GPJA #397: SAT OCT 15 – OCCUPY AOTEAROA – “WE ARE THE 99%” – INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 397, October 12, 2011

OCCUPY AOTEAROA SATURDAY OCTOBER 15 – “WE ARE THE 99%” – INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION

The time has come to show your support for injustices against the New Zealand people and the crimes of the Government! Let us unite and stand as one and show the world what we can do! We stand in solidarity with the Wall St Protesters and the many other protesters standing around the world that say 1% will not continue to steal from the 99%, which is happening right now. NZ is being stripped NOW! EMPOWER YOURSELF! You are the one you have been waiting for! There will be change. There will be justice! Inspired by Occupy Wall Street www.livestream.com/globalrevolution
AUCKLAND https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=200962876639610
WELLINGTON http://www.facebook.com/pages/Occupy-Wellington-Nz/253279161382607
CHRISTCHURCH https://www.facebook.com/pages/Occupy-Christchurch/122557837848947
DUNEDIN http://www.facebook.com/pages/Occupy-Dunedin/141220149310691
Alison Withers’s Videos http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=269028316462214&mid=4
Who will back Occupy Queen Street? http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/10/who-will-back-occupy-queen-street.html
A New Zealander arrested on Brooklyn Bridge http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-zealander-arrested-on-brooklyn.html
OCCUPY WALL STREET
Naomi Klein: Occupy Wall Street: The Most Important Thing in the World Now http://www.thenation.com/print/article/163844/occupy-wall-street-most-important-thing-world-now
Global Revolution Live from Occupy Wall Street – Video Stream – this channel will feature live streams from global non violent revolution spreading across the globe, with broadcasts from Wall Street Occupation in NYC. The channel will also feature live stream from solidarity protests and events in Spain, Greece, France, Belgium, Iceland and other places around the globe. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article29304.htm
Occupy Wall Street http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/occupy-wall-street
Occupy Wall Street In Washington Square: Mohammed Ezzeldin Speaks
Occupy Wall Street’s focus on disparity hits nerve http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/10/08/BUMU1LEBVV.DTL#ixzz1aQuy9zqB
The 99% occupy Wall Street http://johnriddell.wordpress.com/2011/10/05/the-99-occupy-wall-street/
Unions, Thousands Join Occupy Wall Street’s Fight http://www.thenation.com/blog/163823/unions-thousands-join-occupy-wall-streets-fight?rel=emailNation
Michael Moore Tonight at #OccupyWallStreet: "This Is a Historic Day" (Day 19, 10/5/11)
The US today: economic stagnation, political paralysis: Given mass unemployment and stimulus spending blocked in Washington, no wonder people are taking to the streets http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/oct/07/usemployment-useconomy
Protesters want world to know they’re just like us http://tinyurl.com/3lwxws3
An Interview With Henry Giroux: Youth Movement in a Culture of Hopelessness http://www.truth-out.org/interview-henry-giroux-youth-movement-culture-hopelessness/1318092302
Occupy Wall Street: Why Bother the Bankers? http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/552.php
Dean Baker: When Being Rich Makes Us Poor, People Should Occupy Wall Street http://www.truth-out.org/when-being-rich-makes-us-poor-people-should-occupy-wall-street/1318255427
Panic of the Plutocrats By Paul Krugman – The protests have already elicited a remarkably hysterical reaction from Wall Street, the super-rich in general, and politicians and pundits who reliably serve the interests of the wealthiest hundredth of a percent. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article29349.htm

GPJA FORUM NOVEMBER
Monday, November 7, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn, Auckland
GPJA Forum: Nicky Hagar on New Zealand’s role in the war in Afghanistan. Investigative journalist and researcher Nicky Hagar will speak about New Zealand’s war in Afghanistan following publication of his acclaimed (by all but a few politicians) book "Other People’s Wars" released in early September. In his book he details the real role of our troops and reconstruction teams in this country’s longest running war and the false and misleading information put out by politicians and our defence force officials. THIS FORUM IS NOT TO BE MISSED.

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

OPERATION 8 – DEEP IN THE FOREST
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
Waiheke – Waiheke Cinema: Friday, 14 Oct, 8pm
Devonport – Victoria Picture Palace: Thursday, 13 Oct – Wed 19 Oct 3pm
Auckland – Academy Cinema: Thursday, 13 Oct & Fri 14 Oct, 12.30pm; Sat 15 Oct – Sun 16 Oct, 3.45pm; Monday, 17 Oct – Wed 19 Oct, 12.30pm.
Raglan – The Old School: Friday, 14 Oct, 7.30pm
Whakatane – Cinema 5: 15 Oct – time tbc
New Plymouth – Arthouse Cinema: 17 Oct – time tbc
Wellington – The Paramount: Saturday, 15 Oct, 11.45am; Saturday, 15 Oct, 6.15pm
Dunedin – Metro Cinema: Screenings start 15 Oct

FOUR COMMUNITY ELECTION FORUMS
Unions and community organisations bring you a fun, fast and furious evening of political debate.
West Auckland – 8 November: 7pm, Kelston Community Centre, cnr Great North & Awaroa Rd. MC’d by Jeremy Elwood
Wellington – 9 November: 5.30pm, St John’s on Willis St. MC’d by Ian Harcourt
Auckland Central – 15 November: 7pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn. MC’d by Michele A’Court
Hamilton – 16 November: 7pm, YWCA, 36 Pembroke St. MC’d by Jeremy Elwood
Hosted by some of New Zealand’s favourite funny people. Party spokespeople will have 2 minutes each to answer questions on: Public service cuts; Collective bargaining and a living wage; Early childhood education; ACC; Family carers and paid work; Disabled persons’ issues; Healthy workplaces; Welfare. Brought to you by: the PSA, NZNO, SFWU, First Union, NZEI, Carers NZ, People First Inc Nga Tangata Tuatahi, Working Women’s Resource Centre, Auckland Disability Law, Disabled People’s Assembly, Poverty Action Waikato, ACC Futures Coalition, Beneficiary Advocacy Federation of NZ, and Wellington Council of Social Services. Entry by gold coin koha. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information or to register email election.campaign Visit our Facebook page

VIVA PALESTINA – A MESSAGE TO FRIENDS FROM ROGER FOWLER
Hello all ….you may know that I have been selected to lead another Kiwi team on the next Viva Palestina international aid convoy to break the illegal Israeli siege of Gaza. Below is the latest statement from Kia Ora Gaza about the convoy and biographies of the Kiwi contingent. With the recent uprisings in the region, this initiative has a great potential for successfully opening up the gates of Rafah and ending Gaza’s isolation for good. I am asking my friends, old & new, to consider contributing towards this campaign. Our fund-raising target is $50,000. This will cover the team’s flight costs and two aid-packed ambulances. If we all help out we will be able to make it happen. [After the Israeli commando attack on the Mavi Marmara aid ship, our first NZ team joined the Viva Palestina land convoy last year which broke through the siege with $7million of medical aid packed into 150 ambulances & trucks.] Please see the website for details on how to make a donation, or click ‘donate’ on: rogerfowler

MIGRANTE APPEAL FOR SUPPORT FOR TYPHOON PEDRING VICTIMS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Dear Compatriots and Friends of the Filipino People in New Zealand: In the spirit of bayanihan (cooperation), Migrante International is calling on its chapters around the world to raise funds in aid of families devastated by typhoon Pedring. Among those needing urgent support are poor peasant families in Southern Luzon who need to buy grains and recover their losses. They have barely recovered from typhoon Juan and the promised government assistance for grains has yet to come. Migrante Aotearoa New Zealand is endorsing Migrante International’s appeal for financial donations to support rescue missions, distribution and delivery of essential goods such as rice, canned goods and bottled water, setting up of soup kitchens and other relief missions to affected areas in Metro Manila and Southern Luzon. Donations may be deposited to Migrante Aotearoa’s ASB account. Account name: Migrante Aotearoa New Zealand Incorporated; Account Number: 12-3136-0276480-00. Please note that Inland Revenue qualified Migrante Aotearoa as a donee organization, however cash donations for overseas use will not be qualified for tax refund. We hope to send the first wave of donations to Migrante International’s bank account in the Philippines on Monday, 10th October 2011; the second wave of donations on 17th October 2011 after our weekend food sale and collection of more donations. Thank you very much for your support. ARIEL GUANLAO, President,Migrante Aotearoa

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA! JOIN THE 29TH ANNUAL SOUTHERN CROSS WORK-STUDY TOUR TO CUBA
Organised by the New Zealand – Australia Cuba Friendship Society 28 Dec 2011 to 20 Jan 2012. Be more than just a tourist join the 29th Southern Cross Work-Study Tour and support Cuba in the most direct manner by working alongside Cubans for a few days picking fruit, pruning or planting fruit trees or slashing grass and then visiting schools, hospitals, cultural sites & urban agriculture projects, etc. You’ll experience at first hand the cultural, political and social conditions in socialist Cuba. This year’s program will give participants an opportunity to celebrate the 51st anniversary of ICAP & gain an insight into how the Cuban people have triumphed over adversity to keep the revolution strong. For more information about the 29th Contingent of the Southern Cross Brigade visit the Brigade Webpage , email us or call 027 226 9950.

PETITION – STOP THE PERSECUTION OF RENÉ GONZÁLEZ: LET HIM RETURN TO CUBA!
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: René González is one of the "Cuban Five" prisoners who have now spent 13 years in U.S. prisons, having been falsely labeled as "spies," unjustly convicted in the anti-Cuban environment of Miami, and condemned to long terms in prison, all for the "crime" of fighting terrorism by infiltrating Miami-based terrorist groups to expose their continuing terrorist plots against Cuba. González will be the first of the Five to be released from prison on October 7, and, in a measure that can only be described as vindictive, the U.S. government wants to force him to spend his three years on probation in the United States, where he has no family, rather than allowing him to return to Cuba. http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-the-persecution-of-ren-gonzlez-let-him-return-to-cuba Email President Obama and Demand René Gonzalez be returned to CUBA! http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

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

WHAT’S ON

Thursday, October 13, 12-1pm, Meet at the brail sculpture on the corner of Grey St and Lambton Quay, Wellington
Join us on Thursday the 13th of October in expressing our frustration and anger at current incompetence in dealing with the oil disaster in Tauranga. We (a group of concerned citizens) will be calling for: – the immediate deployment of booms and oil scooping equipment; around the ship and around the trailing oil spill at sea – not toxic; dispersants or simple beach cleanups; an emergency system for dealing with the containers spilling toxic waste; and for; an immediate moratorium on offshore drilling. We will be meeting at 12 noon at the brail sculpture on the corner of Grey St and Lambton Quay and heading to a currently undecided location. All groups and individuals welcome, particularly affected iwi and communities. Please distribute this event widely.

Thursday, October 13, 7.30pm, Canterbury WEA, 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
The annual Lincoln Efford Memorial Lecture: The lignite plans of Solid Energy and why the coal must be kept in the ground – Jeanette Fitzsimons. All welcome! Any queries, please phone WEA, 366 0285; or email: cwea

Friday, October 14, 9pm, Southern Cross, Abel Smith Street, Wellington
14th October – Solidarity gig in Wellington: An amazing line-up of musicians including Riki Gooch, Imon Starr, Mara TK, and Bennie Tones will play a free gig at the Southern Cross on Friday, October 14th to celebrate the solidarity and support given to the many people involved in the Urewera case over the past four years. FREE Gig to commemorate the four-year anniversary of the State Terror Raids on communities throughout Aotearoa, and to celebrate the on-going solidarity and support for the defendants. Featuring Riki Gooch, Mara TK, Imon Starr, Vanessa Stacey, DJ Hammondhead, Mikki D, Sheeq n La, and Benny Tones.

Friday, October 14, 7pm, 4/125 Grafton Rd, Auckland
N.Z., U.S., and allied forces out of Afghanistan, Pakistan: It is ten years since U.S. forces led the im-perialist intervention against Afghanistan. New Zealand forces have been part of the intervention from the beginning. Around 100,000 U.S. troops are stationed there today. The war has expanded into Paki-stan through incursions and assassination squads targeting alleged Taliban and al Qaeda forces – with or without the agreement of the Pakistan government. The increasing use of killer drone aircraft has been a hallmark of the war under U.S. president Barack Obama. SAS (Special Air Service) forces of the New Zealand military have been involved in a number of firefights in Kabul this year, lead-ing to the deaths of opposition fighters, Afghan civilians, and two SAS soldiers. This week’s Militant Labour Forum will discuss why working people should oppose this intervention and demand the withdrawal of all New Zealand, U.S. and allied forces from Afghanistan and the region. Annalucia Vermunt from the Communist League will speak. Hosted by the Militant Labour Forum. Suggested donation $5 waged, $2 unwaged – includes supper. 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: www.pathfinderpress.com ; the Militant: www.themilitant.com

Saturday, October 15, 1pm, The Peace Palace, 22 Emily Place, Auckland
Harmeet Sooden reports on the most recent Gaza aid flotilla

Saturday, October 15, 3pm, Pomeroys, 202 Kilmore St, Christchurch
‘Books and Beers’ invites you to a reading/social group dedicated to good ideas and good beer! Books & Beers is an informal, open space and anyone interested is welcome to take part. We get together at a pub to discuss a chosen paper, zine or book—from topical themes and radical history, to ideas around organising and other random rants, we hope to gain some knowledge, exchange ideas, and have a few beers while doing it. This event’s reading will be the short text: ‘Complex Everyday Realities: Women and Class’ (read it here: http://fullmoononwater.blogspot.com/2011/06/complex-everyday-realities-women-and.html?spref=fb . Have a read, then join us in occupying a few couches at Pomeroy’s.

Monday, October 17, 6pm to 7.30 pm, St Peter’s, Corner Willis and Ghuznee Street, Wellington
RESPONSE TO POVERTY IN WELLINGTON: Speakers: Stephanie McIntyre, Downtown Community Ministry; Brian Easton, Economist, Listener Columnist; Chair: Bishop Richard Randerson. More information: www.stpetersonwillis.org.nz

Monday, October 17, 6-8pm, Wellington Central Baptist Church, 46-48 Boulcott St, Wellington.
West Coast Environment Network Inc, Greenpeace NZ, Forest and Bird and Coal Action Network Aotearoa are pleased to invite you to: Say No to Fossil Fools. A panel discussion with groups campaigning against fossil fool extraction. Panellists: • Jeanette Fitzsimons (former Green MP, concerned grandmother) on Southland lignite; • Rod Morris (wildlife photographer) on the biodiversity rich conservation land of the proposed Denniston coal mine; • Mike Smith (Greenpeace NZ) on the threat of deep sea oil drilling happening off the East Coast; • Robyn Harris-Iles (Environmental researcher) on fracking (hydraulic fracturing). All welcome. Free entry; koha appreciated. Each panellist will speak for 15 minutes. There will then be 45 minutes for questions and discussion, followed by time to check out the stalls of groups working on fossil fuel / climate change / climate justice campaigns here in Aotearoa NZ. Tea, coffee, biscuits provided. Join the movement against the destructive expansion of fossil fuel extraction in the lands and waters of Aotearoa New Zealand. Protect our climate / health / conservation land / farmland / seabeds. For more information, please email: coalactionnetwork

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/
Monday, October24, 2pm, Te Papa Museum, Wellington
“BREAD AND ROSES” – NEW VERSION: A new version of Gaylene Preston’s film Bread and Roses about the life of Sonja Davies has been compiled / cut by the National Film Studio. It is exactly the same film, but now made in a durable medium that will last. It will be launched on Monday 24 October – Labour weekend at Te Papa at 2 p.m. It is part of a retrospective of Gaylene’s films and she will be there to talk and discuss these in the theatrette from 1 p.m. onwards. The film itself is still 3 hours long.

Tuesday, October 25, 5.30pm, Lecture theatre 3, Rutherford House, Pipitea campus, Lambton Quay, Wellington.
A seminar: Sex, Lies and Pay Rates – Speakers: Catherine Delahunty – Green MP; Helen Kelly – NZCTU President; Lyndy McIntyre – Communication and Campaigns Advisor SFWU; Nicole Skews – Young Feminists’ Wellington Collective; Paul McKay – Manager Employment Relations Policy Business New Zealand; Susan Guthrie – Co author of “ The Big Kahuna”. Chaired By Christine Brookes – Wellington Improvisation Troupe. Hosted by the Pay Equity Challenge Coalition and the Women’s Studies Association, Wellington. http://payequity.wordpress.com/

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.

Saturday, November 5, 2pm, QE2 Square, Downtown, Auckland
Auckland rally for justice and peace in Palestine: callout by NZ Palestine Human Rights Campaign. We rally on the first Saturday of every month. Next rally – 2pm this Saturday, 1 October 2011.
QE2 Square
, Customs St and Queen St intersection
 (outside Downtown shopping centre). Come support justice and peace based on: Ending 44 years of Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip (including East Jerusalem); Ensuring the right of return for Palestinianrefugees; Sharing Jerusalem; Vacating all settlementcolonies in Israelioccupied Palestine; Dismantling Israel’s annexation/apartheid wallin occupied Palestine.

Monday, November 7, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn, Auckland
GPJA Forum: Nicky Hagar on New Zealand’s role in the war in Afghanistan. Investigative journalist and researcher Nicky Hagar will speak about New Zealand’s war in Afghanistan following publication of his acclaimed (by all but a few politicians) book "Other People’s Wars" released in early September. In his book he details the real role of our troops and reconstruction teams in this country’s longest running war and the false and misleading information put out by politicians and our defence force officials. THIS FORUM IS NOT TO BE MISSED.

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

“It should never be forgotten that while colonisation, with its techniques and its political and juridical weapons, obviously transported European models to other continents, it also had a considerable boomerang effect on the mechanisms of power in the West, and on the apparatuses, institutions, and techniques of power. A whole series of colonial models was brought back to the West, and the result was that the West could practice something resembling colonisation, or an internal colonialism, on itself.” – Michel Foucault, Society Must Be Defended http://mondoweiss.net/2011/10/the-boomerang-comes-home-obamas-death-panel-and-the-war-on-terror.html

"If they can not address [the financial crisis] in a credible way I believe within perhaps 2 to 3 weeks we will have a meltdown in sovereign debt which will produce a meltdown across the European banking system. We are not just talking about a relatively small Belgian bank, we are talking about the largest banks in the world, the largest banks in Germany, the largest banks in France, that will spread to the United Kingdom, it will spread everywhere because the global financial system is so interconnected. All those banks are counterparties to every significant bank in the United States, and in Britain, and in Japan, and around the world. This would be a crisis that would be in my view more serious than the crisis in 2008…. What we don’t know the state of credit default swaps held by banks against sovereign debt and against European banks, nor do we know the state of CDS held by British banks, nor are we certain of how certain the exposure of British banks is to the Ireland sovereign debt problems." IMF Advisor http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6UGDTtqklSo

“Actually, there’s been class warfare going on for the last 20 years, and my class has won. We’re the ones that have gotten our tax rates reduced dramatically. If you look at the 400 highest taxpayers in the United States in 1992, the first year for figures, they averaged about $40 million of [income] per person. In the most recent year, they were $227 million per person — five for one. During that period, their taxes went down from 29 percent to 21 percent of income. So, if there’s class warfare, the rich class has won.” Warren Buffet

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Gordon Campbell: On RNZ’s banning of Bomber Bradbury http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2011/10/10/gordon-campbell-on-rnz%E2%80%99s-banning-of-bomber-bradbury/

Call for release of political prisoners in Philippines http://opinion.inquirer.net/15079/call-for-release-of-political-prisoners

Remove the Communist Party of the Philippines from NZ’s terror list http://aps-nz.org/2011/10/11/remove-the-communist-party-of-the-philippines-from-nz%e2%80%99s-terror-list/

NZ ECONOMY

Tiny gains in wage packets http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/5742308/Tiny-gains-in-wage-packets

Wave of debt poses serious threat http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10756802

Downgrade highlights need for repairs By Susan Guthrie and Gareth Morgan http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10758076

Tax Switch Created Many Problems http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1110/S00169/tax-switch-created-many-problems.htm

The online tool of Foreign Control Watchdog http://www.watchblogaotearoa.blogspot.com/

CTU: Families have to spend more on essentials http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1110/S00239/families-have-to-spend-more-on-essentials.htm

PSA: Let’s cut more public services and resources – then what? http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1110/S00180/lets-cut-more-public-services-and-resources-then-what.htm

NZ WORK RIGHTS

The maritime free market has failed http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/10/maritime-free-market-has-failed.html

Flag-of-convenience shipping criticised http://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/5770596/Flag-of-convenience-shipping-criticised

Courier drivers ‘virtually slaves’ http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/small-business/5754207/Courier-drivers-virtually-slaves

Income gap growing – Pay rates falling well behind price rises http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1110/S00144/pay-rates-falling-well-behind-price-rises.htm

PACT workers put employer on notice of industrial action http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1110/S00083/pact-workers-put-employer-on-notice-of-industrial-action.htm

Pupils will do work of aides – critic http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/5757570/Pupils-will-do-work-of-aides-critic

Job losses at carpet yarn mills http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1110/S00099/job-losses-at-carpet-yarn-mills.htm

Low-paid on downward spiral to poverty http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1110/S00092/low-paid-on-downward-spiral-to-poverty.htm

Parliament’s cleaners are earning ‘poverty wages’ http://www.3news.co.nz/Parliaments-cleaners-are-earning-poverty-wages/tabid/419/articleID/228414/Default.aspx

Less spin, better analysis and more action please Minister! http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1110/S00095/less-spin-better-analysis-and-more-action-please-minister.htm

Slow income growth shows need for higher minimum wage http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1110/S00136/slow-income-growth-shows-need-for-higher-minimum-wage.htm

No confidence vote at Aoraki http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/5752032/No-confidence-vote-at-Aoraki

Invercargill Support Workers Glad Backpay On Way http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/5752069/Support-workers-glad-backpay-on-way

Port Otago workers to fight job cuts http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/87360/port-otago-workers-to-fight-job-cuts

Putting workers FIRST: new 28,000 strong trade union formed http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1110/S00175/putting-workers-first-new-28000-strong-trade-union-formed.htm

PSA: Zero marks for Ministry of Education’s job cut strategy http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1110/S00120/zero-marks-for-ministry-of-educations-job-cut-strategy.htm

MANA MOVEMENT

Speech to the closing of the 49th Parliament – MP Hone Harawira http://hone.co.nz/2011/10/06/speech-to-the-closing-of-the-49th-parliament-mp-hone-harawira/

CULTURAL DISSENT

Movie warns we will lose our basic civil liberties if we yield to paranoia http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/5766008/Movie-warns-we-will-lose-our-basic-civil-liberties-if-we-yield-to-paranoia

"Occupy Wall Street (We’re Gonna Stay Right Here)" www.youtube.com/drovics#p/a/u/0/-b_zveHUF04

Guantánamo film shows plight of Canadian national detained at age 15 http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/05/guantanamo-film-rights-child-soldier

A Worker Reads History: Bertolt Brecht http://rustbeltradical.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/a-worker-reads-history-bertolt-brecht/

Beyond borders and walls: A delegation of hip-hop artists traveled to the West Bank to see the lives of Palestinians first-hand. Alexander Billet reviews the documentary of their experience. http://socialistworker.org/2011/10/06/beyond-borders-and-walls

New film preview: ‘Growing Change: A Journey Inside Venezuela’s Food Revolution’ http://links.org.au/node/2527

The Man Who Never Died: The Life, Times and Legacy of Joe Hill, American Labor Icon http://commerce2.pair.com/unionist/ccp7/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=joehill&mktsrc=labourstart

FEATURES

The Failure of Liberal Democracy – Gáspár Miklós Tamás interviewed by Matthew Bret http://www.socialistproject.ca/leftstreamed/ls115.php

The Strange Power of Qatar http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2011/oct/27/strange-power-qatar/

The ‘Getting’ of Assange And The Smearing Of A Revolution By John Pilger – The contrast with the treatment of a genuine pioneer of a revolution in journalism, who dared take on rampant America, providing truth about how great power works, is telling. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article29323.htm

WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS

Why are so many people out of work? Will Obama’s new ‘jobs plan’ make a difference? http://www.pslweb.org/liberationnews/news/why-are-so-many-people-out-of-work.html

Share Traders More Reckless Than Psychopaths, Study Shows http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,788462,00.html

LAND, LABOUR AND THE ENVIRONMENT

HOW TO MAKE AN ECOSOCIALIST REVOLUTION: “There can be no lasting solution to the world’s multiple environmental crises so long as capitalism remains the dominant economic and social system on this planet.” Ian Angus’s keynote presentation to the Climate Change Social Change conference in Melbourne, Australia, October 2, 2011. Text of “How to Make an Ecoocialist Revolution,” edited for publication:

http://climateandcapitalism.com/?p=5491 Full video of How to Make an Ecoocialist Revolution,” including slides, edited and produced by Jill Hickson

http://climateandcapitalism.com/?p=5491 Video clips from question period following "How to Make an Ecoocialist Revolution” http://climateandcapitalism.com/?p=5433

Enough is never enough (for those who have too much) http://climateandcapitalism.com/?p=5486

AFGANISTAN

Afghan civilians bear brunt of 10-year war http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/southasia/news/article_1666803.php/Afghan-civilians-bear-brunt-of-10-year-war

Mistreatment of conflict-related detainees in Afghan facilities: The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) report ‘Mistreatment of conflict-related detainees in Afghan facilities’ was released overnight – the full report is available at http://unama.unmissions.org/Portals/UNAMA/Documents/October10_%202011_UNAMA_Detention_Full-Report_ENG.pdf and the Executive Summary is available at http://unama.unmissions.org/Portals/UNAMA/Documents/October10_2011_Executive-Summary_Detention-Report%20-%20English.pdf

Afghanistan and the struggle against imperialism – The truth about the longest US war http://www.pslweb.org/liberationnews/news/afghanistan-and-the-struggle.html

US Afghanistan Invasion 10th Anniversary: 5.6 Million War-related Deaths By Dr Gideon Polya http://www.countercurrents.org/polya101011.htm

AUSTRALIA

Climate change social change conference attracts hundreds http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48997

CANADA

The Coming Battle: Healthcare Privatization and the Ontario Election http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/550.php

CHILE

Chile: Government Meets Students With Repression http://www.ww4report.com/node/10409

CUBA

Granma article on cooperatives http://tinyurl.com/3wxf4hg

On the release from prison of René González – Statement from the National Committee to Free the Cuban Five http://www.pslweb.org/liberationnews/news/on-the-release-from-prison-of.html

Justice for the Five once again denied http://www.granma.cu/ingles/news-i/28sept-40editorial.html

GREECE

Greeks Protest Cutbacks Amid Growing Weariness http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/world/europe/greek-workers-general-strike-protest-austerity.html?_r=2&ref=business

HAITI

Haitian Garment Bosses Fight Unionization Drive http://weeklynewsupdate.blogspot.com/2011/10/wnu-1099-haitian-garment-bosses-fight.html

JAPAN

Fukushima: Tepco’s nuclear accident manual “useless” and other stories http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article23052

Japan Nuclear Policy: From an to Noda http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article23049

On the cozy ties between the nuclear industry, government and (retired) bureaucrats http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article23051

KOREA

Hanjin shipyard workers continue strike against mass dismissal http://www.imfmetal.org/index.cfm?c=25875&l=2

LIBYA

Libyan civilian toll from NATO bombings still unknown http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/10/04/2438691/libyan-civilian-toll-from-nato.html#ixzz1aKLF1avy

Libya to free up oil sector – deputy minister: Libya’s oil sector will be freed up under the new government and companies will have more say over exploration, projects and operations, Libya’s deputy oil minister told Reuters on Monday. http://uk.news.yahoo.com/libya-free-oil-sector-deputy-minister-165135301.html

NATO refuses any Ceasefire while Situation in Sirte is Deteriorating (BBC, Oct 9, 2011) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IxfrwxlW5Wg

Anti-Gaddafi Fighters Loot, Burn Homes In Sirte: After capturing this hamlet, a center for Moammar Gadhafi’s tribe, revolutionary fighters have gone on a vengeance spree, looting and burning homes and making off with gold, furniture and even automobiles.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/05/libya-gaddafi-fighters-looting_n_997154.html

PACIFIC

Freeport mine workers continue strike action http://aawl.org.au/files//pdf/freeport_11_10_07.pdf

PALESTINE

Esc and Ctrl: The Guardian investigates Israeli internet hasbara http://mondoweiss.net/2011/10/esc-and-ctrl-the-guardian-investigates-israeli-internet-hasbara.html

Israeli Navy opens fire on Palestinian fishing boats. http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=427039

Rabbis for Palestine: a one-state solution for all. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VcjNJacDvPo

One-state solution goes mainstream? CBC interviews Ali Abunimah and Daniel Gavron / In a sign of changing times, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) carried a 30-minute interview with Ali Abunimah and Daniel Gavron, both supporting a one-state solution, on its flagship radio news programme The Current, with Anna Maria Tremonti. http://electronicintifada.net/blog/ali-abunimah/one-state-solution-goes-mainstream-cbc-interviews-ali-abunimah-and-daniel-gavron#.To-vpHLpeQM

Thousands protest against Israel’s plan to uproot Negev Bedouin. http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=426941

Israel has taken prisoner more than 750,000 Palestinians since 1967 http://english.wafa.ps/index.php?action=detail&id=17669

PHILIPPINES

The ‘War on Terror’ rages in the Philippines http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/inpictures/2011/10/2011104145947651645.html

‘Most of us were arrested without warrant’http://opinion.inquirer.net/14879/%E2%80%98most-of-us-were-arrested-without-warrant%E2%80%99

SOUTH AFRICA

Taking Back South Africa 2011: Will we ever be free? Theme video of the Taking Back South Africa 2011 movement. Amazing video. Please share with everyone. NOTE: All protest footage you see on this video are post democracy, anti crime and anti poverty protests against the ANC regime. Most protest footage is from 2010-2011.

USA

The Reign of the One Percenters – Income inequality and the death of culture in New York City http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/6470

OLDER ANNOUNCEMENTS

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