GPJA #415: Rally to Save Our Ports – Saturday 10 March, 4pm – Britomart

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 415, March 8, 2012

PORTS OF AUCKLAND DISPUTE

Rally to Save Our Ports – Saturday 10 March, 4pm – Britomart
Join port workers and their families, unions and community groups to rally to Save Our Port and stand up for job security for the port workers and their families and for a publically owned, sustainable and successful port. There will be speeches from port workers, community leaders, international union supporters, and others as well as entertainment and food at Teal Park to follow.
Over 300 workers and their families will be rallying for job security for them and their families. The workers are facing an uncertain future after announcements by Ports of Auckland today that they intend dismissing over 300 port workers and proceed with contracting out their jobs.
These workers are currently undertaking industrial action in response to the ‘take it or leave it’ tactics from the Port’s management – the Ports have now taken this a step further with the announcement of redundancies. Contracting the work out means less job security for port workers and their families, fierce competition on wages and conditions, and less safety for port workers.
Speakers: Carol Beaumont MC – MUNZ; Port workers; Ray Familathe – International Longshore and Warehouse Union vice-president; Mick Doleman – Deputy National Secretary, Maritime Union of Australia; Garry Parsloe – MUNZ; Helen Kelly – NZCTU. For further information, please contact – Georgie McLeod 027 5016880.
Facebook Event – If you are on Facebook, please share this with your networks, and feel free to add this to any electronic communications with networks etc – http://www.facebook.com/events/394421023907069/
YouTube clip – the real story of the dispute – again, please share with your networks, on it has the details of the rally in the information –
For further information, please contact Carol Beaumont on carol.beaumont or 027 275 7374 or Georgie McLeod on georginam or 027 501 6880

PORT DISPUTE MEDIA

‘It ain’t over’, port union warns http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10790375

John Minto: Workers made to pay the price http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10790220&ref=rss

Mass workers’ rights protest may erupt http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/6540905/Mass-workers-rights-protest-may-errupt

Port and Government support for privatisation of Port of Auckland made clearer http://union.org.nz/news/2012/port-and-government-support-privatisation-port-auckland-made-clearer

Port workers united against POAL sackings http://www.voxy.co.nz/business/port-workers-united-against-poal-sackings/5/117005

Chris Trotter: Steady, Comrades, Steady http://bowalleyroad.blogspot.co.nz/2012/03/steady-comrades-steady.html

A Dear Len letter http://thestandard.org.nz/a-dear-len-letter/

Sacked http://norightturn.blogspot.co.nz/2012/03/sacked.html

Is Labour still the workers party http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/labour-still-workers-party-video-4765613

Port dispute web of loyalties takes wide catch http://www.odt.co.nz/news/politics/200492/comment-port-dispute-web-loyalties-takes-wide-catch

Council dividend considered a factor in port layoffs http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/100360/council-dividend-considered-a-factor-in-port-layoffs

Sack Tony Gibson, the Three-Quarters of a Million Dollar Man http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sack-Tony-Gibson-the-Three-Quarters-of-a-Million-Dollar-Man/334296809939293

Wharfies call for court ruling on redundancies http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/ports-redundancies-cost-taxpayers-union-4764997

Port company faces $11.5m payout http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10790557

Union claims YouTube ports video a success http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/union-claims-youtube-ports-video-success-4765738

Port dispute affects operations across NZ http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/port-dispute-affects-operations-across-nz-video-4766852

Lyttelton port wins boycott injunction http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/6540708/Lyttelton-port-wins-boycott-injunction

Port contracting out proposal unlawful – union http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/port-contracting-out-proposal-unlawful-union/5/117021

There is a poll on the Herald poll http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10790375

CTU President Helen Kelly http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/ntn/ntn-20120307-1106-helen_kelly-048.mp3

Union, business groups meet over Auckland port http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/6534422/Union-business-groups-meet-over-Auckland-port

Ports of Auckland wharfies react http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10790399

Port strike backed in NZ and beyond http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10790044

Wellington wharfies ordered to unload ship http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/6527771/Wellingtons-wharfies-black-cargo

Port takes court action to force ship’s unloading http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/6524583/Port-takes-court-action-to-force-ships-unloading

Wellington wharfies refuse to unload Auckland ship http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10789987

Auckland students support the wharfies http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1203/S00050/auckland-students-support-the-wharfies.htm

WHAT’S ON

Friday, March 9, 12.30-1.30pm, Peaceful assembly at Rio Tinto’s NZ head office at the ASB Building, 2 Hunter Street, Wellington.
Canadian steelworkers bring smelter protest to New Zealand. Canadian members of the United Steelworkers are visiting New Zealand in March 2012 to gain support for their struggle against contracting out by their employer – Rio Tinto Alcan. For more info contact Trevor Hobbs (EPMU) on mobile 0275900061or Ray Fife (MUNZ) on mobile 0274475317. For more info contact Paul Tolich (EPMU) on mobile 0275935595

Friday, March 9, 5.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn, Auckland
The Red Flag Social Club invites you to To celebrate International Women’s Day 2012 with special guest Eileen Brown – UnionAID NZ. If you ever feel powerless to improve the lot of women in developing countries come and hear our inspiring IWD speaker, Eileen Brown from Union AID NZ. UnionAID gives NZ workers the chance to make a big difference in the lives of workers overseas e.g. the Dalit workers of India, Burmese refugees and migrants in Thailand. Eileen will tell us about a recent visit to the Thai Burma border to visit the UnionAID project which provides occupational skills and labour rights training to Burmese migrant workers, mainly women, who have fled Burma for reasons of poverty and human right’s abuses. Come and show solidarity with women from all around the world by buying some of the lovely Burmese crafts or the book featuring recipes from India and South East Asia that Eileen will have with her. All the proceeds go directly to UnionAID projects. The Red Flag Social Club is brought to you by the Working Women’s Resource Centre. For further information contact Ros Hiini, Organiser, WWRC Phone 09 379 7906 or email wwrc

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A VISITOR FROM JERUSALEM
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is pleased to host the Secretary General of Caritas Jerusalem Claudette Habesch for a visit to New Zealand 24 February – 13 March 2012. Public events are being organised for Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North, Christchurch. Caritas Jerusalem is the humanitarian and development organisation for the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, based in Jerusalem. It was founded in the aftermath of the Six-Day War in 1967, and Ms Habesch has led it since 1987. She has played a leading role in the Caritas Internationalis confederation of 168 Catholic agencies working for justice, peace and development. From 1999 to 2007 she was President of Caritas’ Middle-East and Northern Africa region (Caritas MONA) and Vice-President of Caritas Internationalis. A passionate defender of Palestinians’ rights and peace in the region, Ms Habesch is a member of the Committee for Christian Affairs of the Palestinian Authority (PA), and of the Islamic-Christian Commission funded by the PA to support Jerusalem and the Holy Sites. She has been active since 1992 in the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and in the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees. She also participates in the inter-religious activities of Rabbis for Human Rights.
Public Events: Claudette Habesch will be participating in a number of public events around New Zealand. Liturgies ‘for the Peace of Jerusalem’, including an address by Claudette Habesch. will be held in Wellington, Palmerston North and Auckland Cathedrals. Public meetings will also be held in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland with the title, Healing and hope for Palestine. Claudette Habesch will speak on how Caritas Jerusalem works to bring healing, hope and dignity to people living in the occupied Palestinian territories. She will also address efforts to achieve a just peace for all people living in Israel/Palestine.
Auckland: Wednesday 7 March, 7.30 pm: ‘A Just Peace for the Holy Land?’ Selwyn library, 8 St Stephens Ave, Parnell. Talk Two in a series of four on ‘Injustice in our time: A faith response’. Jointly sponsored by the Catholic and Anglican Cathedral parishes of Auckland.
Thursday 8 March, 5.30-7pm: St Columba’s Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby. Public meeting: Healing and hope for Palestine.
Sunday 11 March, 5.45pm-6.45pm: St Patrick’s Cathedral, Wyndham St, Auckland. ‘Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem’ – liturgy including address by Claudette Habesch. Tea/coffee to follow in Liston Hall.
Wellington: Sunday 26 February, 4pm: Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hill St, Wellington. ‘Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem’ – liturgy including address by Claudette Habesch
Wednesday 29 February, 5.30-7pm: Wellington City Library community room, 65 Victoria St, Wellington. Public meeting: Healing and hope for Palestine.

Christchurch: Thursday 1 March: 12 noon – 1pm: Knox Church, 28 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch (in association with Christian World Service) Public meeting: Healing and hope for Palestine. 7:30pm: St Matthew’s Church, 108 Jeffreys Rd, Strowan, Christchurch (in association with Justice and Peace Group of Bryndwr Catholic Parish). Public meeting: Healing and hope for Palestine. Tea and coffee to follow.

Palmerston North: Sunday 4 March, 3pm: Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 197 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North. ‘Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem’ – liturgy including address by Claudette Habesch.

Whanganui: Monday 5 March: Pilgrimage to Hiruharama/Jerusalem on the Whanganui River. Contact Martin de Jong or Lisa Beech at Caritas 04 496 1742 or 0800 22 10 22.

Martin de Jong, Communications & International Advocacy Coordinator, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, PO Box 12193, Wellington 6144. +64 4 496 1782; +64 21 909 688. www.caritas.org.nz

ROGER AWARD FINALIST TRANSGRESSES ON A GLOBAL SCALE
The Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa (CAFCA) declares its solidarity with the Canadian members of the United Steelworkers Union who are currently visiting New Zealand (Invercargill today; Wellington tomorrow) to gain support for their struggle against contracting out by their employer, Rio Tinto Alcan. Their struggle bears an uncanny resemblance to that being waged by the Maritime Union against Ports of Auckland Ltd contracting out their jobs. And Rio Tinto Alcan has used the same tactic – namely, the indefinite lockout –as Affco has against its’ meat workers in the North Island.
Our Canadian visitors need to know that Rio Tinto Alcan is also a recidivist corporate offender in this country, being one of the eight finalists in the annual Roger Award for the Worst Transnational Corporation Operating in Aotearoa/New Zealand in 2011.
New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd/Rio Tinto Alcan NZ Ltd (notorious for decades under its previous name of Comalco) has been a regular finalist and was runner up in both the 2009 and 08 Roger Awards (you will find the Judges’ Reports for those years at http://canterbury.cyberplace.co.nz/community/CAFCA/publications/Roger/index.html .
In 2011 the nominator put in a detailed (even footnoted) nomination of the owners of the Bluff aluminium smelter for a new reason – for lobbying two Governments “over several years to secure to secure excessive allocations of free emissions units under the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)… NZAS/Rio Tinto has interfered in a democratic process via political lobbying through its industry advocate the Greenhouse Policy Coalition in order to dodge a tax (greenhouse gas pricing under the NZETS), and to profit from the ETS through excessive free allocation of emissions units….there is very little doubt that the NZETS unit allocation rules are so distorted that the smelter would face a higher carbon price if it were exempted from obligations under the NZETS and just paid its electricity bills”. This is the same transnational which, only a few years ago, threatened to quit NZ if the ETS went ahead. If you can’t beat them, you might as well make money out of them, eh.
A whole book could be written about this company’s misdeeds in New Zealand and a good place to refresh your memory about its outrageous early history here is our 30 year old classic comic booklet “The Amazing Adventures Of NZ’s No.1 Power Junky: The True Story Of Comalco In NZ” (online at http://www.historicalwatchdog.blogspot.co.nz/2009/01/comalco-comic.html . It’s an oldie but a goody.
The winner/s of the 2011 Roger Award will be announced at an event in Christchurch on the night of Friday April 20th.
The full list of finalists and other details are at http://canterbury.cyberplace.co.nz/community/CAFCA/publications/Roger/2011finalists.html

POSITION VACANT AS MANAGER, THE PEACE PLACE, AUCKLAND
The Peace Place (Aiotanga)* is a work of the Dominican Family and Pax Christi. A space in the heart of Auckland dedicated to a more just and peaceful world; it promotes inter-religious dialogue, the study of ecology, nonviolence and restorative justice. The Peace Place is seeking a Manager, paid, at 20 hours per week. Expressions of interest to the secretary at: The Peace Place, 2F / 22 Emily Place, Auckland 1010, Aotearoa New Zealand or email: paxnz Closing date: 31 March 2012. * a place of peace and shelter. http://thepeaceplace.wordpress.com/

UREWERA 4 TRIAL: AUCKLAND HIGH COURT, COURTROOM 15
Supporters and fellow freedom fighters welcome to come to court to support Urs, Emily, Rangi and Taame defending charges of participation in an ‘organised criminal group’ and Arms Act charges stemming from the 15 October 2007 police raids around the country (court generally sits 10am-5pm). We are also seeking short, medium and long-term accommodation for supporters wishing to travel up to Auckland in order to support the defendants. For more information check out info

STOP DISCRIMINATION AGAINST OUR POOREST CHILDREN
CPAG needs your help to get to the Court of Appeal and beyond. The courts agree that the In Work Tax Credit which is a child-related family assistance payment discriminates against some of our poorest children but is justified. So, the discrimination continues. CPAG believes this is unacceptable – we want a fair go for all kiwi kids. Where we stand. Since 2004 CPAG has challenged the Government over its discriminatory In Work Tax Credit (IWTC) which is a government payment to help with the costs of children. CPAG argues that the IWTC is unlawfully discriminatory as it is denied to the families of beneficiaries and this denial keeps many children in poverty while aiming to incentivise their parents to work. Beneficiary families are ineligible for the IWTC even when work is not available, or when parents cannot meet the IWTC work requirements because of their child-caring responsibilities, disability or sickness. Families lose their right to the IWTC even when they lose work because of events beyond their control like recession, illness or an earthquake. In November 2011, the High Court ruled that the IWTC is discriminatory in part. But the High Court said that this discrimination could be justified because the purpose of the IWTC is to incentivise parents into work. CPAG disagrees. Discrimination cannot be justified when so many beneficiary families are in poverty for reasons outside their control. This is especially true for children who have no capacity to act in this matter. Now we are preparing to appeal on this point to the Court of Appeal and if we fail there, to the Supreme Court. Why we need you. Until now, the Office of Human Rights Proceedings at the Human Rights Commission has paid for CPAG’s top legal team. The Office is pledging to continue providing our junior counsel, but can no longer offer any funding for our senior counsel, court fees or expenses. Our counsel has committed to do some of the work pro bono. The case has its first hearing at the end of March 2012 to determine if and what parts of the decision can be appealed. To take our case to the Appeal Court and beyond we need to raise $50,000. You can make your donation in these ways. 1. Direct Deposit, Kiwibank 38-9003-0066858-00 please use your name and 2012 Appeal as a reference. 2. Via Credit card through PayPal. Click here to donate now. 3. Send cheques to Child Poverty Action Group Inc, PO Box 5611, Wellesley St Auckland. Thank you for supporting CPAG and sharing our vision of a New Zealand where no child has to live in poverty. Marianna Munting, CHiLD POVERTY ACTION GROUP Coordinator, T: 09 303 9260 | M: 021 150 2414 | E: admin | P: PO Box 5611, Wellesley St, Auckland 1141. Ka Whangaia ka tupu, ka puawai -That which is nurtured, blossoms and grows

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL – WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO DESERVES SOME RECOGNITION?
2011 saw Ugandan LGBT rights activist Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesea pick up the Martin Ennals Award for her work defending the rights of the LGBT community in her home country. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work". And the Joint Mobile Group of the Russian Federation were awarded the Frontline Defenders Award for their work investigating torture, killing and disappearances in Chechnya. All of these winners are courageous human rights defenders and on 12th May 2012, Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand will close its 50th Birthday Year by presenting its third Human Rights Defender Award to someone from NZ or the Pacific region who we believe is a brave defender of human rights. The Award is presented in recognition of one person’s remarkable contribution to the protection, promotion and defence of human rights and nominations are open now. Nominees must be from or working in NZ or the Pacific region and could have made their contribution to human rights through work carried out in their community or region; work for a law firm with a proven track record in human rights cases; work in the media – either in print or broadcast media and with a proven record in promoting human rights; or it could be someone ‘working in the field’ as a researcher, photographer, advisor, educator etc. Previous winners of the award are Shamima Ali of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and Naing Ko Ko a Burmese Human Rights Activist and former Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience. If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their human rights work please nominate them. The closing date for receipt of nominations is Wednesday 11th April 2012 @ 5pm. Nomination forms are available to download from http://www.amnesty.org.nz/get-involved/human-rights-defender-award

JOIN THE BDS GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION ON 30 MARCH 2012!
Palestinian BDS National Committee info http://www.bdsmovement.net/2012/bds-global-day-action-201-8667
Commemorating Land Day, the Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC) invites people of conscience around the world to unite for a BDS Global Day of Action on 30 March 2012 in solidarity with the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom, justice and equality and for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel until it fully complies with its obligations under international law. Let’s showcase our BDS successes through creative actions and media efforts and mobilize for the World Social Forum Free Palestine in November 2012. First launched at the World Social Forum in 2009, the BDS Global Day of Action on 30 March coincides with Palestinian Land Day, initiated in 1976, when Israeli security forces shot and killed six Palestinian citizens of Israel and injured many in an attempt to crush popular protest against ongoing theft of Palestinian-owned land. Thirty-six years on, Israel continues to entrench its regime of occupation, colonization and apartheid and intensify its grave violations of the basic rights of Palestinians everywhere, whether those living under occupation, citizens of Israel, or the majority of the Palestinians, the refugees.
In the past year we have continued to witness a historic outburst of people power motivated by the desire for justice and freedom from tyranny and corporate greed. There is renewed belief in popular struggles as a means to achieve human emancipation and empowerment. Ordinary people have bravely stood up to the decades-old regimes of the Arab region, overcoming their fears and challenging their longstanding subjugation. Largely inspired by the Arab popular upheavals and earlier, similar uprisings across Latin America, people across the world have vocally “occupied” the centers of corporate exploitation or otherwise mobilized to demand social justice and an end to devastating wars. The ‘Arab Spring’ has given new impetus to the ongoing struggle against imperial hegemony in the global south and a new reach for the alternatives to neoliberalism. The global 99% are further uniting and connecting their struggles for justice, rights and dignity.
In this spirit of shared struggle, we invite Palestine solidarity activists and all those active in social justice and human rights causes worldwide to use this day of action to launch a far reaching mobilization effort towards the upcoming World Social Forum Free Palestine to be held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in November 2012 and to take action to highlight and develop the key campaigns of our global movement.
Read the action call in full and ideas for action: http://www.bdsmovement.net/2012/bds-global-day-action-201-8667

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR WHITE POPPY PEACE SCHOLARSHIPS
A reminder that the deadline for applications for 2012 White Poppy Peace Scholarships is Friday, 9 March 2012 – information about the Peace Scholarships and how to apply is provided below. About the White Poppy Peace Scholarships – The Peace Scholarships comprise at least two grants that are awarded each year to assist with research into: the impacts of militarism, militarisation and warfare; alternatives to militarism, militarisation and warfare; or collective non-violent responses to state violence. The Peace Scholarships are for students at any tertiary education institution in Aotearoa New Zealand. Each grant is a minimum of $1,000 – one is for a Maori or Moriori student, with the other/s open to any student with New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency. The White Poppy Peace Scholarships were launched by Professor Cynthia Enloe at her public lecture in Wellington on 30 October 2009. The first two Peace Scholarships were awarded in April 2010, and two more in April 2011. How to apply for a Peace Scholarship – Guidelines for applicants are available at peacescholarship The deadline for applications for a Peace Scholarship to assist with research costs during the 2012 academic year is Friday, 9 March 2012. How you can support the Peace Scholarships – The White Poppy Peace Scholarships are entirely funded by donations, including those collected during the White Poppies for Peace Annual Appeal, 17 to 24 April. The amount and number of grants awarded annually is determined by the amount raised each year. Information about how you can support the Peace Scholarships is available at pma with ‘Take off e-list’ in the subject line. If this message has been forwarded to you, and you would like to be added to our national e-list, please send a message to email pma with ‘Join national e-list’ in the subject line.Thank you. White Poppy Peace Scholarships, PO Box 39-059, Te Puni Mail Centre, Lower Hutt 5045. peacescholarship www.peacescholar.org.nz

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves." — William Pitt — (1759-1806) British Prime Minister (1783-1801, 1804-06)

"It is the function of the CIA to keep the world unstable, and to propagandize and teach the American people to hate, so we will let the Establishment spend any amount of money on arms."– John Stockwell, former CIA official and author

"You have to hand it to America. It has exercised a quite clinical manipulation of power worldwide while masquerading as a force for universal good. It’s a brilliant, even witty, highly successful act of hypnosis." – Harold Pinter, 2005 Nobel Lecture – http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article11239.htm

"We had to struggle with the old enemies of peace, business and financial monopoly, speculation, reckless banking, class antagonism, sectionalism, war profiteering. They had begun to consider the Government of the United States as a mere appendage to their own affairs. We know now that Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob." Franklin Delano Roosevelt also known by his initials, FDR – 32nd President of the United States (1933-1945)

STATS OF THE WEEK

The CEO at private equity giant Blackstone made four times more last year than his firm’s number two. But that second banana, chief operating officer Hamilton James, probably isn’t grousing. James took home $52.6 million. Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman’s take-home: $214 million.

Timothy Noah, The One Percent Bounce Back, New Republic, March 4, 2012. In the first year of the U.S. recovery, in 2010, 93 percent of all income gains went to America’s top 1 percent.

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND

Migration changes ‘brutal’ to Pacific people http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/100207/migration-changes-‘brutal’-to-pacific-people

Govt ‘makes no bones’ over wanting wealthy immigrants http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/govt-makes-no-bones-over-wanting-wealthy-immigrants-4760875

Immigration changes give preference to wealthy http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/6523745/Immigration-changes-give-preference-to-wealthy

Kiwis join first Gaza convoy to bring construction aid http://kiaoragaza.wordpress.com/2012/03/06/kiwis-join-first-gaza-convoy-to-bring-construction-aid/

Roger Award Finalists Just Keep on Digging http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1203/S00030/roger-award-finalists-just-keep-on-digging.htm

Video: Phil Twyford – "Urban planning is a class issue" – Labour MP Phil Twyford discusses Auckland’s growing urban disfunction. http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.co.nz/2012/02/phil-twyford-urban-planning-is-class.html

Petition calls for asset sales referendum http://www.3news.co.nz/Petition-calls-for-asset-sales-referendum/tabid/1607/articleID/245551/Default.aspx

Pay Equity Challenge Coalition says little good news for women on International Women’s Day. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1203/S00091/little-good-news-for-pay-equity-on-international-womens-day.htm

Union Women Focus on Domestic Workers http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1203/S00090/union-women-focus-on-domestic-workers.htm

Racial inequality ‘entrenched’ in NZ – commission http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/racial-inequality-entrenched-in-nz-commission-4765022

NZH Editorial: Bill goes too far in curbing right to silence http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10790492

Hone Harawira to foreign investors – steer clear http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/6542948/Hone-Harawira-to-foreign-investors-steer-clear

Harawira declares war on ‘corporate takeover’ of NZ http://www.newswire.co.nz/2012/03/harawira-declares-war-on-corporate-takeover/

Key’s “sinking lid” pokies claim false http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/13107570/keys-sinking-lid-pokies-claim-false-greens/

Bash victim faces ACC denial http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10790325

WORKRIGHTS NZ

Old-style labour disruption looms – CTU http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/employer-militancy-returning-ctu-co-p-111727

Support for global union solidarity http://thestandard.org.nz/support-for-global-union-solidarity/

2400 more state sector jobs could go http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/6541160/2400-more-state-sector-jobs-could-go

Affco workers take strike action http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/6543061/Affco-workers-take-strike-action

Union to meet on Affco campaign http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/6534403/Union-to-meet-on-Affco-campaign

Meat workers to strike as dispute drags on http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/meat-workers-strike-dispute-drags-4766303

Safety of new meat workers at risk – union http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/affco-workers-face-lock-today-4759788

Rest home care ‘compromised’ in strike http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/6540971/Rest-home-care-compromised-in-strike

Union worried for residents during resthome strikes http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/rest-home-workers-back-picket-line-4763186

A union leader says it is time for tribes to get serious about providing jobs for Maori in the fishing industry. http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/100288/union-leader-says-time-to-get-serious-on-maori-fishing-jobs

Care workers to strike again http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/6527022/Care-workers-to-strike-again

NZ ECONOMY

Intensifying The Vicious Circle http://bowalleyroad.blogspot.co.nz/2012/03/intensifying-vicious-circle.html

Tobacco giant’s link with trade pact a worry http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/6535101/Tobacco-giants-link-with-trade-pact-a-worry

Pressure mounts for referendum over asset sales http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/politics/63306.html

Campaign calls for Referendum on Asset Sales http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/campaign-calls-asset-sales-referendum/5/116852

FEATURES

The rise of the "precariat"? Geoff Bailey and Kyle Brown take up a debate about Occupy and the working class. http://socialistworker.org/print/2012/03/01/rise-of-the-precariat

Occupy movement aims to come back in force http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/03/01/occupy-movement-aims-come-back-force

LAND, LABOUR & THE ENVIRONMENT

Linking Weird Weather To Rapid Warming Of The Arctic By Jennifer Francis http://www.countercurrents.org/francis060312.htm

Deny Global Warming, Intimidate A Scientist, And Pocket Some Money By Farooque Chowdhury http://www.countercurrents.org/chowdhury060312.htm

WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS

The Great Inequality by Michael D. Yates http://monthlyreview.org/2012/03/01/the-great-inequality

Uneconomic Growth Deepens Depression By Herman Daly http://www.countercurrents.org/daly050312.htm

Eliot Spitzer: How Wall Street is Gaming the Greek Bailout http://www.alternet.org/story/154423/eliot_spitzer%3A_how_wall_street_is_gaming_the_greek_bailout?akid=8372.145638.hivg-s&rd=1&t=12

CULTURAL DISSENT

Art is… the Permanent Revolution http://louisproyect.wordpress.com/2012/03/02/art-is-the-permanent-revolution/

First, They Came for the Sex Offenders http://monthlyreview.org/2012/02/01/first-they-came-for-the-sex-offenders

“Open the bloody gates”—Arundhati Roy on Kashmir http://www.versobooks.com/blogs/720-open-the-bloody-gates-arundhati-roy-on-kashmir

AFGHANISTAN

Afghans Turn On Occupiers By Eric S. Margolis http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article30703.htm

GREECE

Greece in Meltdown by Maria Margaronis http://www.thenation.com/article/166522/greece-meltdown

Greece’s resistance to free fall into the abyss http://emmayabasta.blogspot.co.nz/#!http://emmayabasta.blogspot.com/2012/03/greeces-resistance-to-free-fall-into.html

HAITI

Class Analysis of a Crisis: What Lies Behind PM Conille’s Resignation? http://canadahaitiaction.ca/content/class-analysis-crisis-what-lies-behind-pm-conille%E2%80%99s-resignation

Solidarity and Social Justice http://www.socialistproject.ca/leftstreamed/ls130.php

IRAN

Threats, Aggression, War Preparations…And Lies— U.S. And Israel Accelerate Campaign Against Iran http://www.countercurrents.org/everest060312.htm

Is Israel Driving The Threat of War? http://www.countercurrents.org/everest060312B.htm

What Are Iran’s Intentions? By Noam Chomsky – As tensions flare between Iran and the West, 120 nonaligned nations agree: the country has the right to enrich uranium. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article30701.htm

LIBYA

Spy journalists arrested http://www.channel4.com/news/spying-journalists-were-reporting-killing-of-black-libyans

SYRIA

Syrian Notebooks by Jonathan Littell http://www.lrb.co.uk/2012/03/01/jonathan-littell/syrian-notebooks/print

The End of Taking the Syrian Revolution at Face Value http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/4519/the-end-of-taking-the-syrian-revolution-at-face-va
USA

Poverty In America: From Riches To Rags By Vincent Guarisco http://www.countercurrents.org/guarisco070312.htm

The Best Medical System in the World?

Free Market Health Care: True Stories By Michael Parenti http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article30708.htm

VENEZUELA

Dictatorship Of The Elite By Hugo Chavez – President Hugo Chavez explains why the American empire’s practice of privatization, foreign intervention, and violence is not conducive to a humanistic society. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article30725.htm

OLDER ANNOUNCEMENTS

NICKY HAGER’S OTHER PEOPLE’S WARS HITS THE STAGE WELLINGTON APRIL 17-28
Other People’s Wars The stage play. Bats Theatre, Wellington, April 17-28. How do we get into Afghanistan? Why are we there? What happened the night Willie Apiata won his VC? Are NZ intelligence officers there on humanitarian purpose? And did we really keep out of Iraq? And can you believe ANYTHING Foreign Affairs and the Defence Forces say? In fact— are Foreign Affairs and the Defence Forces riddled with traitors working for a foreign power? Aided by Wikileaks and local Deep Throats, and some extraordinarily indiscreet material posted on Facebook, Nicky Hager’s Other People’s Wars drew alarming conclusions about the general nature of New Zealand defence policy—how it’s decided, and by whom. And now it’s on stage. As it should be. Besides the documenting of shifty departmental manoeuvres and cover-ups, there’s love, death, courage, pathos, raillery, bombast and—of course—farce; all the Shakespearean elements. The play ends with an Anzac Day ceremony and its premiere season in Wellington (April 17-28) is nicely timed to coincide with Anzac Day, April 25, the day we remember those who have given their lives for their government’s foreign policy. “Anyone familiar with Other People’s Wars will know more about New Zealand military and what it did in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Gulf than any politician in parliament.” – Nicky Hager.

VII "MAY DAY" INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE FROM APRIL 22ND, TO MAY 6TH, 2012
Dear friend: Receive a cordial and warm greeting on behalf of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples that affectionately summons you to participate in the sixth edition of the International Brigade of Volunteer Work and Solidarity with Cuba on the occasion of the International May Day. As in previous editions, it will be integrated by friends from all continents. Brigade’s aim is to provide a wider understanding of Cuban reality as well as carrying out some voluntary work sessions, as a support to agricultural development and productive sphere in our country. Program includes visits to historical, economical, cultural and social places, not only in Havana but also in other provinces, lectures about national issues as well as meetings with representatives of Cuban organizations. Staying includes 10 nights in the International Camp Julio Antonio Mella (CIJAM) located in the municipality of Caimito, 45 km from Havana City and 4 nights in tourist facilities in Pinar del Rio province. It will cost 295.00 CUC which includes accommodation in shared rooms for up to 6 people in CIJAM, three meals daily, transfer in-out and transportation to all program activities. Agricultural work sessions will be carried out in areas near CIJAM. The camp, founded in 1972, has appropriate conditions for community life and for satisfying needs of friends who visit us from around the world. Registrations are open for those interested until March 30th, 2012. Confirmations of participation as well as information about date, flight number and airline to which you are scheduled to arrive and departure from Cuba, should be sent to asia.norte and director.dao Looking forward your enthusiastic participation with our people in this proletarian celebration of the May Day. See you then! Asia and Pacific Division, Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples.

KMU INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY FAIR, PHILIPPINES, APRIL 24-MAY 5, 2012
We are inviting you and your organization to participate in the 28thInternational Solidarity Affair (ISA) hosted by the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) from April 24 to May 5, 2012 in Manila, Philippines. http://www.labournetaustria.at/aktion223.htm

CALL FOR THE WORLD SOCIAL FORUM FREE PALESTINE, NOV. 2012 IN BRAZIL
http://www.bdsmovement.net/2012/call-for-the-world-social-forum-free-palestine-nov-2012-in-brazil-8603
Occupied Palestine is part of every free heartbeat in this world and her cause continues to inspire solidarity across the globe. The World Social Forum Free Palestine is an expression of the human instinct to unite for justice and freedom and an echo of the World Social Forum’s opposition to neo-liberal hegemony, colonialism, and racism through struggles for social, political and economic alternatives to promote justice, equality, and the sovereignty of peoples. The WSF Free Palestine will be a global encounter of broad-based popular and civil society mobilizations from around the world. It aims to: 1. Show the strength of solidarity with the calls of the Palestinian people and the diversity of initiatives and actions aimed at promoting justice and peace in the region. 2. Create effective actions to ensure Palestinian self-determination, the creation of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, and the fulfillment of human rights and international law, by: a) Ending Israeli occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the Wall; b) Ensuring the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and c) Implementing, protecting, and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194. 3. Be a space for discussion, exchange of ideas, strategizing, and planning in order to improve the structure of solidarity. Exactly sixty-five years after Brazil presided over the UN General Assembly session that agreed upon the partition of Palestine, Brazil will host a different type of global forum: an historic opportunity for people from all over the world to stand up where governments have failed. The world’s people will come together to discuss new visions and effective actions to contribute to justice and peace in the region. We call on all organizations, movements, networks, and unions across the globe to join the WSF Free Palestine in November 2012 in Porto Alegre. We ask you to join the International Committee for the WSF Free Palestine, we will establish as soon as possible. Participation in this forum will structurally strengthen solidarity with Palestine, promote action to implement Palestinian’s legitimate rights, and hold Israel and its allies accountable to international law. Together we can raise global solidarity with Palestine to a new level. Palestinian Preparatory Committee for the WSF Free Palestine 2012. Secretariat members: • PNGO – Palestinian NGO Network; • Stop the Wall – Palestinian grassroots Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign; • OPGAI – Occupied Palestinian Golan Heights Advocacy Initiative; • Alternatives represented by: Alternative Information Center, Teacher Creativity Center; • Ittijah; • General Union of Palestinian women. Coordination office: PNGO – Palestinian NGO Network, Tel: +970 2 2975320/1, Fax: +970 2 2950704, E mail: samahd

FREE SOMYOT CAMPAIGN
Dear friends, Please find an update from the international campaign to free labour and political activist Somyot Pruksakasemsuk from detention in Thailand. Somyot has been charged with the crime of “Lese Majeste” which means criticising the King. This “crime” has a maximum sentence of 30 years! I have known Somyot as a labour activist for over 20 years and he is a personal friend. I have stayed with him and his family on many of my visits to Thailand. I was able to visit Somyot in pre trial detention earlier this year and it was heart wrenching to see him in custody. As you can see below, Somyot’s son Tai has begun a hunger strike this week to bring attention to the plight of his father. I ask you to take a few minutes to go to the website below and sign up to the letter that you see printed below seeking at least the right of Somyot to be released on bail while he faces the charges. There is more information on this website and also on the other sites listed below. http://www.cleanclothes.org/urgent-actions/somyot-trial Thanks, Robert Reid, General Secretary, First Union.

PARIHAKA DOCUMENTARY – FUNDING NEEDED
A documentary has been made about Parihaka by film makers Paora Joseph, Gaylene Preston, Janine Martin, Tracey Egerton, and people of Parihaka called ‘Tatarakihi. Children of the Prophets’. There is a need for support to complete the project. For more info go to www.pozible.com and search under ‘Parihaka’ to find the trailer and story behind it. Please circulate among your networks.

8/9TH JUNE AUCKLAND PEACE CITY PUBLIC LAUNCH & NUCLEAR FREE NZ EVENT AOTEA SQUARE
Calling all people who support the ideals of peace, justice and a nuclear free world. ADVANCE NOTIFICATION –put into your diaries NOW, circulate among group networks to include in your calendar of major events, newsletters etc. Auckland Peace City Public Launch ~ Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone and Disarmament Legislation of 1987. Auckland Aotea Square & Centre – Friday 8th June 12:00-1:00pm. Mayor’s official Peace City launch and Opening of Peace Exhibitions celebrating New Zealand’s Nuclear Free Zone. (on show inside Aotea Centre for 3 weeks). Aotea Square – Saturday 9th June 1:00-6:00pm – multicultural PEACE celebration and performance event –music, dance, poetry, art, food stalls, children’s activities. ‘Pohutukawa for Peace Tree Planting Ceremony’ with plaque.