GPJA #402: Henderson protest 6pm Thurs to protect public space

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 402, November 9, 2011

Thursday, November 10, 6pm, Henderson Square, Henderson, Auckland

HENDERSON SQUARE (Cathrine St) is not FOR SALE. Keep it as PUBLIC SPACE. Speeches,Buskers, Food, Open Mic. Super City, Hendeson/ Massey Board intend to lease the Square to corporate Mall owners Westfeild. CAP says the Super City Board is doing exactly what it was set up to do,putting corporate profit before us the community. We are calling on young and old, community groups annd residents to rally on Thur 10th Nov at 6pm. There will be submissions available to be signed and a mass delegation to the Board/Counci will be organised. They ( the Board) are using the behaviour of a small number of young people to deprive us all of a public space. We fear private security guards will be used to clear the Square. Will it be a case of being Maori/Pacifc Islander means your guilty? CAP believe the council already has the power to trespass or ban anyone for anti social behaviour. What are Maori Wardens for?” Henderson Square is mostly a colourful place, with Buskers and a safe place for young and old to meet. God knows Kids have little money and few choices these days. Community groups use it to distribute literature hold meetings/rallies and much more.500 plus people gathered there to succesfully demand a Full Public Hospital for Waitakere. Just try and do any of these things on Westfeild property, you will last about 5mins,before being threatend off. If Westfeild and other interests get control of the Square we believe all these activities will be Trespassed off. Despite any assurances they or the Board make, we predict our rights will be denied

SOLIDARITY WITH LOCKED OUT MARTON WORKERS
http://www.facebook.com/groups/211101752294033/

Christchurch Solidarity for Locked Out Workers http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1111/S00112/christchurch-solidarity-for-locked-out-workers.htm

Workers locked out because won’t take 25% pay cut http://thestandard.org.nz/workers-locked-out-because-wont-take-25-pay-cut/

CMP offer cuts wages to the bone http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00111/cmp-offer-cuts-wages-to-the-bone.htm

Day 17: 111 workers locked out but standing together http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/11/day-17-111-workers-locked-out-but.html

OCCUPY AOTEAROA

Protests voice of wider unease http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10764108

Simon Cunliffe (ODT): Increasing inclination to question ‘the system’ http://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/opinion/184806/increasing-inclination-question-system

Ernie Barrington (NZH): The secret of the Occupy movement’s success http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10763171

Pattrick Smellie (Dom Post): Answer is to work harder and smarter http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/5886742/Answer-is-to-work-harder-and-smarter

Louise Humpage (NZH): Local beginnings to a global solution http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10762951

Introducing the Robin Hood Tax – Tax Justice in New Zealand http://unityaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/11/introducing-robin-hood-tax-tax-justice.html?mid=51

Auckland

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

Robin Hood Tax March 29 Oct 2011

Christchurch

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

Dunedin

Police refuse to evict occupiers http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/185803/police-refuse-evict-occupiers

Hamish McNeilly (ODT): Octagon trespass notice ignored http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/184843/octagon-trespass-notice-ignored

TVNZ: ‘Occupy’ Dunedin protestors won’t leave http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/occupy-dunedin-protestors-won-t-leave-4496780

NZN: Occupy Dunedin protestors unmoved overnight http://www.3news.co.nz/Occupy-Dunedin-protestors-unmoved-overnight/tabid/423/articleID/231445/Default.aspx

Occupy Dunedin protestors plan to fight eviction notice http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10763185

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

Chris Morris (NZH): Occupy group at moment of truth

TVNZ: Mayor urges police to act on Occupy Dunedin protest

TV3/NZN: No haste to evict Occupy Dunedin protestors – police

APNZ/ODT: Dunedin police consider protesters’ rights before acting

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

Tariq Ali on #Occupy: ‘The fog of confusion has finally lifted’ http://links.org.au/node/2586

Four Steps for OWS to Grow This Winter – A strategic proposal to turn towards the city’s poor and working-class communities http://nyc.indymedia.org/en/2011/11/116880.html

Oligarchy, American Style By PAUL KRUGMAN http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/04/opinion/oligarchy-american-style.html?_r=1

In Graphic terms https://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2011/09/04/opinion/04reich-graphic.html

Occupy Wall Streeters are right about skewed economic rewards in the United States http://www.epi.org/publication/bp331-occupy-wall-street/

Reports from the Economic Front: by Martin Hart-Landsberg – Inequality: Class And Race http://media.lclark.edu/content/hart-landsberg/

‘A revival of collectivist solidarity’ — Hugo Blanco, veteran Indigenous revolutionary, on Occupy Wall Street http://links.org.au/node/2579

Interview: NOAM CHOMSKY – Hopes and prospects from Madison to Cairo http://www.isreview.org/issues/79/interview-chomsky.shtml

California protesters shut down Oakland port http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15568057

One World One Revolution http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=aE3R1BQrYCw#!

Capitalism and Environmental Catastrophe by John Bellamy Foster – This is a reconstruction from notes of a talk delivered at a teach-in on "The Capitalist Crisis and the Environment" organized by the Education and Empowerment Working Group, Occupy Wall Street, Zuccotti Park (Liberty Plaza), New York, October 23, 2011 http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2011/foster291011.html

The all-American occupation – In the US, the ‘Occupy’ movement is in line with a deep historical suspicion of Wall Street and the financial elite. http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/10/20111020114617327340.html

Danny Glover Tremendous Speech @ Occupy Oakland

Organized Labour and the Occupations Movement http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/564.php#continue

Millions of Americans living in extreme poverty http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-04/americans-living-in-extreme-poverty/3626296

George Monbiot: The 1% are the very best destroyers of wealth the world has ever seen http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/07/one-per-cent-wealth-destroyers

The High Cost Of Neoliberalism by Noam Chomsky http://www.newstatesman.com/south-america/2010/06/chomsky-democracy-latin

KIA ORA GAZA – URGENT APPEAL

In the first quarter of 2012 Kia Ora Gaza will join an international aid convoy to Gaza led by UK charity Viva Palestina. The convoy intends to break Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza by linking up with Cairo’s democracy movement and entering through Egypt’s land gate. This strategy could well lead towards the permanent opening of Egypt’s gateway to Gaza, thus fatally wounding Israel’s cruel siege. That would be a truly world historic event.

How can you reach out to the 1.5 million Palestinians imprisoned in Gaza? By donating towards our $50,000 Gaza Appeal to fund a four-person Kiwi Team and their humanitarian aid. Kia Ora Gaza has a proven track record. Our team was on last year’s Viva Palestina convoy which broke the Gaza blockade and delivered NZ$7 million in medical supplies. Can we do it again? That’s where you come in. Please donate generously to our $50,000 Gaza Appeal – and spread the word! To see how to donate, go to the sidebar of our website: office

COROMANDEL WATCHDOG

Kia ora and Greetings, Coromandel Watchdog is still working hard to protect the peninsula from mining. We are preparing for a busy summer raising awareness and money to continue doing the work that we do. We would love to see you at one of the events below. Thank you for supporting us to keep the Coromandel mining-free! Our Native Frogs Are At Risk – learn the facts from an expert.
Public meeting in Whangamata to discuss the threats to our endangered native frogs. Guest Speaker: Dr Phil Bishop from the Department of Zoology at Otago University. Phil is the chief scientist of the newly formed IUCN Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA) coordinating the implementation of the Amphibian Conservation Action internationally. Date: Sunday November 13th, 2011 Time: 11.00am. Venue: Library (2 storey building in centre of school), Whangamata Area School, Port Road, Whangamata.

Coromandel Watchdog AGM and Social Gathering. Please join us for a brief AGM followed by pot luck dinner and music! Date: Sunday November 20th, 2011. Time: 4.30pm for meeting followed by food and music. Venue: Kauaeranga Valley Hall, 437 Kauaeranga Valley Road, Thames. What: Annual General Meeting of Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki, all offices open for nominations. Please bring a plate for a shared meal and instruments if you please! This is a great opportunity to catch up with friends old and new, hope to see you there!

Watchdog at Prana. Watchdog will have a stall at Prana, if you are going make sure you pop in to see us! If you are going and interested in volunteering for a few hours get in contact with Renee. Date: December 30th 2011 – January 3rd 2012. Venue: Prana Eco Retreat, Opoutere. www.prana.co.nz

Donate: The Co-ordinator fund. Please set up an Automatic Payment to Watchdog to pay our part-time Co-ordinator. Without a person in this role our voluntary organization cannot function to save the Coromandel! $10.00 per week or more could make all the difference. Please use “COORDINATOR” as bank reference. COROMANDEL WATCHDOG KIWIBANK COROMANDEL BRANCH a/c no: 38 9006 0733863 00 Donate General donations are also welcome. To DONATE please use “DONATE” as the bank reference.

Become a member: To become a MEMBER of Watchdog ($20) please do a Direct Bank Transfer, use “JOIN” and your name, as the bank reference to indicate you wish to join, and email watchdog and send us your name and contact details. Or Print this Membership/Donation Form and post with your cheque to Watchdog’s Treasurer: Coromandel Watchdog, PO Box 211, Coromandel 3543.

Get Involved! Summer’s going to be busy with stalls at markets and festivals. If you are able to help out get in contact with our co-ordinator Renee Annan on 022 018 1764 / r.annan@hotmail.com . Also see http://watchdog.org.nz/join-us/ See you soon to learn about frogs or at our AGM/social!

Warm regards, The Committee, Coromandel Watchdog

PLEASE HELP THE POOREST WORKERS IN THE WORLD!
As some of you may already know I (Duncan) have recently set up a aotearoasolidaritynetwork In solidarity, Duncan Allan

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.

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.

WHAT’S ON

Thursday, November 10, 6pm, Henderson Square, Henderson, Auckland

HENDERSON SQUARE (Cathrine St) is not FOR SALE. Keep it as PUBLIC SPACE. Speeches,Buskers, Food, Open Mic. Super City, Hendeson/ Massey Board intend to lease the Square to corporate Mall owners Westfeild. CAP says the Super City Board is doing exactly what it was set up to do,putting corporate profit before us the community. We are calling on young and old, community groups annd residents to rally on Thur 10th Nov at 6pm. There will be submissions available to be signed and a mass delegation to the Board/Counci will be organised. They ( the Board) are using the behaviour of a small number of young people to deprive us all of a public space. We fear private security guards will be used to clear the Square. Will it be a case of being Maori/Pacifc Islander means your guilty? CAP believe the council already has the power to trespass or ban anyone for anti social behaviour. What are Maori Wardens for?” Henderson Square is mostly a colourful place, with Buskers and a safe place for young and old to meet. God knows Kids have little money and few choices these days. Community groups use it to distribute literature hold meetings/rallies and much more.500 plus people gathered there to succesfully demand a Full Public Hospital for Waitakere. Just try and do any of these things on Westfeild property, you will last about 5mins,before being threatend off. If Westfeild and other interests get control of the Square we believe all these activities will be Trespassed off. Despite any assurances they or the Board make, we predict our rights will be denied

Thursday, November 10, 7.30pm, Canterbury WEA, 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch

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

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

Friday, November 11, 7pm, 4/125 Grafton Rd, Auckland.

Militant Labour Forum: “Imperialist hands off Libya”. U.S. president Barack Obama and his counterparts in Europe have gloated over the October 20 killing of Moammar Gadhafi. The killing was carried out by bourgeois opposition forces who have been waging a civil war against Gadhafi’s anti-working class regime. Thousands of bombing raids under the NATO flag, as well as the use of U.S., British, and French special forces on the ground, were crucial in these forces’ victory. This imperialist intervention was backed by the New Zealand government. The imperialists’ claim that their aim was to bring down an oppressive tyranny. Helping to cement a “stable” bourgeois regime beholden to them and restricting space for toiling masses to fight for their own interests are their real objectives. With Gadhafi’s death, the tenuous unity forged among groups opposed to the old regime has been unravelling. This week’s Militant Labour Forum will address these developments and discuss why we must demand "Imperialist hands off" as a precondition for working people in Libya to organise to defend their interests against capitalist forces at home and abroad. Janet Roth from the Communist League will speak. Suggested donation $5 waged, $2 unwaged. By the corner of Grafton Bridge/Grafton Rd. Militant Labour Forums are held each week. Phone 369-1223 or email milauck To browse and buy Pathfinder Press books and the Militant newspaper, the hall is open one hour before the forum. For viewing at other times, call to make an appointment. On the web: Pathfinder Press books and pamphlets: http://www.pathfinderpress.com; The Militant: www.themilitant.com

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

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

Tuesday, November 15, 7.30pm, Glen Eden Baptist Church Auditorium, 97 Glendale Road, Glen Eden, Auckland

2011 General Election: Meet the Waitakere Candidates & Parties Forum. Plans are now well under way for the next ‘Meet The Waitakere Candidates & Parties Forum’ to be held at Glen Eden Baptist Church on Tuesday 15th November. Candidates and representatives of the major parties have been invited and so far the following candidates & representatives have indicated they will be attending; • Paula Bennett (National MP); • Carmel Sepuloni (Labour MP); • Winston Peters (NZ First Leader); • Sue Bradford (Mana Candidate); • Steve Tollestrup (Green Candidate); • Jonathan McFarlane (Act Representative). It is going to be an extremely interesting forum so make sure you join with us! Forum Facilitator: Neil Baker. The purpose of the forum is to provide the general public with a working understanding of the various candidates and the policies of the main parties represented in the Waitakere electorate so that they can make informed decisions come voting day. We are also inviting people to submit a question to be considered for the Forum, the best of which will be included on the night. Questions can be submitted to us at office Many thanks, Neil Baker, Senior Pastor, p: 09 818 0770; f: 09 818 0771; m: 027 614 2494. PO Box 20 406, Glen Eden, Auckland 0641. www.gebc.org.nz

Tuesday November 15, 7-9pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn

ElectionForum MC’d by Michele A’Court: Political Speed Dating’. Not just another candidates’ debate. Members of unions and community organisations will be speaking about their experiences and asking party spokespeople to respond to their questions on: WELFARE, INEQUALITY AND A LIVING WAGE — PUBLIC SERVICES, HEALTH AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION — DISABLED PEOPLE’S ISSUES — CARING WORK — ACC

Central Auckland speakers: Jacinda Ardern (Labour), Denise Roche (Greens), John Minto (Mana), David Seymour (Act), Allen Davies (NZ First). Gold coin koha, light refreshments available. For more information or to register, contact election.campaign Visit the Facebook page for this event – and please invite your friends! NB: These are separate events to the members’ meetings happening during the day – more about those soon.

Friday, November 18, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Newtown Hall, Wellington

Elections: why bother? A socialist perspective: The Workers Party is supporting Mana this election, after standing down from national elections. But why do 1 in 4 young people choose not to vote? Isn’t that a rational choice given the options? Can a capitalist Westminster system really represent the majority? A socialist perspective on why we participate in elections, followed by kai & korero

Saturday, November 19, 6.30pm, Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, 773 New North Rd, Auckland.

Hey ladies & gents! Come to a night of culture, fun & food! by Gibran Janif, member of Kiwi Team to Gaza. Hey ladies & gents! if you’re in Auckland, would you like to experience a night full of live cultural performances, comedy and food? And there will be a raffle and prizes! The date: Saturday 19th November, doors open at 6pm. The place: Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, 773 New North Rd, Auckland. We have around 160 tickets left @ $30 each. This is all in the good cause of raising funds for our Kia Ora Gaza team! Please come out and support! If you’d like some tickets, just email me: gibranjanif Phone 09 815 0153 And check out this Facebook link for further details. Peace!

Saturday, November 19, 2pm, Cranmer Square, Christchurch

Earthquake Insurance Protest Rally: WeCan are organising a large Christchurch wide event called Show your Colour Crusade. No matter what colour you are, white, red, yellow, grey, orange, green, blue or black (for those not insured and losing everything) we need to unite as a province, as Canterbury. This is an opportunity for Red Zone to be with Green zone, Yellow with blue, White with Orange, black with grey, east to meet west and north to be with south. Make a simple cross and paint it the colour of your land. (we will have crosses painted as well if you need one). If you have not been that affected by your land please come anyway. Whether you are doing fine or not with… EQC, insurance or repairs come to support those who are really struggling!! This is a peaceful crusade asking the Government to provide us with an Independent Advocacy Commission which can mediate on behalf of those battling. Means the elderly have a fair and reasonable chance of getting some way forward. We will have one large cross painted the colours of our lands… to be know as the ‘Cross of Many Colours". If you only come to this and nothing else you will not regret it!! Look forward to seeing you there, kind regards, Rev Mike Coleman.

Saturday, November 19, 9am, Selwyn College, Kohimaramara Rd, Kohimaramara, Auckland

On Saturday 19th November from 9am to 2pm Conservation Volunteers, as part of our Connecting Parks and People programme, will be running a workshop specifically designed to assist groups when carrying out practical conservation activities. The programme’s focus will be on helping groups make sure they have a sound safety management system in place, to ensure they minimise the risk to their participants. We are running the day as we have been approached by a number of community groups who would like some guidance in this area. We have 20 places on the course and we would like to offer it to other community groups that may be interested as well. I am wondering if you would be happy to distribute the attached poster to community groups that may be interested. Many Thanks, Fiona McLaughlin, Volunteer Engagement Officer, Conservation Volunteers New Zealand.
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

"Dare to think for yourself." – Voltaire

"It is better to suffer wrong than to do it, and happier to be sometimes cheated than not to trust." – Samuel Johnson

"If justice perishes, human life on Earth has lost its meaning." – Immanuel Kant

"Be true to yourself and you cannot be a traitor to any good cause on earth." Eugene Debs

"He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself." – Thomas Paine

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND

John Minto: It’s time to end racism in immigration policy http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10763404

Amid war threats, December’s Gaza convoy is postponed http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1111/S00130/amid-war-threats-decembers-gaza-convoy-is-postponed.htm

Secret deal could harm health for short-term trade gains http://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/un-doctored/2011/november-2011/09/secret-deal-could-harm-health-for-short-term-trade-gains.aspx

Tapu Misa: National needs an attitude change on job creation http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10764290

Election 2011: Daily issues not highlighted – Spare a thought for ordinary working New Zealanders. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/business/5917949/Election-2011-Daily-issues-not-highlighted

Greens play dangerous game with slippery campaign line http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10764431

Jobless youth a hot issue http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5903448/Jobless-youth-a-hot-issue

Reject Youth Unemployment Coalition Launched http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00075/reject-youth-unemployment-coalition-launched.htm

CTU: VOTE to keep us RICH and you POOR!

Gordon Campbell: On National’s asset sales debacle http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2011/11/07/gordon-campbell-on-national%E2%80%99s-asset-sales-debacle/

War in Afghanistan the only major issue dividing party viewpoints http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10764712

MV Rena Response Monitoring & Action Group http://www.facebook.com/groups/281784001846387/?mid=51

Billion dollar bank has no justification to wind down National brand http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1111/S00109/billion-dollar-bank-has-no-justification-to-wind-down-brand.htm

Warning should be given with ERO reports on “National Standards” http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1111/S00023/warning-should-be-given-with-ero-reports-on-standards.htm

Gordon campbell: On the welfare reform proposals http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2011/11/02/gordon-campbell-on-the-welfare-reform-proposals/

Shock at rheumatic fever cases http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/rheumatic-fever-in-far-north-shocks-bennett-4499523

NZCCSS: ELECTION 2011 – YOUR CHOICE. ake income inequality an election issue by asking questions of parties and candidates about their policies to reduce inequality. Ask them about their personal choice as political candidates – will they support policies that reduce or increase inequality? http://www.closertogether.org.nz/home/election-2011/

Tonnes of radioactive uranium passing through NZ ports http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/news/5876587/Tonnes-of-radioactive-uranium-passing-through-NZ-ports

CTU calls to release Fiji unionists from detention http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/ctu-calls-release-fiji-unionists-detention/5/106558

Never-say-die Goff has plenty of guts http://www.nzherald.co.nz/election-2011/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503012&objectid=10764104

CTU: Voting, It Decides Stuff

User-pays night schools see student numbers plummet http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/policies/5918071/User-pays-night-schools-see-student-numbers-plummet

Key facts about New Zealand children http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1111/S00183/key-facts-about-new-zealand-children.htm

Environmental Defence Society calls for freeze on King Salmon proposals in Sounds http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00212/eds-calls-for-freeze-on-king-salmon-proposals-in-sounds.htm

NZ ECONOMY

Bernard Hickey argues NZ’s big four banks shouldn’t be making such big and growing profits while our economy and lending growth is so weak http://www.interest.co.nz/opinion/56564/opinion-bernard-hickey-argues-nzs-big-four-banks-shouldnt-be-making-such-big-and-growi

Banks must work for us http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10764086

Privatisation – The Real Issues: On 2 November 2011, during the campaign for the General Election on 26 November, CAFCA held a public meeting in Christchurch called "The Real Issues: What are the real issues facing the people of NZ and Christchurch this election?". Speakers were Jeremy Agar, CAFCA Chairperson, on the Productivity Commission; Murray Horton, CAFCA Organiser and Convenor of New Zealand Is Not For Sale Campaign, on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA); Bill Rosenberg, CTU Economist and Policy Director, on Privatisation; and Mike Peters, Addington Action Organiser, on the politics of the earthquake recovery. Here is the presentation on Privatisation [1.04 MB PDF file].

CTU: Unemployment has got even worse http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00076/unemployment-has-got-even-worse.htm

NDU: Unemployment figures a wakeup call http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00094/unemployment-figures-a-wakeup-call.htm

CTU: Labour costings conservative http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00124/labour-costings-conservative.htm

Unemployment for Māori and Pasefika growing unacceptably http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00120/unemployment-for-maori-and-pasefika-growing-unacceptably.htm

New Zealand Trades Away Sovereignty in Secret Negotiations http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00104/new-zealand-trades-away-sovereignty-in-secret-negotiations.htm

Stuff: Higher pay rates but still below average http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/5887254/Higher-pay-rates-but-still-below-average

MANA MOVEMENT

Mana Party ‘for all poor New Zealanders’ http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10764081

Genocide – Stand Up [Fight Back][Mana Movement] http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8g4ei9ykxu8

‘Resistance starts’ for Mana Party http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/5914850/Resistance-starts-for-Mana-Party?mid=51

Mana Party wants rich to pay their fair share http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/election-2011/90170/mana-party-wants-rich-to-pay-their-fair-share

Mana off with a bang and a song http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5916154/Mana-off-with-a-bang-and-a-song

No ‘sell out’ deals, says Harawira http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10764314

Speech: Sykes – Mana Campaign Launch http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00143/speech-sykes-mana-campaign-launch.htm

John Minto speaks at Mana launch

Annette Sykes speaks at mana launch

Sue Bradford speaks to Mana launch

Misty Hinemoa Harrison speaks at Mana launch

Unemployment up to 6.6%, Maori unemployment at 13.2%: Show us the jobs Mr Key http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00102/show-us-the-jobs-mr-key-mana.htm

Local MP “only good for a cup of tea…” http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00233/local-mp-only-good-for-a-cup-of-tea.htm

Mana Would Give Poor A $1000 Christmas Bonus http://mana.net.nz/press-releases/1000-xmas-bonus-for-the-poor/

Latest job stats expose Nats’ real agenda on welfare http://mana.net.nz/press-releases/latest-job-stats-expose-nats-real-agenda-on-welfare-mana/

Vote Chat – John Minto Part 1 of 4 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

The MANA Song

Third World Disease Rampant In Northland http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1111/S00108/third-world-disease-rampant-in-northland.htm

Election 2011: State of Mana Party http://www.nzherald.co.nz/maori/news/article.cfm?c_id=252&objectid=10763960

Te Tai Tonga debate frazzles Katene http://www.nzherald.co.nz/maori/news/article.cfm?c_id=252&objectid=10763026

Mana Calls For All Government Accounts To Be Shifted From Westpac To Kiwibank http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00165/govt-accounts-should-shift-from-westpac-to-kiwibank-mana.htm

Mana Moves To Clarify Industrial Relations Policy http://mana.net.nz/press-releases/mana-moves-to-clarify-industrial-relations-policy/

Envioso – Independent feat. Mistee K

Labour in no hurry over child poverty http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1111/S00139/mana-labour-in-no-hurry-over-child-poverty.htm

FEATURES

Noam Chomsky’s Sydney Peace Prize lecture (full text) http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49361

Jesus Christ: revolutionary – In this edited extract from his book The Jewish Revolt Neil Faulkner argues that Jesus was a revolutionary. http://tinyurl.com/3hhcpab

Video: John Pilger Anti-war speech http://vodpod.com/watch/15654166-john-pilger-anti-war-speech?u=dandelionsalad&c=dandelionsalad

The drone mentality http://www.salon.com/2011/11/05/the_drone_mentality/singleton/

CULTURAL DISSENT

A classic read: Studs Lonigan – Book Review by Sarah Ensor http://www.socialistreview.org.uk/article.php?articlenumber=11825

Interview: ROBIN BLACKBURN – The rise and fall of New World slavery http://www.isreview.org/issues/79/interview-blackburn.shtml

The origin of our species: The origin of our species might seem a question of purely scientific interest, but it is actually also an intensely political one. Stringer gives us a dialectical understanding of our evolution, argues Elaine Graham-Leig http://tinyurl.com/3glp42o

The Prime Minister is a Multimillionaire-Rob Roy

One of the most inspirational speeches in recorded history was given by a comedian by the name of Charlie Chaplin

Review: Charlie Chaplin’s “The Great Dictator” http://louisproyect.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/the-great-dictator/

Review: Eric Hobsbawm: Eric Hobsbawm How to Change the World: Reflections on Marx and Marxism Yale University Press, September 2011. 480 pp. http://lareviewofbooks.org/post/12324496197/the-age-of-revolution

WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS

The Federal Reserve System, its history and function Part 1 http://critiqueofcrisistheory.wordpress.com/2011/10/30/the-federal-reserve-system-its-history-and-function-part-1/ Part 2 http://critiqueofcrisistheory.wordpress.com/2011/11/06/the-federal-reserve-system-its-history-and-function-part-2/

Trust Me – Witness the wonders of voluntary regulation and self-policing businesses i… http://www.youtube.com/embed/Lg6-Jmsdafo

LAND, LABOUR & THE ENVIRONMENT

The politics of famine – The United States bears special responsibility for Somalia’s food crisis, writes Lee Wengraf http://www.isreview.org/issues/79/analysis-somalia.shtml

‘Greenwashing’: Consumers beware http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/5917931/Greenwashing-Consumers-beware

AFGHANISATAN

Afghanistan: A failed war of the 1% http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49343

Official Data Shows Night Raids Killed More Than 1,500 Afghan Civilians http://tinyurl.com/dxlvx2t

ARGENTINA

Argentina’s president irks U.S. Pundits – A popular leftist has delivered for the middle class? She must be doing something wrong http://www.salon.com/2011/11/07/argentinas_president_irks_u_s_pundits/

AUSTRALIA

The people versus coal seam gas http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49334

Time to clear up some security clearance doubts http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3617386.html

AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL NEWS is a site that discusses issues of relevance to the advancement of Australia’s indigenous First Nations peoples; it is not restricted to Aborigines so please take a look and join in the conversation. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Australian-Aboriginal-News/115964165173644?sk=wall&mid=52000

Drowning tragedy provokes fresh refugee-bashing http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49314

CHILE

Students, workers demand free quality education in Chile – Call for nationalization of copper industry http://www.pslweb.org/liberationnews/news/students-workers-demand-free.html

CHINA

Property Prices Collapse in China. Is This a Crash? http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonchang/2011/11/06/property-prices-collapse-in-china-is-this-a-crash/

GREECE

The Greek general strike of 19 and 20 October http://www.internationalviewpoint.org/spip.php?article2360

‘Fear of the unknown’ strikes at heart of crippled Greece http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/international-news/european/fear-of-the-unknown-strikes-at-heart-of-crippled-greece/article2210003/

CUBA

World condemns U.S. blockade on Cuba – Blockade has cost Cuba $975 billion over the years http://www.pslweb.org/liberationnews/news/worldwide-condemnation-of-us.html

US premiere of Cuban film on transgender woman – ‘In the Wrong Body’ highlights Cuban progress on LGBT issues http://www.pslweb.org/liberationnews/news/us-premiere-of-cuban-film-on.html

IRAN

UK military steps up plans for Iran attack amid fresh nuclear fears http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/02/uk-military-iran-attack-nuclear/print

IRELAND

Freedom Waves to Gaza

LIBYA

Cycle of revenge hangs over Libya’s fragile peace http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/31/us-libya-revenge-newspro-idUSTRE79U38D20111031

Hatred Divides Libya After Gaddafi http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=105575

Militias Terrorizing Residents of ‘Loyalist’ Town http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/10/30/libya-militias-terrorizing-residents-loyalist-town

PACIFIC

West Papua: Army starts fresh crackdown on freedom movement http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49184

Fiji: Free jailed trade union leaders http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=1155

PALESTINE

BNC to participate in South Africa session of Russell Tribunal on Palestine http://www.bdsmovement.net/2011/bnc-participation-rtop-sa-8283#.TrMjyHKDi9I

Wave your flag Palestine – ronaldo, kanoute

Russell Tribunal on Palestine finds Israel guilty of the crimes of Apartheid and Persecution http://www.middleeastmonitor.org.uk/news/africa/3041-russell-tribunal-on-palestine-finds-israel-guilty-of-the-crimes-of-apartheid-and-persecution?mid=52374

Israel an apartheid regime: Tribunal http://www.presstv.ir/detail/208966.html?mid=52375

PHILIPPINES

Special report: Environmentalists vow to continue Fr. Pops’ mission http://www.cbcpnews.com/?q=node%2F17423&mid=51

TIMOR

Interview: A Cuban-trained Timorese doctor http://tinyurl.com/3bgk9aq

TUNISIA

What future for Tunisia? Tunisians have participated in the first genuinely free elections for generations. Joseph Daher, co-author of The People Demand: a short history of the Arab revolutions, analyses Tunisia’s new political scene and asks what next for the country. http://tinyurl.com/3zjnwdj

UK
‘Changing the game’: how 30 November can transform the unions http://www.socialistreview.org.uk/article.php?articlenumber=11814

USA

America’s Tilt to the Top: The Deepest Stats Yet http://inequality.org/tilt-top-deepest-stats/

Dorothy and the Occupiers vs. the Wizard of Ozbama and the Power Behind the Curtain http://www.zcommunications.org/dorothy-and-the-occupiers-vs-the-wizard-of-ozbama-and-the-power-behind-the-curtain-by-paul-street

Video: We Just Made History in Ohio – Ohioans overwhelmingly voted to repeal Senate Bill 5—Gov. John Kasich’s attack on middle-class jobs that was designed to destroy collective bargaining rights in Ohio. We pieced together a short, powerful video summing up the amazing energy that went into this. I hope you’ll take a moment to watch http://act.aflcio.org/c/18/p/salsa/web/common/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=6115

Wall Street’s Wars – Fallujah Veteran: ‘I Served The 1%’ By Ross Caputi – It was on their behalf that I helped lay siege to Fallujah, helped kill thousands of civilians, helped displace hundreds of thousands of innocent people, and helped destroy an entire city.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article29663.htm

VENEZUELA

Chávez: Presidential Campaign Will Offer Socialist Option to the People http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/6606

Indigenous Policy in Venezuela: Between Unity and Pluralism http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/6556

Venezuela’s Chavez Nationalises British Company Agroflora, Expropriates over 13,000 Hectares of Commercial Land http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/6596

OLDER 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