GPJA #394: Student protest Mon / Cuba 5 meeting Tues

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 394, September 23, 2011

Monday, September 26, 1-3pm, Student Union Quad, University of Auckland

Rally – We are the University! Students from Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Auckland and Otago University have called for a Nationwide Day of Student Action on Monday 26 September. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117669278338831 http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/09/day-of-student-action-monday.html
1. STOP ATTACKS ON STUDENTS: The Act Party’s ‘Voluntary Student Membership’ bill will destroy student unions and services nationwide. Stop the bill before it passes on Wednesday 28 September. Three students were arrested and two trespassed last week for taking part in peaceful protest during Human Rights week. Stop the militarisation of campus.
2. STOP ATTACKS ON STAFF: Vice Chancellor Stuart McCutchoen is trying to remove key working conditions from union agreements. Democratise the university and stop the corporatisation of education.
3.FREEZE FEES, FULLY FUND EDUCATION: Students are burdened with tens of thousands of dollars of debt by the time they graduate. Freeze fees, cancel the debt and fully fund education.

Tuesday, September 27, 6pm, ENG 3402, 20 Symonds St, University of Auckland
FREE THE CUBAN FIVE! SPEAKERS: • Jane Kelsey, Professor of law; • Annalucia Vermunt, Cuba Friendship Society; • Daniel Haines, International Affairs Officer – AUSA. Five Cubans have been imprisoned in the United States for 13 years after being falsely convicted of frame-up “conspiracy” charges. Known as the Cuban Five, there is an international campaign to win their freedom. They are Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando González and René González. The Five were living and working in the United States in order to keep the Cuban government informed of the activities of Miami-based groups which have launched violent attacks on Cuba and its citizens. These groups function with the tacit knowledge and backing of the United States government. Come and hear about the Cuban Five. Discuss important new developments such as the impending release on parole of René González. Find out how you can be part of the campaign. Sponsored by Cuba Friendship Society and Amnesty on Campus. For more details, contact: Annalucia 021 2017399; mike

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

WAIHOPAI SPYBASE PROTEST JANUARY 20-22, 2012
The Waihopai spybase was subjected to unprecedented public attention by the March 2010 trial and acquittal of the three Ploughshares peace activists who penetrated its high security in 2008 and deflated one of the two domes concealing its satellite dishes from the NZ public. This legal saga has continued into 2011 with the Government changing the law to prevent their grounds of defence being used again and then suing the three activists personally for the $1.2 million damage to the dome. The Anti-Bases Campaign was happy to support this non-violent direct action anti-war activity, from start to finish.
The public face of New Zealand’s role as an American ally is the NZ military presence in Afghanistan. But New Zealand’s most significant contribution to that, and other American wars, including the one in Iraq, is the Waihopai electronic intelligence gathering base, located in the Waihopai Valley, near Blenheim. It is controlled by the US, with New Zealand (including Parliament and the Prime Minister) having little or no idea what goes on there, let alone any control.
First announced in 1987, Waihopai is operated by New Zealand’s Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) in the interests of the foreign Powers grouped together in the super-secret UKUSA Agreement (which shares global electronic and signals intelligence among the intelligence agencies of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and NZ). Its two satellite interception dishes intercept a huge volume of civilian telephone calls, telexes, faxes, e-mail and computer data communications. It spies on our Asia/Pacific neighbours, and forwards the material on to the major partners in the UKUSA Agreement, specifically the US National Security Agency (NSA). Its targets are international civilian communications involving New Zealanders, including the interception of international phone calls. Post- 9/11 the GCSB and Waihopai now spy further afield, to those regions where the US is waging wars. The codename for this – Echelon – has become notorious worldwide as the vast scope of its spying has become public. New Zealand is an integral, albeit junior part of a global spying network, a network that is ultimately accountable only to its own constituent agencies, not governments, not citizens.
Join us for the weekend of anti-war protest at this spybase. Come prepared for roughing it and camping out. We provide the food (we cater for vegetarians but vegans will have to bring their own). Bring sleeping bag, groundsheet, a tent, torch, water bottle, eating utensils, clothing for all weather, and $40 (or $20 unwaged) to cover costs. No open fires.
How to find our camp at Whites Bay: turn off SH1 at Tuamarina (9km north of Blenheim or 20 km south of Picton) and drive to Rarangi on the coast. Follow the steep Port Underwood Road over the hilltop before descending to the Whites Bay turnoff. There is a DoC public camp at the bay with basic facilities. ABC has to pay a fixed charge per head.
Waihopai does not operate in the interests of New Zealanders or our neighbours. Basically it is a foreign spybase on NZ soil and directly involves us in America’s wars. Waihopai must be closed. Organised by the Anti-Bases Campaign, P.O. Box 2258, Christchurch. E-mail cafca www.converge.org.nz/abc $40 Registration ($20 unwaged). Make all cheques to ABC

OPERATION 8: DEEP IN THE FOREST
There are opportunities around the country to see the ‘Operation 8’ documentary. The film is now also available on DVD. Have a look in your local DVD store for a copy. For more information see http://cutcutcut.com/Operation8.html

FOREIGN CONTROL WATCHDOG 127 AUGUST 2011

· TPPA: Are We There Yet? No, And Hopefully Never Will Be by Murray Horton

· What Star-Struck NZ Journos Didn’t Tell Us About U.S. And TPPA by Jane Kelsey

· TPPA And The Democratic Deficit by Bill Rosenberg

· Trade Deal Threatens Alcohol Reform And Democracy by Viola Palmer

· Earthquake Update by Murray Horton

· Political Quake Behind Christchurch Rebuild by Fiona Farrell

· A Risky Business: Or, How Insurance Companies (And Friends) Rule The World by Liz Gordon

· Food, Crisis, And The Global Economy: Countering NZ’s Corporate Bonding by Dennis Small

· Don Brash – The Brown Man’s Burden by John Minto

· Back To The Future: Small Communities Point The Way? by Maire Leadbeater

· Reviews by Jeremy Agar
Operation 8 A Film by Errol Wright and Abi King-Jones
Ill Fares The Land by Tony Judt
A History Of The World Since 9/11 by Dominic Streatfield

· Biggest Ever Donations To CAFCA & The Organiser Thank You, Ron Resnick by Murray Horton

· Please Sign Petition Against Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

· Postcards Opposing Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement Available To Send To Politicians

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 Auckland. 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

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 : research or call Sue Berman 09 833 3421

WHAT’S ON

Friday, September 23, 7pm, 4/125 Grafton Rd, Auckland
Militant Labour Forum: Pacific Islands Forum in Auckland: • NZ rulers continue anti-Fiji campaign • U.S. reasserts role as dominant Pacific power. The Pacific Islands Forum held in Auckland this month was used by the imperialist powers of New Zealand and Australia to assert their dominance over the other 13 members in attendance. The New Zealand government led the way in ensuring that Fiji remained excluded from the gathering. The presence of a 50-member delegation from Washington underscored the U.S. rulers’ determination to meet any challenge to their military dominance of the Pacific. A recent Pentagon report indicated that China’s increasing military capacity is of particular concern to the U.S. rulers. The New Zealand and Australian governments – defending their position as overlords in the South Pacific – have criticised Beijing’s aid and loans to a number of Pacific countries. Those supporting struggles for independence in French Polynesia and West Papua used the occasion of the forum to promote these issues. At this week’s Militant Labour Forum, Felicity Coggan from the Communist League will speak on these developments. 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

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. Also I’m pleased to announce that Radio New Zealand will be airing a 50 minute feature on my research on Labour Day—October 24—at 10am.

Saturday, September 24, 1pm, QE2 Square, Auckland
MOVING PLANET AUCKLAND – a Day to Move Beyond Fossil Fuels. People of Auckland are gathering for a day of action to show our concern about the state of the planet and send a message to our leaders that we want action on climate change. 13.00 All gather at QEII Square; 13.30 March; 14:00 Arrive at Albert Park for picnic/food/music/fun times. http://www.theaucklander.co.nz/news/moving-planet-auckland/1108263/

Sunday, September 25, 2pm, Band Rotunda on Charles Street, Kaiapoi
– Full replacement polices should be honoured for those homes to be demolished in the Red Zone
– Want transparency when it comes to why our homes have been zoned Green or Red?
-Is Rateable Value a fair deal for your Red Zoned land? Do you want to be rezoned
– How are you coping, this maybe one of the largest decisions you make in your life.
– Improve availability of land in this area
WE WILL GET CHANGE BY WORKING TOGETHER: We want residents from Pines Beach, Kairaki beach, Brooklands, Christchurch, Spencerville..we want as many people there as possible please…tell your friends. Email or call if you would like to support or assist with this rally..thank you info

Monday, September 26, 1-3pm, Student Union Quad, University of Auckland
Rally – We are the University! Students from Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Auckland and Otago University have called for a Nationwide Day of Student Action on Monday 26 September. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117669278338831

http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/09/day-of-student-action-monday.html
1. STOP ATTACKS ON STUDENTS: The Act Pary’s ‘Voluntary Student Membership’ bill will destroy student unions and services nationwide. Stop the bill before it passes on Wednesday 28 September. Three students were arrested and two trespassed last week for taking part in peaceful protest during Human Rights week. Stop the militarisation of campus.
2. STOP ATTACKS ON STAFF: Vice Chancellor Stuart McCutchoen is trying to remove key working conditions from union agreements. Democratise the university and stop the corporatisation of education.
3.FREEZE FEES, FULLY FUND EDUCATION: Students are burdened with tens of thousands of dollars of debt by the time they graduate. Freeze fees, cancel the debt and fully fund education.
Monday, September 26, 5pm, Women’s Federation Rm, Old Government House, Auckland University
Nicky Hagar on “Other People’s Wars”: The Department of Political Studies presents one of New Zealand’s most prominent investigative journalists to talk on his new work Other People’s Wars. While many people know about the War in Afghanistan, very few people know about the role that New Zealand has had in the conflict. Composed from thousands of leaked military and intelligence documents, extensive interviews and eye-witness accounts from soldiers, Hager’s work raises important questions on the need for public accountability and transparent governance over New Zealand’s role in the War on Terror. In this talk, Hager will give an overview of some of the issues discussed in his work and his perspectives on the issues that New Zealand’s involvement raises. This seminar is open to the public.
Monday, September 26, 6.30pm, Hub Lifewise Cafe, 453 Karangahape Rd, Auckland
Auckland Action Against Poverty Invites you to our next meeting – How Key & Bennett have benefited from our welfare. Karen Davis will give a short talk on how John Key and Paula Bennett have benefited from social spending and the welfare system themselves, and how John Key has made his millions. It’s time we stopped simply analysing the ‘poor’, and took a closer look at the rich and powerful as well. ALL WELCOME. For further information, please feel free to contact Karen at : karendavis700 or contact In solidarity, Sue, Phil and Karen for Auckland Action Against Poverty.

Monday, September 26, 6pm, Trades Hall, 126 Vivian St, Wellington.
Anti-war planning meeting – 10 years of War: The 8th of October 2011 marks the 10-year anniversary of the start of the war on the people of Afghanistan. From the start of the war, the New Zealand government was committed to going to war alongside the US. It is New Zealand’s longest-ever foreign war. The justification offered for the war was to ‘catch the evildoers’ responsible for the events of September 11, 2001. The reality is that ‘terrorism’ was a convenient pretext for the US to start bombing and terrorising the civilian population. 30,000 Afghans have died and their countryside has been littered with depleted uranium and landmines in a war that is actually about American hegemony and control of resources in the Middle East and Central Asia, not terrorism, not women’s rights and certainly not democracy. We hope to mark the 10-year anniversary in Wellington and would like you to get involved in the planning.

Monday, September 26, 7pm, WEA, 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
CAFCA AGM with DVD “BLOOD AND TREASURE

Tuesday, September 27, 6pm, ENG 3402, 20 Symonds St, University of Auckland
FREE THE CUBAN FIVE! SPEAKERS: • Jane Kelsey, Professor of law; • Annalucia Vermunt, Cuba Friendship Society; • Daniel Haines, International Affairs Officer – AUSA. Five Cubans have been imprisoned in the United States for 13 years after being falsely convicted of frame-up “conspiracy” charges. Known as the Cuban Five, there is an international campaign to win their freedom. They are Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando González and René González. The Five were living and working in the United States in order to keep the Cuban government informed of the activities of Miami-based groups which have launched violent attacks on Cuba and its citizens. These groups function with the tacit knowledge and backing of the United States government. Come and hear about the Cuban Five. Discuss important new developments such as the impending release on parole of René González. Find out how you can be part of the campaign. Sponsored by Cuba Friendship Society and Amnesty on Campus. For more details, contact: Annalucia 021 2017399; mike

Wednesday, September 28, 6-8pm, Council Chambers, Henderson Service Centre, 6 Henderson Valley Rd, Henderson (above the train station)
NZEI Child Poverty and Early Childhood Education Meeting. Guest Speaker: Assoc. Professor Michael O’Brien, Chairperson of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), contributor to CPAG’s latest report on child poverty, “Left Further Behind”. Following Michael’s presentation we will discuss and share ideas about current initiatives in early childhood education to address poverty and ways that ECE services could progress the recommendations of the “Left Further Behind” report. This is a free event. All welcome. Refreshments provided. Please RSVP to Jane Marti 360 4694, 027 289 1854, jane.marti

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

Saturday, October 1, 10am, QE2 Square (Britomart), March up!! Queen Street to Aotea Square
THE REAL AOTEAROA (NZ) NAU MAI… HAERE MAI. Kaupapa (Purpose): This is a chance to involve as many social justice groups as possible, where the people of Aotearoa (NZ) can bring their issues, and address it to the world and to remind the world, the injustices of, Oil Drilling, Mining, Rising of GST, High food prices, Benefit cuts, Stealing Maori land, Poverty, Kaipara Turbines and Student & Workers rights that this NZ GOVT has done, and is still doing today, to the people of Aotearoa (NZ). 10.00amMobilise at QE2 Square (Britomart); 11.00am March up!! Queen Street to Aotea Square. Stop along the way for a moment of silence. 12.00pm -1.00pm Assemble at Aotea Square. Speakers from different groups or movements to speak.

Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=233418306710580

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 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.

Monday, October 10, 5.30pm, Rialto Cinemas, 167 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland
Warm Heart of Africa Screening + Discussion with Mustafa Davis. The Muslim Youth Advisory Council presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up and personal with the well-known photographer and director, Mustafa Davis. Mustafa Davis is a well-known American photographer and film m

aker whose work is primarily based around issues in the Muslim and wider community. The Muslim Youth Advisory Council is proud to host him on his first ever ‘extended’ trip to New Zealand whilst on his South East Asia Tour! The "Warm Heart of Africa" takes you on a journey in Malawi and discusses the blunt and harsh reality of the HIV/AIDs epidemic in one of the worlds’ poorest countries. The screening will be followed by a discussion with Mustafa Davis himself. For more work by Mustafa Davis visit www.mustafadavis.com Ticket Prices: Adult – $15; Student/Child – $10. VERY LIMITED SEATING. To purchase a ticket please email myac.nz@gmail.com with your name and contact details or contact Fatima Ali – 0210309287 or Moshin Khan – 02102736240.

Thursday, October 20, 6pm, Academy Cinema, Lorne St, below Auckland City Library.
Strange Birds in Paradise: A must see Documentary. 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 David Bridie: Donny a recent exile to Australia, Jacob a former child soldier in the West Papuan Resistance Movement and Charlie Hill-Smith an Australian filmmaker who has formed close friendships with Melanesian & Javanese families he met as an exchange student. Afloat in an extraordinary musical tradition from the West Papuan highlands, hearing stories of escape, oppression and exile from Jacob and Donny, listening to the defiant songs of murdered musician and independence hero Arnold Ap, Charlie confronts a basic question: how could these two vibrant cultures be at war and how can the rest of the world seemingly not care? This film is his search for an answer. This is a joint event organised by Amnesty International, the Indonesian Human Rights Committee and the AUT Pacific Media Centre. Join us in the foyer for nibbles & drinks from 6pm onwards, learn more about the Human Rights issues affecting Papua and take action on behalf of Papuan activist Filep Karma, imprisoned in 2004 for raising the Morning Star flag. Tickets are available on event finder $20-00 marnilisa 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

"Find out just what the people will submit to and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them; and these will continue until they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress." — Frederick Douglass – [Frederick Baily] (1818-1895), escaped slave, Abolitionist, author, editor of the North Star and later the New National Era August 4, 1857

"I was called a terrorist yesterday, but when I came out of jail, many people embraced me, including my enemies, and that is what I normally tell other people who say those who are struggling for liberation in their countryare terrorists. I tell them that I was also a terrorist yesterday, but, today, I am admired by the very people who said I was one." – Nelson Mandela – Larry King Live, May 16, 200

"Wanton killing of innocent civilians is terrorism, not a war against terrorism." – Noam Chomsky

"When the same man, or set of men, holds the sword and the purse, there is an end to Liberty." George Mason

"Liberty has never come from Government. It is always come from the subjects of Government. The history of Liberty is the history of resistance." Woodrow Wilson

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NDU: Govt role in job creation recognised in Green Party economic proposals http://www.nzweek.com/newzealand-news/govt-role-in-job-creation-recognised-in-green-party-economic-proposals-4682/

Labour women’s policy raises issue of pay equity http://www.odt.co.nz/news/business/178487/labour-womens-policy-raises-issue-pay-equity

Unacceptable threats made to schools over National Standards disclaimers http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1109/S00243/unacceptable-threats-made-to-schools-over-national-standards.htm

Christchurch teacher cuts short-sighted http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1109/S00064/christchurch-teacher-cuts-short-sighted.htm

UREWERA RAIDS

Supreme Court on Urewera raids: ‘deliberate disregard for the boundaries of legal power by the police’ http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1109/S00234/supreme-court-on-urewera-raids-police-overstepped-the-law.htm

Unlawful police conduct no surprise http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/unlawful-police-conduct-no-surprise/5/101802

Urewera defendants discharged Monday morning http://maorinews.com/karere/2011/urewera-defendants-discharged-monday-morning/

National end legal right of jury trials while RWC has Nation’s attention http://tumeke.blogspot.com/2011/09/national-end-legal-right-of-jury-trials.html

NZ ECONOMY

Housing on the state http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/5260027/Housing-on-the-state

CTU: Slow growth in GDP not good for jobs outlook http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1109/S00321/slow-growth-in-gdp-not-good-for-jobs-outlook.htm

RBNZ throws cold water on RBA http://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2011/09/the-rbnz-throws-cold-water-on-the-rba/

NZ WORK RIGHTS

SFWU: Industrial action looms for undervalued PACT workers http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1109/S00669/industrial-action-looms-for-undervalued-pact-workers.htm

NZ Professional Firefighters Union http://www.nzpfu.org.nz/index.html

CTU: Government learns nothing about health and safety http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1109/S00298/government-learns-nothing-about-health-and-safety.htm

NDU: Union ranks swell as workers seek protection and fair pay http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1109/S00246/union-ranks-swell-as-workers-seek-protection-and-fair-pay.htm

NDU: Focus on women welcomed http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1109/S00271/focus-on-women-welcomed.htm

TEU has set up an online email petition to tertiary education minister Steven Joyce and earthquake recovery minister Gerry Brownlee, urging them to invest now in Canterbury’s recovery, by funding the University of Canterbury to retain its staff and students.

http://teu.ac.nz/2011/09/supportcanterbury/

PSA: Suffrage Day a reminder that pay equity is still a dream http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1109/S00549/suffrage-day-a-reminder-that-pay-equity-is-still-a-dream.htm

Education workers will welcome true commitment to closing the pay gap http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1109/S00077/education-workers-will-welcome-commitment.htm

MANA MOVEMENT

John Minto Launches His Mana Campaign http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1109/S00299/john-minto-launches-his-mana-campaign.htm

Join the Minto for Mana facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Minto-for-Mana/262704523761273

Video, photo story and text from the launch of the Minto for mana campaign in Otara on Wednesday. http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/09/minto-for-mana-campaign-launch-in-otara.html

Hone: I was talking to a whanau a few weeks back about some problems they were having with Work and Income (WINZ), and this kuia started talking to me about how sad she was for the young people of today because there didn’t seem to be much hope for them. http://hone.co.nz/2011/09/20/ae-marika-20-september-2011/

Mana Calls On Govt To Support Un Recognition Of Palestine http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1109/S00327/mana-calls-on-govt-to-support-un-recognition-of-palestine.htm

Mana Wants Free Education for All http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1109/S00242/mana-wants-free-education-for-all.htm

CULTURAL DISSENT

New book: Adam Hanieh’s ‘Capitalism and Class in the Gulf Arab States’; Modern slaves in the GCC http://networkedblogs.com/ncJkQ

The Unacknowledged Victories of the American Left http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/18/books/review/american-dreamers-by-michael-kazin-book-review.html?_r=2&src=recg&pagewanted=print

The Invisible Handcuffs of Capitalism – Work in capitalist society is not only exploitative but crushes creativity and wastes intelligence, argues Michael Perelman. But is it possible for this to be changed without fundamental social transformation? http://www.counterfire.org/index.php/articles/book-reviews/14652-the-invisible-handcuffs-of-capitalism

BIOGRAPHY: Love and Capital: Karl and Jenny Marx and the Birth of a Revolution, By MARY GABRIEL, Reviewed by Troy Jollimore http://bnreview.barnesandnoble.com/t5/Reviews-Essays/Love-and-Capital-Karl-and-Jenny-Marx-and-the-Birth-of-a/ba-p/5655

FEATURES

Robert Fisk: Why the Middle East will never be the same again http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/fisk/robert-fisk-why-the-middle-east-will-never-be-the-same-again-2357514.html

Pizza Hut Workers: Cheesed Off From Paris To Sheffield http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=201109182353

The Left Bloc and Resistance Across Europe http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/545.php#continue

US rulers turned 9/11 outrage into blank cheque for endless war http://links.org.au/node/2498

Companies ejected from London arms fair for ‘promoting cluster bombs’ http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/16/ejected-arms-fair-cluster-bombs

Latin America’s left at the crossroads: Leftist governments in Latin America are facing resistance not only from the right, but from their own bases, as well. http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/09/2011913141540508756.html

LAND, LABOUR AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Arctic ice melt — corporations see profit in disaster http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48859

WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS

Martin Hart-Landsberg: Troubling economic trends for US workers http://links.org.au/node/2500

World Trade and the False Theory of Comparative Advantage http://critiqueofcrisistheory.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/world-trade-and-the-false-theory-of-comparative-advantage/

Why Karl Marx was right http://links.org.au/node/2502

Euro on a knife edge — are the Greeks to blame? http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48869

IMF: Inequality over the Past Century http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2011/09/picture.htm

IMF: More or Less by Branko Milanovic – Income inequality has risen over the past quarter-century instead of falling as expected http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2011/09/Milanovic.htm

Can the middle class be saved http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2011/09/can-the-middle-class-be-saved/8600/

U.S. Government Deficits and Debt Amid the Great Recession: What the Evidence Shows Robert Pollin http://www.peri.umass.edu/fileadmin/pdf/working_papers/working_papers_251-300/WP263.pdf

AFGHANISTAN

Taliban assault exposes failing, unpopular war http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48862

BOLIVIA

Bolivian president blasts the UN and the "Insecurity Council" on Libya http://en.mercopress.com/2011/09/19/bolivian-president-blasts-the-un-and-the-insecurity-council-on-libya

CANADA

Under Attack: In Defence of the Public Sector – This pamphlet was produced by the Public Sector Campaign of the Greater Toronto Workers’ Assembly http://www.workersassembly.ca/node/163

CUBA

Cuban Five: a Cruel and Bizarre Decision http://links.org.au/node/2504

Cuban regime warns “corrupt and corruptors”; close friend of Raul Castro family arrested http://en.mercopress.com/2011/09/21/cuban-regime-warns-corrupt-and-corruptors-close-friend-of-raul-castro-family-arrested

DENMARK

Danish elections – New Government Red-Green Alliance triples vote http://links.org.au/node/2501

EGYPT

Dateline Egypt: Everything up for grabs in ongoing revolt http://links.org.au/node/2495

GUATEMALA

New Film Tracks Struggle for Justice After Guatemalan Genocide (Video) http://www.democracynow.org/2011/9/15/granito_how_to_nail_a_dictator

The War Over Land in Guatemala http://upsidedownworld.org/main/news-briefs-archives-68/3219-the-war-over-land-in-guatemala

Pérez Molina Leads Guatemala Election But Faces November Run-Off http://latindispatch.com/2011/09/12/perez-molina-leads-guatemala-election-but-faces-november-run-off/

Guatemala and Mexico https://nacla.org/blog/2011/9/13/guatemala-and-mexico

On the Mexico-Guatemala Border, Migrants Demand End to the Violence http://www.cipamericas.org/archives/5339

HAITI

New Film on Al Jazeera: Haiti After the Quake http://english.aljazeera.net/programmes/aljazeeracorrespondent/2011/09/201196122110280787.html

Human Rights Watch Report Says World is Failing to Protect Women and Girls in Haiti http://www.canadahaitiaction.ca/content/human-rights-watch-report-says-world-failing-protect-women-and-girls-haiti

HONDURAS

In Honduras, Land Struggles Highlight Post-Coup Polarization http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/16/world/americas/honduras-land-conflicts-highlight-polarization.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print

IRAQ

US Invasion Resulted In A Million Iraqis Widowed: A staggering number of wives in Iraq lost their husbands in the years of violence following the U.S. invasion in 2003, a study released Sunday showed. The Los Angeles-based Relief International found that 1.5 million of the estimated 15 million Iraqi women are widows, and three out of every five of them were widowed during the war. http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2011/09/18/a-million-iraqis-widowed-during-war.html

IRELAND

Irish rugby player Trevor Hogan after Gaza mission http://kiaoragaza.wordpress.com/2011/09/20/irish-rugby-player-trevor-hogan-after-gaza-mission/

JAPAN

On September-19 denuclarization action in Japan http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article22914

Fukushima: radioactivity contamination in sea, mushrooms, beef… http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article22909

Japan, six months after March 11: Over 100,000 Fukushima Prefecture residents can’t return to hometowns http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article22907

LIBYA

Libyan forces pull back after Bani Walid battles http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/libyan-forces-pull-back-after-bani-walid-battles-2355819.html

No turning back for Libyan women http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/africa-mideast/no-turning-back-for-libyan-women/article2168162/

A thoroughgoing popular revolution? http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article22918

Revenge Feeds Instability in Libya – Rebels Burn Abandoned Homes in Loyalist Town as a Transitional Government Leader Stands By; ‘Tawergha Is No More’ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903532804576564861187966284.html

Libya: The battle for Libya: Killings, disappearances and torture http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE19/025/2011/en

NATO supported rebels dumb 800 bodies in "pro-Gadhafi" cemetery: The bodies were left at the cemetery by the rebels, with no information about where they were killed or found. http://www.bradenton.com/2011/09/18/3504270/in-libya-prison-populations-grow.html

MEXICO

Have Electrical Workers Won Their Two-Year Struggle? http://www.ww4report.com/node/10338

PALESTINE

All alone on Israel island http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/09/201191785718812831.html

Julie Webb-Pullman–Gaza: Khan Yunis revisited http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1109/S00167/julie-webb-pullman-gaza-khan-yunis-revisited.htm

Military whistleblower tells of ‘indiscriminate’ Israeli attacks http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/military-whistleblower-tells-of-indiscriminate-israeli-attacks-2355436.html

SPAIN
‘Hot’ autumn of protest brews http://links.org.au/node/2499
SUDAN

Secret police target Communist Party press http://links.org.au/node/2496

Challenges for independent South Sudan http://links.org.au/node/2503

THAILAND

Why aren’t the generals in jail? http://links.org.au/node/2497

Free Somyot Prueksakasemsuk!http://links.org.au/node/2494

TUNISIA

“What type of revolution?” http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article22916

UK

TUC vote: making anti-war history in the trade union movement http://tinyurl.com/4xum77l

War criminal: Tony Blair ‘visited Libya to lobby for JP Morgan’ http://tgr.ph/o6DXeF

USA

NYT Editorial: A Grievous Wrong: The Davis case in Georgia is further proof of the barbarity of the death penalty http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article22920

Media Blackout – Thousands peacefully protest Wall Street, No media coverage

Zionist bullying "doesn’t work"; Students for Justice in Palestine interviewed http://ht.ly/6ANWo

Class, not race, a divider for many in D.C. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-residents-see-class-not-race-as-citys-great-divider/2011/06/17/AGZdU9bH_print.html

The Truth about ‘Class War’ in America By Richard Wolff – Republicans claim, in Orwellian fashion, that Obama’s millionaire tax is ‘class war’. The reality is that the super-rich won the war. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article29174.htm

VENEZUELA

Huge involvement of youth in PSUV vanguard patrols http://venezuelatranslatingtherevolution.blogspot.com/2011/09/huge-involvement-of-youth-in-psuv.html

Communes in Caracas http://networkedblogs.com/n9T8y

YEMEN

Yemen’s fragile ceasefire breaks as protesters mourn their dead http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/21/yemen-fragile-ceasefire-breaks

350 injured in bloodiest day of Yemen uprising http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/19/yemens-bloodiest-day-yet

Protesters die in Yemen after troops open fire – Witnesses say at least 26 people killed and dozens wounded after security forces open fire on protesters massed in Sana’a http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/18/yemeni-protesters-fired-on

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. 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