GPJA #401: Nicky Hagar speaks Mon Forum / Solidarity with lockout workers

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 401 November 2, 2011

GPJA FORUM WITH NICKY HAGAR
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.

SOLIDARITY WITH LOCKED OUT MARTON WORKERS http://www.facebook.com/groups/211101752294033/
6pm, Friday, November 4, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Auckland: Friday fundraiser for the locked out Marton Meat Workers: 6pm, Fri Nov 4, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn. Music from Lubin Rains (Vietnam War) and Caoimhe Macfehin (Drab Doo Riffs, Heart Attack Alley). Paul Brown, Scottish folk musician$10 donation on the door. All cash raised going to feed the families of the locked out meat workers. Don’t let them get starved back to work. http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/11/friday-fundraiser-for-locked-out-marton.html

2pm, Saturday, March 5, 100 Carmen Rd, Christchurch: Solidarity Picket for the locked-out CMP workers! At 2pm on Saturday 5th November Occupy Christchurch along with unions, workers campaign groups and local solidarity networks will take to the streets to bring some much needed attention to the plight of the 111 locked-out Canterbury Meat Packer workers. On Saturday 5th November, from 2pm ANZCO Foods Australasia & New Zealand Meat Marketing Office on 100 Carmen Rd will be the stage for an act of solidarity and opportunity to gather some much needed funding for those effected. CMP is a subsidiary of the multinational corporation ANZCO which supplies New Zealand meat throughout the World. "For almost 2 weeks the unionised workforce at CMP’s Rangitikei’s lamb plant have been locked out by their bosses. Their crime? Not accepting up to a 30% pay cut and a significant decrease in hours. The 111 workers and their families are now being starved out until they either accept the deal or with the support of the people of Aotearoa beat these disgusting acts of bad faith!" Stated Union Organiser and participant of Occupy Christchurch, Matt Jones. An urgent fund has been set up and money is beginning to pour in – "however with so many mouths to feed there is still a lot to do." Continued Mr Jones. KiwiBank account Name: Disputes Fund. Account number: 38-9007-0894028-08. "International pressure on this group will also be paramount for the future of our brothers and sisters in Rangitikei. Networking and campaigning in solidarity against big business who put profit before people and hold entire communities to ransom is something the Occupy Movement, combined with unions and the various workers rights campaign groups has the potential to smash and put into the history books" Concluded Mr Jones. Occupy Christchurch has been based at South Hagley Park for more than two weeks. In support of the Occupy Wall Street phenomena the group hold open daily general assemblies, weekend ‘free markets’ and have been busy networking with community groups and organisations. More information can be found at http://www.occupychristchurch.org.nz and face book: occupy christchurch

Making sense at the Marton lockout http://blog.greens.org.nz/2011/11/02/making-sense-at-the-marton-lockout/

Picket line back at meat plant as talks continue http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/news/picket-line-back-at-meat-plant-as-talks-continue/1150769/

Picketers vent anger at works – But no kill due to lack of inspectors http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/5819643/Picketers-vent-anger-at-works

Meat firm accused of pressuring staff http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/5827522/Meat-firm-accused-of-pressuring-staff

Meat companies as greedy as banks http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/10/meat-companies-as-greedy-as-banks.html

OCCUPY AOTEAROA

Gordon Campbell On The Occupy Movement http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1110/S00265/gordon-campbell-on-the-occupy-movement.htm

Auckland

Occupy Auckland http://www.occupyauckland.org/ Facebook http://www.facebook.com/OccupyAuck

#occupyauckland police back down

Occupy Auckland – Workshop On Why Are We Here/What’s The Next Step

Christchurch

Occupy Ōtautahi Christchurch http://occupychristchurch.org/ Facebook http://www.facebook.com/occupychristchurch

Dunedin

Occupy Dunedin Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Occupy-Dunedin/141220149310691

Six easy ways to help Occupy Dunedin http://occupynz.com/dunedinsolidarity?mid=519

Victory in Dunedin- Time to Occupy the Streets http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/11/victory-in-dunedin-time-to-occupy.html

MANA supports Dunedin Occupiers despite eviction notices and invites John Key to meet protesters http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00037/mana-supports-dunedin-occupiers-invites-key-to-meet.htm

Wellington

Occupied Dominion Post #1 http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18076151/Occupied_Dominion_Post_Issue_1.pdf

RISE UP AND DECOLONIZE GLOBAL ACTION DAY: BRITTOMART, 5PM, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

An action by indigenous peoples and movements and non-indigenous peoples and their movements throughout the colonized world who have always been part of the 99%. We express our solidarity with those peoples who have lived under colonial and continue to live under neo colonial occupations. This rally has been organised to claim space as indigenous peoples and peoples of colour within the Occupy Movement. When we imagine decolonization, we do not make demands of those in power or those who are behind Occupy movements; we create power and frame the alternative.

This event is organised by a coalition of Maori movements who are not part of the organizing body of Occupy New Zealand or of any the Occupy movements around the world. Because this land has endured colonial occupation and domination at the expense of Maori, we cannot promote or endorse the concept of occupation. Our engagement with Occupy movements or attendance at their demonstrations serve the purposes of claiming space for Maori and articulating the movement to decolonize on a local and global scale. We continue to observe brutality in the legacy of capitalism, a system that relied upon the enslavement of African and Caribbean peoples, the genocide and displacement of Indigenous peoples, and the violent seizure of lands for colonial profit. Economic exploitation of labor and resources is only one process of continuing colonization that disproportionately impacts Maori and other indigenous communities and third world peoples.

We envision intersectional and comprehensive social justice that extends beyond limited narratives of class conflict. Struggles for self-determination have been waged for centuries by our ancestors before us, and will continue through the descendants who follow us. In the strength of “making our own power”, we have organized our own international Call to Action titled “Rise & Decolonize! Let’s Get Free” on November 18, 2011 at 5:00 pm. We invite all those who have a genuine willingness to engage and listen to attend our solidarity rally and become an ally in continuing the work of decolonization.

This global action also supports the local and global occupy movements of the world who have bravely put themselves before the might of police states throughout developed first world countries in the pursuit of justice and freedom from capitalist imperialism’s exploitation and control of the worlds wealth and resources in the hands of the elite few, the 1 percent. Nga mihi ki a koutou katoa! We therefore invite you to share this event with us, tena tatou!

OCCUPY WALL STREET

Police Crackdown on Occupy Protestors: Report and Images – By Emir Hodzic in NYC. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1110/S00316/occupy-oakland-wall-st-police-crackdown-on-protestors.htm

David Harvey—The Party of Wall Street Meets its Nemesis http://www.versobooks.com/blogs/777-david-harvey-the-party-of-wall-street-meets-its-nemesis

Noam Chomsky: ‘The Occupy movement is unprecedented’ http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49270

Occupy Wall Street Gets What the ‘Very Serious People’ Have Missed for 30 Years http://www.alternet.org/economy/152634

Research for the 99% http://www.cepr.net/index.php/blogs/cepr-blog/research-for-the-99

We will we will occupy Wall Street, occupy Wall Street, occupy Wall Street

VIDEO REPORT OCCUPY LA DAY 28 http://www.insightoutnews.org/2011/10/30/video-report-occupy-la-day-28/

David Harvey on the Occupy Wall Street movement http://climateandcapitalism.com/?p=5662

Catholic social teaching agrees with Wall Street protests http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=28744

Occupy Wall Street Movement-News Analysis-10-28-2011

"Act as if it Were Possible to Build a Future Which Reflects our Dreams" Angela Davis Addresses Protesters http://tinyurl.com/3g5ompw

The Shocking, Graphic Data That Shows Exactly What Motivates the Occupy Movement – The corporate media may obsess about what Occupy Wall Street is all about, but these images should make it clear. http://tinyurl.com/444duog

No More Bubble Gum – Confront the Predators with their Victims By Mike Davis http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article29570.htm

SUPPORT AND HELP NEEDED – KIA ORA GAZA AID MISSION

In the wake of the Arab Spring surge for democracy, and the Palestinian bid for UN statehood, a team of four Kiwis is preparing to join an international aid convoy to break the illegal siege of Gaza. Kia Ora Gaza is sending the four volunteers on the historic Viva Palestina 6 aid mission to Gaza this December. The convoy will link up with the Egyptian uprising to open the southern Gaza border crossing and permanently break Israel’s cruel blockade on 1.5 million imprisoned Palestinians. Two of the team, Roger Fowler and his son Hone, took part in last year’s siege-busting Viva Palestina 5 convoy of 150 vehicles, which delivered NZ$7 million of medical supplies to Gaza soon after Israel’s murderous attack on the Mavi Marmara aid ship. Kia Ora Gaza has launched a Gaza Appeal for $50,000 to cover our portion of convoy aid and to get our team to the other side of the world. We urgently need your help and support. How you can support and help: 1) If you can donate thats great – access the Kia Ora Gaza website taliwilliams urgently

3) Do you know of any journalists who would be interested in our story? Please contact taliwilliams or 0212044087 4) Attend our fundraising quiz night in Wellington: Kia Ora Gaza fundraising quiz night. Quiz night with amazing prizes..food..drinks…good times.. plus local musical acts Mt Sterile Assembly and Albert Polaczuk $10 Friday November 4th 7pm – 9pm, Newtown Community Centre, Crnr Rintoul and Colombo Sts, Newtown

PMA: WHITE POPPIES FOR PARIHAKA, ARMISTICE / REMEMBRANCE DAYS

PMA will be sending out a reminder next week with details about white poppy orders for Parihaka Day (Saturday, 5 November) and Armistice / Remembrance Day (Sunday, 11 November) – if you are interested in having white poppies available at your event/s for either or both of these, please keep an eye out for the message next week because this year all orders must be received by Monday, 28 October at the latest as we are involved in out of town seminars and gatherings during the first two weeks of November. If you would like to know more about white poppies and collecting donations for the White Poppy Peace Scholarships, please go to whitepoppies Thank you.

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

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.

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

Wednesday, November 2 – Saturday November 5, Wellington

The Wellington Latin America Solidarity Committee invites you to join us for: Celebraciòn Día De Los Muertos – Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life

Wednesday 2 November – Saturday 5 November 2011. Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is an annual festival observed throughout Latin America originating in pre Columbian culture which celebrates life by honouring the dead. It is believed that on this day each year the spirits of the dead return to Earth to reconnect with the living, and re-experience the sensory world. Friends and family honour the deceased by celebrating in cemeteries, homes, and public spaces with food, flowers, music, and prayers. Colourful paper cut-outs called papel picado decorate churches and cemeteries. Fancy dress, especially skeletons and other deathly outfits, is the norm. Ofrenda’s – or altars – often have a photo of the deceased, and are elaborately-decorated with flowers as well as objects, foods and drinks that the dead prized or enjoyed while they lived. It is believed that displaying their favourite things entices their souls to return to take part in the remembrance celebrations. The Latin America Solidarity Committee remembers all the indigenous people of the Zapatista movement in Mexico who have perished in their struggle for freedom, democracy and self-determination and the 50,000 people who have died in the so-called war on drugs across Mexico, many of whom have little to do with the drug trade and have been innocent casualties in the cross-fires. Three events will be held from Wednesday November 2nd to Saturday November 5th as follows: Ofrenda (altar) exhibition at FREDERICK STREET SOUND AND LIGHT EXPLORATION SOCIETY Wednesday Nov 2 – Saturday Nov 5. A traditional ofrenda will be installed and open to the public at 46 Frederick St from Wednesday 2 November to Saturday 5 November to commemorate and honour those who have perished under persecution in Mexico, as well as our own family members and loved ones who have passed. Day of the Dead Parade Saturday Nov 5, 7pm (preparations from 3pm) from 46 Frederick St to Mighty Mighty, Cuba Mall. The public are invited to take part in a Day of the Dead procession from the ofrenda exhibition to Mighty Mighty, where the Day of the Dead Fiesta will take place. 46 Frederick St will be open from 3pm for participants to decorate and paint their faces as skeletons and dress in the traditional style of Day of the Dead as well as enjoy music and food. The public are encouraged to arrive in fancy dress and bring colourful memorabilia of deceased loved ones. The procession will be lead by a Mariachi singer and will depart from 46 Frederick St at 7pm making a stop on Viva Mexico Café on Cuba Street before arriving at Mighty Mighty around 8pm for the renowned Day of the Dead Fiesta! Day of the Dead Fiesta – Fundraiser for La Garrucha Community Project. Saturday Nov 5, from 8pm – late, Mighty Mighty, Cuba St.

This year, Mighty Mighty will host the celebrations: an evening of performances on the theme of life and death, from the sound of urban latin ensemble Café Tango to the mellow Mariachi sounds of Carlos Navae to Gyp-Hop-Ruski-Roots Reggae of Bella Cajon. All this for only $5 on the door, and all proceeds go direct to the Zapatista municipality of La Garrucha in Chiapas.

More info about the Wellington Zapatista Solidarity Group at:www.floweroftheword.wordpress.com

For more information, please contact Grace Leung 021 038 3812 or Larisa Maya lmayaal

Thursday, November 3, 7pm, Freemans Bay Community Centre – Auditorium, 52 Hepburn Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland

AUCKLAND’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS. AUCKLAND – THE UNAFFORDABLE CITY. WHAT ARE THE POLITICAL PARTIES DOING TO ADDRESS AUCKLAND’S HOUSING CRISIS? COME TO THIS IMPORTANT ELECTION MEETING! Election meeting to hear the housing policies of the main political parties. Candidates or spokespeople from National, Labour, Green, Maori, ACT, Mana, and NZ First Parties have been invited to give their policies on addressing the lack of affordable, quality housing in the Auckland region, and their overall direction in housing policy. Shortage of supply, the growing crisis of overcrowding, the impact of HNZC reforms on most vulnerable families / individuals, high proportion of Maori & Pacific Island Homeless, poor quality and security of the private rental sector are just some of the many pressing concerns. They will lay out their broad policy and answer a set of questions. Speakers confirmed are: Carmel Sepuloni, MP, Labour’s associate spokesperson on social development and candidate for Waitakere; Paul Hutchinson MP, National, MP for Hunua and Chair, Health Select Committee; Alan Johnson, Green Party spokesperson on housing; Sue Bradford, Mana Party candidate for Waitakere; Kath McCabe, ACT Party candidate for Tauranga; Andrew Williams, NZ First candidate for North Shore; Maori Party – tbc. The meeting will be chaired by Professor Jenny Dixon, Dean of the National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries, Auckland University. It has been organised by community organisations involved with Housing Call to Action, a broadbased network of housing and social service organisations working in West Auckland and more recently in South Auckland. We look forward to seeing you there. For further information contact: Sigrid Shayer, Waitakere Community Law Service, Ph 09 835 2130; sigrid

Thursday, November 3, 7.30pm, Canterbury WEA, 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch

Election Issues: Starts 27 October, All welcome! 5 Thursdays, gold coin donation.

3 Nov: Taxation in focus: What are the Issues? – Prof. Adrian Sawyer, Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Canty University

10 Nov: New Zealand is Not For Sale – Murray Horton, Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa (CAFCA) and the NZ is Not For Sale Campaign Working Group

17 Nov: Capital Gains Tax: in the context of NZ inequality – Neville Bennett, retired academic and NBR columnist

24 Nov: Youth Health: The community’s wealth? – Dr Sue Bagshaw, Korowai Youth Well-being Trust

Canterbury WEA, phone 366 0285, email: cwea Web: www.cwea.org.nz

Thursday, November 3 at 9:00pm – November 4 at 2:00am, San Francisco Bath House, Wellington, New Zealand

Meth Drinker, Numbskull, Rogernomix – Kia Ora Gaza Benefit Show! Four New Zealanders, including Wellington personality Tali Williams, are taking humanitarian aid to Occupied Palestine in December. They need to raise $50,000 ASAP. We can help. Come party for freedom with sweet bands at San Fran on November 3rd!

Friday, November 4, 7.15am, Loaves and Fishes, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Hill St, Thorndon, Wellington

Election Breakfast on ACC. Speakers start at 7.30am. Cost: $10 (at the door). Chair: David Russell (former CE Consumer NZ). The Politicians Panel (so far): Stephen Whittington (ACT); Kevin Hague (Greens); Chris Hipkins (Labour); Sue Bradford (Mana); Michael Woodhouse (National). Sponsored by the ACC Futures Coalition. Register at http://issues.co.nz/accfutures/Events

Friday, November 4, Newtown Community Centre, Crnr Rintoul and Colombo Sts, Wellington

Kia Ora Fundraiser: Quiz night with amazing prizes…….food…..drinks….good times… plus local musical act Albert Mikolaj. $10 per person at the door or you can book ahead by emailling taliwilliams@kiaoragaza.net

Friday, November 4, 7pm, 4/125 Grafton Rd, Auckland

‘Operation 8 – Deep in the Forest’ – Documentary exposes police frame-up of Urewera defendants. The Urewera Four – Tame Iti, Rangi Kemara, Emily Bailey, and Urs Signer – are due to stand trial early next year. The prosecution of the four political activists is what remains of police Operation 8, which came to a head in October 2007 when cops stormed homes in a number of cities and laid siege to the Maori town of Ruatoki in the Urewera region. Following these “anti-terrorism” raids, eighteen people were prosecuted under firearms and other charges. Earlier this year the Supreme Court ruled that charges should be dropped against 13 of the defendants. Charges were cranked up against the Urewera Four, however. Media reports say they are accused of being “members of a criminal organisation which planned to commit murder, arson, wounding with intent and other crimes”. Operation 8: Deep in the Forest will screen at this week’s Militant Labour Forum. This 2011 movie documents the police raids, and features coverage of protests against the frame-up and interviews with many of the accused. Suggested donation $5 waged, $2 unwaged. By the corner of Grafton Bridge/Grafton Rd. Militant Labour Forums are held each week. Phone 369-1223 or email milauck To browse and buy Pathfinder Press books and the Militant newspaper, the hall is open one hour before the forum. For viewing at other times, call to make an appointment. On the web: Pathfinder Press books and pamphlets: www.pathfinderpress.com The Militant: www.themilitant.com

Saturday, November 5, 9.30am, WEA, 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch

Parihaka Day – 5 November 2011 – Christchurch commemorations: Morning: 9.30am – 1pm, Seminar, cost $10. Phone 366 0285 to enrol. Speakers: Robert Consedine, Ann Parsonson, Don Rowlands with Olive Lawson. Followed by a shared lunch. Afternoon 3-4pm. Venue: St Mary’s Church, Addington Square. Songs, Drama, Poems, Readings and more. Followed by a barbeque. All welcome! Free entry. Enquiries to Don or Olive at 388 6882.

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.

Monday, November 7, 9am-4pm, Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, 773 New North Road, Mt Albert, Auckland

Auckland District Council of Social Services invites you to “Cultural Diversity in the Super City”. A day of evaluation. Speakers Dr Paul Spoonley, Dr Camille Nakid, Tony Kake, Chaired by Joris de Bres. RSVP to Angela Maynard: a.maynard by 31st October ph 445 9996

Saturday, November 12, 10am, Waikaraka Cemetery, Onehunga

The annual remembrance gathering of Frederick Evans, 1912 Waihi martyr.

Monday, November 22, 5pm, Cuba Mall, Wellington

Support high-quality public education? Want politicians who stand up for high-quality public education? Well, join us then for a flaming extravagant musical and theatrical protest. Just six days before the general election we’ll be telling politicians of all persuasions and predilections that it is time to speak up for education. And we really want you and your organisation to join us in large numbers. Our rally will be flambastic and flamboyant. Come dressed in fiery tones of red, orange or gold and bring your loudest off-key singing voice. The rally will coincide with our annual TEU conference and we will be bussing every single one of our conference delegates to it, as well as encouraging union members from Weltec, Massey University, Victoria University, Whitireia NZ, the Open Polytechnic, NZCER, Otago Medical School Wellington, and Te Tari Puna Ora to attend. We hope to encourage delegations from local students associations, PPTA and NZEI branches, WEA, kindergartens, early childhood centres, adult and community education organisations, schools and workplace training organisations. Our message will be simple – we need to speak up for public education this election. Oh, and just to be clear, we will be rallying in support of all public education, not just tertiary education – and our speakers and performers will reflect that. Our rally will be short, loud and musical. We would really like each organisation that comes to prepare a song or piece of theatre beforehand to share with the crowd. For instance, TEU’s guitar-bearing National President Sandra Grey is working on an adaptation of Midnight Oil’s Beds Are Burning and may well also reprise her rewrite of the Fred Dagg classic If It Weren’t For Our Polytechs Where Would We Be? So it is hard not to be keen. What you can do: 1. Let us know you that you want to take part, and what you would like to contribute – songs theatre colour, etc. 2. Share this email with members of your organisation and encourage them to come along – they can sign up to the TEU Facebook event ‘Speak up for Education’ if they want to. 3. Let us know how you will be getting to the event – marching, procession, buses etc. 4. Let us know what support we can offer you to promote this event. I look forward to hearing your excited responses and creative ideas and to seeing you in Cuba Mall on the day.

Yours sincerely, Sharn Riggs, TEU National Secretary. Authorised by Sharn Riggs, Tertiary Education Union, 8th Floor, Education House 178-182 Willis St, Wellington 6011.

Tuesday, November 22, Te Whaea, Wellington

LABOUR HISTORY PROJECT RONA BAILEY MEMORIAL LECTURE 2011 – “DANCE IS A WEAPON” Details per legal

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

" Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children. … No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream." Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Resistance is feasible even for those who are not heroes by nature, and it is an obligation, I believe, for those who fear the consequences and detest the reality of the attempt to impose American hegemony." – Noam Chomsky

"The problem is not corruption or greed, the problem is the system that pushes you to be corrupt. The solution is not found in the slogan ‘Main Street, not Wall Street,’ but to change the system in which Main Street cannot function without Wall Street." Slavoj Zizek – ‘The Violent Silence of a New Beginning’

“The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them: that’s the essence of inhumanity”: George Bernard Shaw

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND

Protest Oil exploration.wmv

Matt McCarten: ‘Courage’ costly for working-class Kiwis http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10762553

Gaza Appeal: your dollars will count as halfway mark passed http://kiaoragaza.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/gaza-appeal-your-dollars-count-as-halfway-mark-passed/

Tali Williams on Kia Ora Gaza http://plainsfm.org.nz/on-demand/woa-taliwilliams-oct2011/

KiwiRail separation concerning – foreshadowing privatisation? http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1110/S00924/kiwirail-separation-concerning-foreshadowing-privatisation.htm

Risk of increases in ‘working poor’ from National’s welfare policies http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00025/risk-of-increases-in-working-poor-from-nationals-policies.htm

Welcome to POLICY WATCH, the fortnightly e-newsletter from the NZ Council of Christian Social Services. POLICY WATCH provides a smorgasbord of the latest news, research reports and policy developments relevant to the core of work of NZCCSS. We endeavour to highlight issues that affect our mission "to work for a just and compassionate society in Aoteoroa New Zealand". http://christiansocialservices.blogspot.com/2011/11/policy-watch.html

PSA: What have public services ever done for me?http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00026/what-have-public-services-ever-done-for-me.htm

Bryce Edwards: Left right rhetoric masks almost identical policies http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10762987

Almost half of Kiwis just scraping by http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10763134

Work till you drop http://nzagainstthecurrent.blogspot.com/2011/10/work-till-you-drop.html

No to Labour’s plan to raise super age to 67! http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/no-labours-plan-raise-super-age-67/1273/105633

Labour’s raising of retirement age racist, anti-worker and intergenerational theft http://tumeke.blogspot.com/2011/10/labours-raising-of-retirement-age.html

Survey shows government out of touch with struggling ECE services http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00060/survey-shows-government-out-of-touch-with-struggling-ece.htm

NZ ECONOMY

Campbell Jones: Why we need a Robin Hood tax http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10762305&mid=51595

CTU: Smoke, mirrors and jam jars http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1110/S00558/smoke-mirrors-and-jam-jars.htm

Westpac latest bank to hit profit jackpot off the back of customers and staff http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00053/westpac-to-hit-profit-jackpot-off-the-back-of-customers.htm

NZ WORK RIGHTS

Union Movement rallies round locked out workers http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00008/union-movement-rallies-round-locked-out-workers.htm

Meat companies as greedy as banks http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/10/meat-companies-as-greedy-as-banks.html

Wages rises still well behind inflation http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00012/wages-rises-still-well-behind-inflation.htm

MANA MOVEMENT

Mana Presents A Strong Party List http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1111/S00004/mana-presents-a-strong-party-list.htm

Mana Rallies In Response To Maketu Call For Help http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00040/mana-rallies-in-response-to-maketu-call-for-help.htm

Goff & Key Ignoring People Do Not Have Enough To Live On http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00042/goff-key-ignoring-people-do-not-have-enough-to-live-on.htm

Mana, Maori divided on asset sales http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10762695

Marae Investigates – candidates debate http://tvnz.co.nz/marae/video

Te Tai Tonga debate frazzles Katene http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10763026&mid=5187975

Deabte on Native Affairs http://www.maoritelevision.com/default.aspx?tabid=636&pid=212

Labour Betrays Maori, Again – Hone Harawira http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1111/S00003/labour-betrays-maori-again-hone-harawira.htm

Is Paula Bennett on the run? http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/mp/11125156/is-paula-bennett-on-the-run/

John Key’s deceptive justifications for selling off our assets http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1110/S00550/john-keys-deceptive-justifications-for-selling-off-assets.htm

Mana Wants Maori To Get Super At 60 Not 65 http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1110/S00483/mana-wants-maori-to-get-super-at-60-not-65.htm

Goff and Key squabble while the real issues of poverty are ignored http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1111/S00010/goff-and-key-squabble-while-the-real-issues-of-poverty.htm

Hone on multiparty leaders debate http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/multi-party-leaders-debate-part-1-video-4489464/video

Mana: Disability reform essential http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00002/mana-disability-reform-essential-sue-bradford.htm

Key slagging John Minto brings an invitation to the 1% to meet the 99% http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00001/key-slagging-john-minto-brings-invitation-1-to-meet-99.htm

Hone Harawira leading in Te Tai Tokerau seat http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10762947

Misty Hinemoa Harrison – Mana List Number 5 Misty Hinemoa Harrison – Mana List Number 5

FEATURES

The Arab Revolts Against Neoliberalism http://www.socialistproject.ca/documents/ArabRevolts.php

The “Arab Spring” : Rebirth or Final Throes of Pan-Arabism? http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article23302

WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS

ILO Report Warns Of Sharp Employment Downturn, Social Unrest By Joseph Kishore http://www.countercurrents.org/kishore011110.htm

LAND, LABOUR & THE ENVIRONMENT

The Food Crisis Strikes Again http://www.cipamericas.org/archives/5606

NAFTA Is Starving Mexico http://www.cipamericas.org/archives/5617

What’s causing the environmental crisis: 7 Billion or 1%? http://climateandcapitalism.com/?p=5626

Population, consumer sovereignty, and the importance of class http://climateandcapitalism.com/?p=5643

AFGHANISATAN

"People call it Hell.": U.S. had advance warning of abuse at Afghan prisons, officials say http://goo.gl/0PH8X

AUSTRALIA

Occupy Australia: Plenty to be angry about http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49271

Big CHOGM march launches Occupy Perth http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49264

Tamil refugee’s death throws spotlight on detention system http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49272

Corporate bastardry shows why Qantas should be nationalised http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49283

BOLIVIA

TIPNIS Marchers, Bolivian Voters Send Wake-Up Call to Evo Morales https://nacla.org/blog/2011/10/20/tipnis-marchers-bolivian-voters-send-wake-call-evo-morales

Bolivia: anti-road protesters in dialogue with Evo Morales http://ww4report.com/node/10456

BRAZIL

Landmark Vote in Brazil Upholds Indigenous Rights on Belo Monte http://upsidedownworld.org/main/news-briefs-archives-68/3266-landmark-vote-in-brazil-upholds-indigenous-rights-on-belo-monte

The Rubber Tappers of Sao Bernardo, Brazil: Struggling Still in the Memory of Chico Mendes – Photo Essay and Report http://upsidedownworld.org/main/brazil-archives-63/3270-photo-essay-and-article-the-rubber-tappers-of-sao-bernardo-brazil-struggling-still-in-the-memory-of-chico-mendes

CHILE

Chile: Mapuche protest Panqui hydro project http://ww4report.com/node/10454

CHINA

Dreamwork China http://www.dreamworkchina.tv/en/video/dreamwork-china-movie

COLOMBIA

Uncovering the U.S. War in Colombia https://nacla.org/blog/2011/10/17/uncovering-us-war-colombia

When Humanitarian Law Is Just Rhetoric http://upsidedownworld.org/main/news-briefs-archives-68/3265-colombia-when-humanitarian-law-is-just-rhetoric

GREECE

VIDEO: Greek general strike October 19-20 (with English subtitles) http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49301

Greece to hold referendum on EU aid package http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2011/10/20111031181537820315.html

INDONESIA

IRAN

Obama Administration Escalates Confrontation with Iran: Why? http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2011/weisbrot281011.html by Mark Weisbrot

LIBYA

Western Companies See Prospects for Business in Libya http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/29/world/africa/western-companies-see-libya-as-ripe-at-last-for-business.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha2

NATO’s war feeds ugly violence http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49296

MEXICO

The Trenches of Mexico: “You Can’t Call the Police on the Army” http://upsidedownworld.org/main/mexico-archives-79/3271-the-trenches-of-mexico-you-cant-call-the-police-on-the-army

PACIFIC

West Papua at Boiling Point: Strike at Freeport Mine http://westpapuamedia.info/2011/10/31/west-papua-at-boiling-point-strike-at-freeport-mine/

Claim union leader arrested in Fiji http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/5878545/Claim-union-leader-arrested-in-Fiji

Occupy Phoenix & ETAN Freeport McMoRan Demonstration Oct. 28th 2011

PAKISTAN

490 years jail sentences in total to six labour leaders of Pakistan http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article23303

PALESTINE

The environmental impact of Israel’s military occupation http://links.org.au/node/2574

Top Ten Myths about the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict by Jeremy R. Hammond http://www.foreignpolicyjournal.com/2010/06/17/top-ten-myths-about-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict/

SOUTH AFRICA

What is the Cut Off Date for Inequality? By Mandisi Majavu http://www.sacsis.org.za/site/article/765.1

SYRIA

How Syria works – The military are the executive arm of the security services http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article23287

OLDER ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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