S ON

Friday, September 16, 7pm, 4/125 Grafton Rd, Auckland
The working-class fight for safety on the job: Workers speak up about safety problems at Pike River mine. Ex-workers at the Pike River mine have spoken up about safety problems at the mine that turned it into a death trap for 29 miners in November of last year. The problems included the absence of a usable emergency exit, a lack of safety training, and short cuts around safe work practices. Daniel Rockhouse, one of two survivors of the disaster, said workers were "treated like a dog". After the November 19 explosion, he said, he stumbled into a so-called haven only to find that the emergency facilities were not there. This Militant Labour Forum will discuss these developments. It will look at how workers need to fight for control over work conditions and production speeds to enforce the principle, "no worker has to die". Patrick Brown, who has reported on the Pike River disaster for the Militant, will speak. 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 pamphlets: http://www.pathfinderpress.com; The Militant: www.themilitant.com

Saturday, September 17, 4:30pm to 6:00pm, Westpac Stadium, 147 Waterloo Quay, Wellington
Fiji Demonstration: Handing out of leaflets and armbands before the Fiji-South Africa rugby game. Organised by the NZ Council of Trade Unions

Sunday, September 18, 8:10am, Radio NZ
“INSIGHT” National Radio Programme – “UNIONS“. They say, “The Prime Minister says he wants more flexibility in the labour market, but the unions say flexibility is code for declining worker conditions. Penny Mackay speaks to both sides about the role of unions today and their likely future.”

The programme is broadcast at 8.12am during "Sunday Morning with Chris Laidlaw." It repeats on Mondays at 9.06pm and Wednesdays at 12.30am.

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. http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/profile/yasmine-ryan

Monday 19 September, 12.30pm, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch
Women’s Suffrage Day: An open invitation to anyone who would like to mark this special day – bring a picnic lunch to the Peacock Fountain in the Botanic Gardens 12.30 and 1.30pm. If wet, a room at the WEA, 59 Gloucester Street, has been booked. Bring a white camellia, a song, poem or anything you want to say. The winner of the Kate Sheppard Memorial Scholarship will be announced.

Tuesday, September 20, 5-7pm, ArtStation Gallery, 1 Ponsonby Rd, Newtown, Auckland
Opening: Political Poster Art in Aotearoa – Kotare’s exhibition of political posters, “Art/Movement”, celebrates the creative force of flaxroot activism: the passionate energy of those working for justice in Aotearoa as embodied in the power, beauty and humour of street poster art. Highlighting a variety of key themes in the Kotare collection, the exhibition at the ArtStation Gallery features over 100 posters on honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi, anti-racism/anti-apartheid, unemployed workers’ rights, feminism, peace, environmentalism, and education. Come along and be inspired! Supporting events at the gallery. 20 September, 5-7pm, exhibition opening; 22 September, school students’ talk with Elizabeth Rankin (Professor of Art History, University of Auckland) and Sue Berman (Kotare); 24 September, 2-3pm, "The people behind the posters", oral history presentation with Sue Berman (Kotare); 24 September, "Silkscreen political posters: design and print"; workshop with Jarad Bryant (ArtStation – requires booking and fee); 1 October, 2-4pm, "Dare to struggle, dare to sing", Sue Berman and the Kotare crew: BYO stories, posters, and banners. Postcard reprints of selected posters will be available for sale. There is an opportunity also to purchase a limited edition silk screened poster by Christchurch political artist and historian Jared Davidson. Details will be available on the website : www.kotare.org.nz/Political_Poster_Exhibition Orders and enquiries to research@kotare.org.nz or call Sue Berman 09 833 3421

Thursday, September 22, 6pm, LHT2, Rutherford House, Bunny Street, Wellington
HOW TO MAKE A MORE DECENT CAPITALISM” Fabian Society Lecture. The Fabian Society invites you to a lecture with Prof Robert Wade of the London School of Economics on "HOW TO MAKE A MORE DECENT CAPITALISM" on Thursday 22 September at LHT2, Rutherford House, Bunny Street, Wellington at 6pm. The lecture is being held in conjunction with the Victoria University School of Government. Prof Wade writes in the abstract for his lecture: "Some may consider "decent capitalism" an oxymoron, like "MIT nightlife" or "LSE sports". I start from the premise that it makes sense to distinguish "more decent" and "less decent" capitalism. I first give some indicators – relating to income inequality, social mobility, child well-being and mass education – which serve to place European and North American national capitalisms on this scale. Then I suggest what social democrats should be arguing for, in contrast to "taken for granted" standard/mainstream/conservative prescription, in four areas: the role of the state and markets, the solution to the eurozone crisis (the finger points at German wages); the use of northwest European capitalisms rather than Anglo-American ones for inspiration about decent capitalism; and development strategy in developing countries. Then I briefly discuss the elephant in the room, the possibility of continuous "green growth". Robert Wade is a New Zealander who is Professor of Political Economy at the London School of Economics. He won the Leontief Prize for Advancing the Frontiers of Economic Thought in 2008, and his book Governing the Market: Economic Theory and the Role of Government in East Asia’s Industrialization (1990, 2004) won the American Political Science Association’s Best Book in Political Economy award. His recent work has dealt with: financial booms and busts; world income distribution; global economic governance (especially the G20, World Bank, IMF and WTO); neoliberal (“Washington Consensus”) policy prescriptions, with particular reference to East Asia, the US and the UK; the fights over environmental norms inside the World Bank; industrial policies; and Iceland.

Saturday, September 24, 5.30pm, Cityside Baptist Church Hall, 8 Mount Eden Road, Mt. Eden, Auckland
‘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—will be launched in Auckland September 24. Jared Davidson, author and designer of ‘Remains to be Seen’, will share a few thoughts on the book, to be followed by a screening of ‘The Wobblies’—a classic and informative documentary of one of the worlds most lively and radical unions, the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). You can watch an excerpt here: Come along and share in 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.

Thursday, September 29, 6.30 PM Powhiri, WAIPAPA Marae, 16 Wynyard St, Auckland University, Auckland
MANA TOI presents A Contemporary Maori Art Fundraiser: With works from a selection of inspiring contemporary Maori Artists including Star Gossage,Tracey Tawhiao, Ngahina Hohaia, DLT, Rakai Karaitiana, Hemi Kiwikiwi, Charlotte Graham and many more. With GOOD food, beverages & conversation. Live Music from Whirimako Black, Dam Native & DJ Phaze plus others. Special Guest Speakers including Rob Tuwhare reading his late fathers poetry And Hone Harawira for a Q & A. MANA TOI is a collective of Artists who fundraise for non-funded Art initiatives. This fundraiser is in support of MANA MOVEMENT’s Artists who want to support changes directly through Art & Music. Tickets are $75.00 each and there will be tables of 10. If you buy a table you go into win a painting by Tracey Tawhiao. There are only 150 tickets and fifteen tables. To purchase tickets or a table please email: info or tearahori23 Links that may help: http://www.wises.co.nz/l/Auckland/Auckland+Central/Waipapa+Marae/ http://www.korero.maori.nz/forlearners/protocols/powhiri.html

Thursday, September 29, 9.30am – 4.30pm, Wellington Community Law Centre Level 2, 84 Willis Street, Wellington
EMPLOYMENT LAW TRAINING FOR COMMUNITY WORKERS: Invitation to attend full-day training. Presented by Wellington Community Law Centre staff and guest speakers, this workshop will provide you with a working knowledge of key areas in Employment Law (including the 2010 Employment Relations Amendments), as well as advising how and where to access legal information. We invite all community workers and community members with an interest in Employment Law to attend. Tea, coffee, morning and afternoon tea will be provided Participants will need to bring or buy their own lunch. Cost: Half Day: $20 per person Full Day: $25 per person

Sunday, October 2, 5.30 (for 6), Penthouse, Brooklyn, Wellington
A romantic comedy/fantasy written and directed by Woody Allen. The plot centers on a small group of Americans visiting the French capital for business and pleasure. The protagonist, a screenwriter, is forced to confront the shortcomings of his relationship with his fiancée and their divergent goals because of his magical experiences in the city beginning each night at midnight. Stars Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams. Tickets $20 for the Campaign for MMP. Secure your tickets by making payment to the Campaign for MMP at 38-9010-0239972-00. Please include in the reference line your name and "Wellington movie". Email rebecca.matthews427@gmail.com with any questions.

Saturday, October 8, 10am-4pm, St John’s Church, the corner of Willis Street & McDonald Crescent, Wellington
PEOPLE’S EXPO – organised by the W E A . – Come for 10 minutes or stay all day. Keynote address 11:00am Catherine Delahunty MP: ‘A Better World is Possible’. Live music and an open microphone. Forums and discussions throughout the day on a range of topics including: becoming an activist, working inside and outside the system and MMP. Want to know what other people are doing? Got something to say? Get together with other people interested in a just and more equitable society. Live²Learn²PARTICIPATE, ²Organize²agitate²educate ² Explore²discover²Share. THE WELLINGTON WEA INVITES YOU TO JOIN US FOR A DAY OF COMMUNITY ACTION AND DISCUSSION. If your union/organisation wants to exhibit, there are tables still available (no charges) – For more information contact Victoria Quade Phone: 021 023 77 642 email: vntquade The Wellington Workers Educational Association is committed to the advancement, encouragement and provision of continuing and community education of adults that promotes a just and more equitable society which takes account of Te tiriti o Waitangi as the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Thursday, October 20, 6.30-8.30pm, Academy Cinema, Lorne St, below Auckland City Library.
Strange Birds in Paradise – a West Papuan story. From the Act of Free Choice to the random sanctioning by the Indonesian military today- West Papua still under siege. And it is happening under our own eyes. A great chance here to hear the story of the people themselves. While the Indonesian army continues to dominate the indigenous inhabitants of West Papua, three friends gather in Melbourne to record outlawed folk songs with renowned Australian rock musicologist. A combined event organised by the Auckland-based Indonesian Human Rights Committee, Amnesty International and AUT’s Pacific Media Centre. Map: www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/contact Strange Birds in Paradise website http://www.strangebirds.com.au/

Wednesday, October 26,, 6.30pm, Maidment Theatre, Alfred Street, The University of Auckland
Bruce Jesson Lecture: Recreating full employment – Professor Paul Dalziel, AERU, Lincoln University. Bruce Jesson’s last book Only Their Purpose is Mad tracked the destructive impacts of what he termed “the open slather approach to economic reform”. Twenty years after the reforms, New Zealand still lives with the legacy of that period in the form of unemployment and poverty. The government’s response is to blame the social welfare system and to propose policy reforms that will take us along the same failed path of the 1990s. Bruce Jesson finished his book by arguing that “the challenge facing New Zealand is to redefine the role of the nation in the modern global economy”. He called for nation-building understood as “creating a cohesive society that can act internationally with some sense of purpose”. This lecture will address Jesson’s challenge. It aims to set out a concrete programme for nation-building built on strategies to recreate full employment. Paul Dalziel has been Professor of Economics at Lincoln University since 2002 and currently works full-time in the AERU research centre. His first research publication was an article on the 1984 Economic Summit Conference that began New Zealand’s decade of economic reforms. Since then he has produced more than 200 research publications on aspects of New Zealand economic and social policy. Paul is part of a multi-disciplinary research team involved in a five-year research programme on education employment linkages in New Zealand. He is President of the Australia and New Zealand Regional Science Association International and a Council member of its parent organisation, RSAI. In 2010, he was a member of the Welfare Justice group that acted as an alternative forum to the government’s Welfare Working Group.

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. Enrol 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

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." – Edmund Burke (1729 – 1797)
"Evil when we are in its power is not felt as evil but as a necessity, or even a duty". – Simone Weil (1909 – 1943), Gravity and Grace, 1947
"The crimes of the United States have been systematic, constant, vicious, remorseless, but very few people have actually talked about them. You have to hand it to America. It has exercised a quite clinical manipulation of power worldwide while masquerading as a force for universal good. It’s a brilliant, even witty, highly successful act of hypnosis." – Harold Pinter, 2005 Nobel Lecture
"In our world’s history, peace has never prevailed where justice was absent. Injustice is the garden that nourishes terrorism. – Tom Feeley

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND

Protesters ‘betrayed’ by plight of poor in South Africa http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10750732

HART plan for first test http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5601912/HART-plan-for-first-test

The footage – five videos from students’ national day of action http://workersparty.org.nz/2011/09/15/the-footage-five-videos-from-students-national-day-of-action/

Students stage funding protest in library http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/students-stage-funding-protest-in-library-4402394?ref=facebook

Student Movement reborn- Direct Action hits Auckland http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/09/student-movement-reborn-direct-action.html

Students oppose crackdown against protest at Auckland Uni http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1109/S00061/students-oppose-crackdown-against-protest-at-auckland-uni.htm

The legal flaws of the Palmer Commission flotilla report http://richardfalk.wordpress.com/2011/09/13/the-legal-flaws-of-the-palmer-commission-flotilla-report/

Democracy Armbands at World Cup Rugby Game http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1109/S00232/democracy-armbands-at-world-cup-rugby-game.htm

Red-Zone Residents Fight Back http://storyboard.co.nz/2011/09/14/red-zone-residents-fight-back/

Christchurch people meet outside the National Party cabinet meeting at the Copthorne Hotel, to let the world know we’re not happy with the response to our series of major earthquakes.

Catherine Delahunty: Graduates and gender pay equity http://blog.greens.org.nz/2011/09/15/graduates-and-gender-pay-equity/

Food Bill update from Sue Kedgley http://blog.greens.org.nz/2011/09/13/food-bill-update-from-sue-kedgley/

PSA: Taking ‘social’ out of Housing NZ – dire consequence http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1109/S00211/taking-social-out-of-housing-nz-dire-consequence.htm

Housing shortage will affect children – CPAG http://www.3news.co.nz/Housing-shortage-will-affect-children—CPAG/tabid/423/articleID/225707/Default.aspx

Private prison costs more than public prison – you’ve been duped again sleepy hobbits http://tumeke.blogspot.com/2011/09/private-prison-costs-more-than-public.html

The Left Further Behind report is covered in the media today by Shabnam Dastgheib’s Quarter of Kiwi kids in poverty, TV3’s Action needed on child poverty in NZ – report, and RNZ’s One in five children in severe hardship – report. CPAG’s spokesperson, Professor Susan St John also discussed the publication on Morning Report. And No Right Turn has blogged: Left further behind and You can’t manage what you don’t measure. John Pagani also has some interesting things to say in Who is really cheating?.

Level with Me is a project of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, designed to get people thinking about social and global inequality. http://socialjusticeweek.org.nz/about/ It links with our Social Justice Week 2011 focus On a level playing field: fair play and the common good.

Red flags over ‘National Standards’ and fast-track teaching in child poverty report http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1109/S00183/red-flags-over-national-standards-and-fast-track-teaching.htm

Report highlights the importance of ECE in battling child poverty http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1109/S00041/report-highlights-the-importance-of-ece-in-battling-poverty.htm

UREWERA RAIDS

The oddball revolutionaries http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10750645

Matt McCarten: Our only terror plot was a work of fiction http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10750871

Tame Iti: Never a plan to attack http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/tame-iti-never-plan-attack-4395727?ref=rss

Secret justice no justice at all http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10750877

NZ IN AFGHANISTAN

NZ military’s ‘spin’ doctors under fire http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5602406/NZ-militarys-spin-doctors-under-fire

Malalai Joya: Occupation troops are making Afghanistan worse http://links.org.au/node/2485

Statement of Auckland Philippines Solidarity on 10th Year of 9-11 Attacks http://aps-nz.org/2011/09/10/statement-of-aucklandphilippines-solidarity-on-10th-year-of-9-11-attacks/

NZ ECONOMY

Food Price Rises Have Outstripped Wage Increases http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1109/S00176/food-price-rises-have-outstripped-wage-increases.htm

Ten Myths About Asset Sales – Selling down the public’s stake in energy companies and Air NZ makes little sense, socially or economically by Gordon Campbell http://werewolf.co.nz/2011/09/ten-myths-about-asset-sales/

TPPA – More movement on customs queues than dairy exports http://union.org.nz/news/2011/tppa-more-movement-customs-queues-dairy-exports

Milk inquiry: benefits of co-operative approach in dairy must not be lost http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1109/S00450/benefits-of-co-operative-approach-in-dairy-must-not-be-lost.htm

NZ WORK RIGHTS

Kiribati workers, members of Northern AWUNZ, fight redundancies and racism in Warkworth http://workersparty.org.nz/2011/09/08/kiribati-workers-members-of-northern-awunz-fight-redundancies-and-racism-in-warkworth/

‘Timebomb’ set as jobs slashed http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5598624/Timebomb-set-as-jobs-slashed

IHC workers win pay rise for sleepovers http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/ihc-workers-win-pay-rise-sleepovers-4397832/video?ref=facebook

This election, the PSA is running a campaign to remind voters of the value of public services and what we all stand to lose. If you believe in public services that work for the good of everyone, make your voice heard and your vote count this November. Public services keep New Zealand working http://www.keepnzworking/

Wage Increase for Port Workers Reflects Their Commitment to the Community http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/waterfront-unions-ratify-10-wage-rise/5/101589

Quality care for older New Zealander http://www.nzno.org.nz/home/campaigns/fair_share_for_aged_care/aged_care_charter

Kindergarten teachers reject settlement offer over cuts to non-contact hours http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1109/S00049/kindergarten-teachers-reject-settlement-offer-over-cuts.htm

Figures confirm union concerns about wood processing industry http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1109/S00380/figures-confirm-concerns-about-wood-processing-industry.htm

MANA MOVEMENT

Hone Harawira http://www.critic.co.nz/articles/1414

Bradford to stand against Bennett in Waitakere http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10751936

CULTURAL DISSENT

Three films of note – Two of the three films under consideration here were made in Mexico and deal with the super-exploitation of farm laborers and immigration, in other words just the kind of fare that deserves the widest viewing. The other is a documentary on American soldiers serving in Afghanistan, a well-traveled genre after a decade of imperialist war. http://louisproyect.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/three-films-of-note/

Classic read – Strumpet City by James Plunkett http://www.socialistreview.org.uk/article.php?articlenumber=11760

FEATURES

Endless War, Lies and Terror: The Decade Since 9/11 http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/09/2011910151711228528.html

A Civil Society Strategy for Revitalizing the Left http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/543.php

Europe’s Debt Crisis Fuels Civil Resistance http://www.spectrezine.org/europes-debt-crisis-fuels-civil-resistance

Humility, Compassion and Wisdom on September 11thhttp://www.progressive.org/september_11_compassion.html

Noam Chomsky on How the Military Is Bankrupting Us and Why Corporate Interests Want to Destroy Public Programs http://tinyurl.com/3l3q65r

WORLD ECONOMY

In the eye of the storm : the debt crisis in the European Union – part I : Greece http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article22830

Trapped on the European Fringe http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article22831

Bourgeois pundits ponder Marx http://louisproyect.wordpress.com/2011/09/08/bourgeois-pundits-ponder-marx/

Lehman Three Years Later: What We Haven’t Learned http://www.cepr.net/index.php/op-eds-&-columns/op-eds-&-columns/lehman-three-years-later-what-we-havent-learned

LAND, LABOUR AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Ecosocialism cuts to roots of ecological crisis http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48789

AFGHANISTAN

Militias funded by US accused of rights abuses http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/militias-funded-by-us-accused-of-rights-abuses-2353693.html

AUSTRALIA

Book now: Climate Change Social Change, Melbourne Sep 30-Oct 3 http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48372

BAHRAIN

Escalation Of Revolution As People Insist On Regime Change By Bahrain Freedom Movement http://www.countercurrents.org/bfm130911.htm

BOLIVIA

Development before environment? http://links.org.au/node/2483

CHILE

The other September 11: US backed coup in Chile, 1973 http://links.org.au/node/1242

EGYPT

Fresh protests to demand real change http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48818

Israeli embassy is attacked in Cairo – in pictures: The storming of the building came after a day of demonstrations outside where crowds swinging sledgehammers and using their bare hands tore apart the embassy’s security wall http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2011/sep/10/israeli-embassy-attacked-cairo#/?picture=378818201&index=0

Everything up for grabs in ongoing revolt http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48801

LIBYA

Empty village raises concerns about fate of black Libyans #ixzz1XzpCyfDy http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/09/13/123999/empty-village-raises-concerns.html#storylink=omni_popular

Because we weren’t there? http://www.lrb.co.uk/2011/09/12/rory-stewart/because-we-werent-there

Hail to the true victors of Rupert’s Revolution by John Pilger http://www.newstatesman.com/africa/2011/09/pilger-gaddafi-british-libya

Civil society breaks through http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportId=93513

Islamists’ Growing Sway Raises Questions for Libya http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/15/world/africa/in-libya-islamists-growing-sway-raises-questions.html

Tawarga: fires blaze and bad blood lingers in Libyan ghost town http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/13/tawarga-fires-blood-libyan-town

PACIFIC

Calls to Free West Papua at the Pacific Forum by Catherine Delahunty http://blog.greens.org.nz/2011/09/08/calls-to-free-west-papua-at-the-pacific-forum/

‘The Year of the Forests” Forum by Catherine Delahunty http://blog.greens.org.nz/2011/09/13/%E2%80%9Cthe-year-of-the-forests%E2%80%9D-forum/

Pacific cannot be truly free until West Papua is free, say activists http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/articles/pacific-cannot-be-truly-free-until-west-papua-free-say-activists

Pacific Islands Forum opens with a protest http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10749993

Maire Leadbeater: Pacific Island Forum ignores deadliest issue in its patch http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10748245

Pacific Islands Forum 2011 in images – from suits to protesters http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2011/09/pacific-islands-forum-2011-in-images-–-from-suits-to-protesters/

West Papua public meeting, Auckland, 6 September 2011 By Peace Movement Aotearoa (Albums)

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.231926503521393.55672.116517195062325&type=1

Greeting the UN Secretary-General, Auckland, 6 September 2011 By Peace Movement Aotearoa (Albums)

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.231478586899518.55612.116517195062325&type=1

West Papuans still mourning with their Morning Star after 42 years http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2011/09/west-papuans-still-waiting-with-the-morning-star/

Café Pacific: How the Pacific Islands Forum shunned West Papuan issue http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/articles/café-pacific-how-pacific-islands-forum-shunned-west-papuan-issue

Harawira condemns lack of Māori profile at Forum – welcomes West Papua ‘progress’ http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/region-harawira-condemns-lack-māori-profile-forum-welcomes-west-papua-progress-7

FIJI/WEST PAPUA: McCully plays down security issues in media http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/fijiwest-papua-mccully-plays-down-security-issues-media-7613

West Papua ignored, Fiji poll condemned as Forum leaders emerge http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/articles/west-papua-ignored-fiji-poll-condemned-forum-leaders-emerge

NZ, Australian human rights groups call for UN probe on West Papua http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2011/09/nz-australian-human-rights-groups-call-for-un-probe-on-west-papua/

‘We Papuans have been hunted like animals but our resolve for independence has never diminished’ http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2011/09/we-papuans-have-been-hunted-like-animals-but-our-resolve-for-independence-has-never-diminished/

Calls to put West Papua Pacific leaders agenda http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat/stories/201108/s3306348.htm

Pacific will not be free until West Papua is ‘free from atrocities’, say activists http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2011/09/pacific-will-not-be-free-until-west-papua-is-free-from-atrocities-say-activists/

PAKISTAN

Arrested, tortured for assisting climate change victims http://links.org.au/node/2490

A killing machine called CIA: The CIA’s drone attacks in Pakistan have killed a lot more innocent people than it does in more mundane day-to-day butchery, but the plain fact is that it has always been in the business of killing, and always will be. http://www.dawn.com/2011/09/12/a-killing-machine-called-cia.html

PALESTINE

Historic Declaration by Palestinians, Israelis in Support of Israeli Social Protest, Anti-Colonial Struggle http://www.internationalviewpoint.org/spip.php?article2279

Israel approves plan to relocate 30,000 Bedouin from unrecognized villages From "Ha’aretz" http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-approves-plan-to-relocate-30-000-bedouin-from-unrecognized-villages-1.383772

The legal flaws of the Palmer Commission flotilla report http://richardfalk.wordpress.com/2011/09/13/the-legal-flaws-of-the-palmer-commission-flotilla-report/

Gaza Children in Israeli Hospital After Drone Attack

UN panel says Gaza siege is illegal collective punishment http://kiaoragaza.wordpress.com/2011/09/16/un-panel-says-gaza-siege-is-illegal-collective-punishment/

Viva Palestina: The Ongoing Journey

SWAZILAND

Eyewitness Swaziland: The birth of ‘Liberation Friday!’; ‘The struggle for a democratic Swaziland continues’ http://links.org.au/node/2487

Swaziland liberation movement leader: ‘Build an unstoppable tsunami for freedom!’ http://links.org.au/node/2484

SYRIA

Syrian uprising needs civil protection, no foreign state intervention http://www.antiimperialista.org/hadidi_against_foreign_intervention

UK

UK Unions Plot a Winter of Discontent: Unions Ballot More Than a Million Workers for Biggest General Strike Since 1926 http://bit.ly/oAiTBN

USA

From Attica to Pelican Bay: The Lessons We Haven’t Learned About Prison Conditions Over the Past 40 Years http://tinyurl.com/43hduox

Here’s why Longshore workers in Longview are so angry http://www.thestand.org/2011/09/heres-why-longshore-workers-are-so-angry/

Federal injunction issued as Longshoremen storm Longview port http://www.komonews.com/news/local/129457903.html

Decline in U.S. Household Income Raises Stakes for 2012 Presidential Race: US yearly median household income at its lowest level since 1996. No income growth in 15yrs as inequality at 1929 level http://bloom.bg/q1aEjW

VENEZUELA

Communal organization includes the city http://venezuelatranslatingtherevolution.blogspot.com/2011/09/communes-in-caracas.html

OLDER ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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