GPJA #451: Forum with UK doco maker on Palestine Thurs Feb 7

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 451, January 10, 2013

The February GPJA meeting has been changed to combine with a not-to-be-missed presentation by UK documentary maker HARRY FEAR (see below).

Thursday, February 7, 7pm, Lecture Room B28, Auckland University Library, Alfred St, City.
GAZA REPORT – Hear UK documentary maker & activist HARRY FEAR. Harry Fear & veteran Kiwi activist Roger Fowler were on a fact-finding mission in Gaza when the recent Israeli bombing raids took place. They will speak about their experiences. Hosted by Auckland University Students For Justice in Palestine. Website: uoasjp.wordpress.com Organised by Kia Ora Gaza. Website: kiaoragaza.net

Saturday, January 12, 1pm, Aotea Square, Aucklad City
RISE UP AGAINST RAPE CULTURE: A silent protest in solidarity with the anti-rape movement in India. A woman in Delhi was brutally raped and beaten ON A BUS. The woman has just died as a result of her injuries. There is a lot to this story so do check out the links below. Today the world finally learns of her name – RIP Jyoti Singh Pandey. In light of her story as well as the many unnamed unsung women victims, a group of young Asian women with the support of Shakti, are organising a silent protest to mourn in solidarity with the anti-rape movement in India and extend aroha and support to those still in grief and disbelief over this injustice. Why a silent protest? Because words cannot express the pain and rage we have been carrying in our hearts since the loss of our sisters. Our mana has been broken! Immigrant women of colour and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand seek the tautoko of all members of New Zealand society, from all walks of life, to join us for a silent protest in honour of the women victims and their families. Join us as we rise against rape culture and collectively build hope and strength. In respect of Indian custom, wear something white as a colour for mourning. Black scarves will be distributed at the event for people to wear as masks symbolising our “silence”. You may bring posters and placards to “speak”. Silent protest will go for 30 minutes, after which speakers from the community will be invited to share a few words. This event is graciously supported by SHAKTI (http://shakti.org.nz/)
Informative links: http://www.3news.co.nz/Group-protests-violence-after-India-rape/tabid/423/articleID/282139/Default.aspx
Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/431263136946607/?suggestsessionid=7295850471357514458

Sunday, January 13, 3pm, Unite Union, 6a Western Springs Rd, Kingsland, Auckland
UP THE ANTI _ “Anti-Colonial/Anti-Capitalist/Anti-Authoritarian!” Talk presented by Crimethinc.The synergies of these Anti’s became part of the popular consciousness in 2010 during resistance to the Olympics and G20 in what was a very intense year for social movements in “Canada”. These mobilizations saw effective collaboration between indigenous activists, anarchists, anti-poverty organizers, environmentalists, migrant justice groups, and others. This discussion will talk about the ongoing cross-pollination of movements in Turtle Island, drawing specific attention to anarchist and indigenous collaboration in the struggle for land and freedom. presented by crimethinc.

Sunday, January 13, 8pm, The Wine Cellar, St Kevin’s Arcade, 183 Karangagape Road, Auckland
International revolutionary hip hop fundraiser. Anti-capitalist Canadian MC TESTAMENT & spoken word poetry collective DECOLONIZE are holding a fundraiser to stop environmental destruction. Suggested donation is $5. Koha is for the indigenous movement Idle No More to fight tar sands mining. Open mic. Share hard.

APPEAL FOR WITNESSES AND VIDEO CLIPS FROM TPP PROTEST.
Hi everyone, As a result of the protest against the TPP on 8 December outside Skycity one of our protest group is facing a serious charge of assault with intent to injure a police officer. We are helping to co-ordinate the defence and we need witnesses and video footage of the incident where the police officer with motorbike helmet (Robocop?) grabbed a woman around the neck and wrestled with her on the ground. If you were directly or indirectly involved in the incident please get in touch with us urgently. Please send video footage to mike as well as write down NOW what you actually saw of the incident and send that through as well. You can also call or text John Minto at 0220850161.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WAIHOPAI SPYBASE PROTEST JANUARY 18-20, 2013

The Kim Dotcom saga has certainly put the NZ Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) and its Waihopai spy base smack bang into the glare of the spotlight.

Not coincidentally this is happening in the same year that the Government has got New Zealand back into ANZUS in all but name. NZ has hosted its first visit from a US Defense Secretary for 30 years and he offered to base US marines here. For the first time since the 1980s, American troops have trained here; NZ troops have trained in the US; and NZ warships have taken part in US-led naval exercises. How ironic that all this was happening at the same time as the country was celebrating the 25th anniversary of our nuclear free law.

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 the global American warfighting machine is, and has been for more than 20 years, 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 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, and certainly not citizens.

Join us for the weekend of anti-war protest at this spy base. 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 spy base on NZ soil and directly involves us in America’s wars.

Waihopai must be closed. Email abc for further registration information.

2012 ROGER AWARD PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Cast your vote at http://bit.ly/UIq28W For the first time, the organisers of the Roger Award for the Worst Transnational Corporation Operating in Aotearoa/New Zealand are inviting the public to have their say by voting online for the People’s Choice winner. This is an online poll only; the field is restricted to the eight finalists fro the 2102 Roger Award listed at the People’s Choice Website, along with brief information about why each of them was selected; the People’s Choice winner will be announced at the same May Day event in Wellington at which the Roger Award judges announce their winner. The judges’ choice is the actual winner of the Roger Award and, as always, will be accompanied by a detailed Judges’ Report and Financial Analysis. There will be no equivalent reports about the People’s Choice winner. Please help to publicise this. Spread the word. Season’s greetings, Murray Horton, Secretary/Organiser

WHAT’S ON IN AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND

Saturday, January 12, 1pm, Aotea Square, Aucklad City
RISE UP AGAINST RAPE CULTURE: A silent protest in solidarity with the anti-rape movement in India. A woman in Delhi was brutally raped and beaten ON A BUS. The woman has just died as a result of her injuries. There is a lot to this story so do check out the links below. Today the world finally learns of her name – RIP Jyoti Singh Pandey. In light of her story as well as the many unnamed unsung women victims, a group of young Asian women with the support of Shakti, are organising a silent protest to mourn in solidarity with the anti-rape movement in India and extend aroha and support to those still in grief and disbelief over this injustice. Why a silent protest? Because words cannot express the pain and rage we have been carrying in our hearts since the loss of our sisters. Our mana has been broken! Immigrant women of colour and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand seek the tautoko of all members of New Zealand society, from all walks of life, to join us for a silent protest in honour of the women victims and their families. Join us as we rise against rape culture and collectively build hope and strength. In respect of Indian custom, wear something white as a colour for mourning. Black scarves will be distributed at the event for people to wear as masks symbolising our “silence”. You may bring posters and placards to “speak”. Silent protest will go for 30 minutes, after which speakers from the community will be invited to share a few words. This event is graciously supported by SHAKTI (http://shakti.org.nz/)
Informative links: http://www.3news.co.nz/Group-protests-violence-after-India-rape/tabid/423/articleID/282139/Default.aspx
Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/431263136946607/?suggestsessionid=7295850471357514458

Sunday, January 13, 8pm, The Wine Cellar, St Kevin’s Arcade, 183 Karangagape Road, Auckland
International revolutionary hip hop fundraiser. Anti-capitalist Canadian MC TESTAMENT & spoken word poetry collective DECOLONIZE are holding a fundraiser to stop environmental destruction. Suggested donation is $5. Koha is for the indigenous movement Idle No More to fight tar sands mining. Open mic. Share hard.

Thursday and Friday 14 & 15 February 2013, AUT University Business School, 42 Wakefield St, Auckland city
Supported by the Occupational Health and Safety Research Group, AUT University; the NZCTU; the SFWU; the University of Auckland and the NZ Industrial Relations Foundation Trust Inc. PRECARIOUS WORK AND THE LIVING WAGE IN OUR COMMUNITIES. Two Day Symposium and Workshops. Keynote speakers include: Guy Standing, Professor of Economics, University of London; Malcolm Sargeant, Professor of Labour Law, Middlesex University; Iain Campbell, Senior Research Fellow, RMIT University; Deborah Littman, Metro Vancouver Alliance. This symposium will include in-depth discussions on the employment of vulnerable workers and the current developments around a living wage in New Zealand and around the world. We encourage participants from academia, unions, NGOs, faith communities and government agencies to attend. There is a charge of $40 per day. Attendees must register to: work.research More info: www.workresearch.aut.ac.nz/ohs www.livingwagenz.org.nz

Saturday, February 16, 9am – 5.30pm, Blockhouse Bay Boat Club, end of Endeavour St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland
The Workshop for Agents of Change is an interactive, transformational workshop designed to deepen our understanding of what it means to be an Agent of Change, and to empower our capacity to address humanity’s most pressing issues. All participants will receive a resource notebook from the day that includes worksheets, resources and inspiration. Participation by koha: Participants are invited to contribute with great love commensurate with their experience.

Saturday, March 16, 4pm, Westlake Boys’ High School, 30 Forrest Hill Road, Auckland, New Zealand
MIGRANTE: The Filipino Diaspora ( A Joel C. Lamangan Film). A touching movie about the trials, hopes and dreams of migrants working in foreign countries. Bring along your family and friends to this inspiring film about migrants helping one another in times of great need. Ticket sales will be donated to support purchase of lifeboats for communities vulnerable to massive flooding and for rebuilding of schools for indigenous people devastated by typhoon Pablo in Mindanao.

Monday, April 15
2013 Global Day of Action on Military Spending: 15 April 2013 – if you would like to be involved in the 2013 Global Day of Action in Aotearoa New Zealand, or would like your organisation listed as a pma

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand divests from companies of Israeli settlement-builder Lev Leviev http://www.bdsmovement.net/2012/new-zealand-divests-from-companies-of-israeli-settlement-builder-lev-leviev-10180

Waihopai Spybase Protest Saturday January 19thhttp://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1301/S00009/waihopai-spybase-protest-saturday-january-19th.htm

Matt McCarten: A New Year pledge: stay away from fat Germans http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10857461

Idle No More: Maori Women in Solidarity http://tewhareporahou.wordpress.com/2012/12/23/idle-no-more-maori-women-in-solidarity/

WORKRIGHTS NZ

NZ’s ‘reputation at risk’ over Maldives dispute – union http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/nz-s-reputation-risk-over-maldives-dispute-union-5314622

WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS

Secret and Lies of the Bailout: The federal rescue of Wall Street didn’t fix the economy – it created a permanent bailout state based on a Ponzi-like confidence scheme. And the worst may be yet to come by: Matt Taibbi http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/secret-and-lies-of-the-bailout-20130104?print=true

World’s 100 richest people got $241 billion richer in 2012 http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jan/03/business/la-fi-billionares-gain-20130103

AFGHANISTAN

‘Did we just kill a kid?’: The moment drone operator who assassinated Afghans with the push of a button on a computer in the U.S. realized he had vaporized a child… and could not go on http://tinyurl.com/cg5ppc4

BOLIVIA

Bolivia’s ‘process of change’: the balance sheet for 2012, and challenges to come http://boliviarising.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/bolivias-process-of-change-balance.html

CANADA

Toronto Star examines social conditions at Attawapiskat http://www.rogerannis.com/toronto-star-examines-social-conditions-at-attawapiskat/

What is “Idle No More”? Why are roads and railways being blocked? Why is Chief Spence starving herself to death? Where is this grassroots campaign going? This blog provides some links to a resource explaining the legislation which is triggering the campaign, and a little commentary. http://www.oktlaw.com/blog/a-legislative-road-map-as-idle-no-more-revs-up/

Decolonizing in the Empire State: A view of #IdleNoMore solidarity from abroad http://rabble.ca/news/2012/12/decolonizing-empire-state-view-idlenomore-solidarity-abroad

Protests, including train blockade, mark day of action Dec. 30 by Idle No More http://www.rogerannis.com/protests-including-train-blockade-mark-day-of-action-dec-30-by-idle-no-more/

GREECE

Greece’s social fabric unravels – Veteran socialist and author Charles-André Udry looks at the scale of the crisis in Greece today–and its impact on politics and social struggle. http://socialistworker.org/2013/01/09/greeces-social-fabric-unravels

HAITI

Shared Hardships and Concerns Bind the Fates of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and Haitians After the Earthquake http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/755.php

NETHERLANDS

The moral sadism of the Dutch State http://www.spectrezine.org/moral-sadism-dutch-state

PALESTINE

“Jews for Palestinian Right of Return” statement backs single state and refugees’ right to go home http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/jews-palestinian-right-return-statement-backs-single-state-and-refugees-right-go

PORTUGAL

Crisis and Resistance in Portugal http://www.spectrezine.org/crisis-and-resistance-portugal

SOUTH AFRICA

South African vineyard workers erupt http://libcom.org/blog/south-african-vineyard-workers-erupt-09012013

SPAIN
United Left national convention: ‘This is the Spanish SYRIZA! http://links.org.au/node/3173

UK

Revealed: soldiers, nurses and teachers hit by benefit curbs http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/jan/05/soldiers-nurses-teachers-benefit-curbs?CMP=twt_fd

Spring of discontent? Unions refuse to drop strike threats http://tinyurl.com/alx3xkt

Poorest households will be hit hardest by benefit changes, Whitehall admits http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/jan/08/whitehall-assessment-controversial-welfare-bill

NHS being ‘atomised’ by expansion of private sector’s role, say doctors http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/jan/06/nhs-services-private-sector-doctors

Veolia withdraws bid for North London waste contract under boycott pressure http://www.bdsmovement.net/2012/veolia-withdraws-bid-for-north-london-waste-contract-under-boycott-pressure-10256

USA

Exposé Reveals Wal-Mart Blocked Improvements Despite Vows to Improve Safety After Deadly Factory Fire http://www.democracynow.org/2013/1/3/expos_reveals_walmart_blocked_improvements_despite

The great tax evasion – The fiscal cliff deal slightly increases taxes on the super-rich–but as Elizabeth Schulte explains, that’s nothing compared to what they’ve gotten away with in the past 30 years. http://socialistworker.org/2013/01/08/the-great-tax-evasion

As Brennan Tapped for CIA, Case of Somali Detainees Highlights Obama’s Embrace of Secret Renditions http://www.democracynow.org/2013/1/9/as_brennan_tapped_for_cia_case

VENEZUELA

Disinformation still clouds the US debate on Chávez’s legacy in Venezuela – Despite 14 years of catastrophist predictions for Venezuela, oil wealth has been successfully turned to social purposes http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jan/09/us-debate-chavez-venezuela-legacy

‘Learning to Govern Ourselves’ – Venezuela’s National Network of Commoners by Rebecca McMillan and Calais Caswell http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/753.php

Continuity Likely Even Without Chávez http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/01/03/venezuela-post-chavez/venezuelans-will-vote-with-their-wallets