GPJA #459 (Part 1/3): What’s On in Aotearoa →

GPJA 458: Education action this weekend

April 10, 2013 Leave a comment

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 458, April 10, 2013

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NZEI NATION-WIDE DAY OF ACTION – THIS WEEKEND

NZEI is running a nation-wide day of action against the government’s GERM agenda (charter schools, league tables, national standards – not to mention the disaster that is Novopay) this coming Saturday, 13 April. There are events in all the main centres not to mention many of the smaller ones. You can find a full list of the events here http://www.standupforkids.org.nz/event/stand-up-for-kids-13-april-day-of-action/ so you can let your local organisers know about them. And here is a Facebook event you cans share on social media to which links to all the events http://www.facebook.com/events/176493585834430/
And we have seperate events for Auckland and Wellington Auckland: http://www.facebook.com/events/140254622820300/Welllington: http://www.facebook.com/events/172655626220901/
Thanks for your help in advance at ensuring we get a good turnout on the day!

GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION ON MILITARY SPENDING

Public Forum on government spending priorities, screening of ‘War Redefined’ and street leafletting. This message (from Peace Movement Aotearoa) has the final details of this year’s events to mark the 2013 Global Day of Action on Military Spending – two in Wellington on Monday, 15 April, one in Auckland on Monday, 15 April, and another on Tuesday, 16 April; information about the Global Day of Action; and the opportunity for your organisation to be listed as a supporter of the urgent need to change spending priorities away from funding armed forces towards meeting human needs.

Facebook event links:

Wellington events on Monday, 15 April – http://www.facebook.com/events/165771056915089/

Auckland events on Monday, 15, and Tuesday, 16, April – http://www.facebook.com/events/513052375408408/

Global Day of Action 2013 in Aotearoa New Zealand – http://www.facebook.com/events/382710081820597/

Wellington, Monday, 15 April 2015

· Monday, 15 April 2013: Leafletting for the Global Day of Action – join us from 12.30pm to 1.30pm at Midland Park (corner Johnston Street and Lambton Quay). If you can help, or for more information, please contact Peace Movement Aotearoa, email pma

· Monday, 15 April 2013: Public forum on government spending priorities – join us from 5.30pm to 7pm for a discussion on: Children’s wellbeing – Barbara Lambourn, National Advocacy Manager, UNICEF NZ; Ending sexual violence – Kate Abel, National Coordinator Tauiwi Caucus, Te Ohaakii a Hine – National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together; Overseas development assistance – Martin de Jong, Communications and International Advocacy Coordinator, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand; Military expenditure – Edwina Hughes, Coordinator, Peace Movement Aotearoa.
Forum from 5.30pm to 7pm, light refreshments at 5.15pm, First floor conference room, St Andrew’s on the Terrace, 30 The Terrace (entry via the stairs at the back of the car park on the south side of the church). Organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa, for more information, contact email pma You can RSVP on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/events/165771056915089 A flyer for this public forum is available at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/gdams-wgtn2013.pdf

Auckland, Monday, 15, and Tuesday, 16 April 2013

· Monday, 15 April: Leafletting for the Global Day of Action – join us from 12.30pm to 1.30pm at Britomart / Queen Street intersection (outside Downtown). Organised by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and Pax Christi, if you can help, or for more information, please contact email wilpf

· Tuesday, 16 April: Public forum marking the Global Day of Action on Military Spending – Join us from 5.30pm to 7.30pm for a screening of ‘War Redefined’ from the Women, War and Peace series, a presentation on the costs of militarism in times of peace, and discussion. “’War Redefined’ challenges the conventional wisdom that war and peace are men’s domain, and reframes our understanding of modern warfare through probing conversations with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice and Madeleine Albright; Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee; Bosnian war crimes investigator Fadila Memisevic; Zainab Salbi, Founder of Women for Women International; globalisation expert Moisés Naím; and Cynthia Enloe of Clark University, among others. Narrated by Geena Davis.” From 5.30pm to 7.30pm, including light refreshments, at The Peace Place, 22 Emily Place, Auckland City. Organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa, WILPF Aotearoa and Pax Christi Aotearoa New Zealand, for more information please contact email wilpf You can RSVP on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/events/513052375408408 A flyer for this public forum is available at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/gdams-akl2013.pdf

About the Global Day of Action on Military Spending

In 2011, global military expenditure was $1.738 trillion (US$) – on average, more than $4,761,000,000 (US$) every day. By way of contrast, an average of more than 24,000 children under the age of five die every day from mainly preventable causes – lack of access to adequate food, clean water and basic medicines. This is one of the prices paid, the collateral damage that is seldom talked about, for maintaining armed forces in a state of combat readiness around the world.

This year is the third Global Day of Action, which will take place on 15 April – the day Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) releases the 2012 figures on global military expenditure. The Global Day of Action is marked each year by events around the world, more than 100 events have already been registered for this year – details are available at http://demilitarize.org/action-events/

This year there are four events in Aotearoa New Zealand to mark the Global Day of Action, two in Wellington on 15 April, one in Auckland on 15 April and another on 16 April. If you would like to be your organisation listed as a supporter of the Global Day of Action and of the urgent need to change spending priorities away from funding armed forces towards meeting human needs, please follow the link at pma with ‘Global Day of Action support’ in the subject line of your message.

PROTECT THE RIGHT TO PEACEFUL PROTEST AT SEA: REJECT THE ANADARKO AMENDMENT

When nobody was watching over Easter, our Government did something shocking. It set in motion a rushed law change that will criminalise peaceful protest at sea.

This change won’t be open to public consultation, or be vetted for breaches of the Bill of Rights, and it is to be signed and sealed by Parliament in only a few days from now.

This is a serious challenge to our democracy, to our long held right, and proud tradition of peaceful protest at sea.

Because all this comes just in time for Texan Oil Company Anadarko’s imminent deep sea oil drilling plans, we have dubbed it the Anadarko Amendment.

It is obviously designed to benefit foreign deep sea oil drillers like Anadarko, and to penalise ordinary New Zealanders who want to defend our waters from an oil disaster.

In the seventies and eighties, ordinary people just like you took to the sea in their own boats to protest against nuclear powered ships and submarines entering New Zealand harbours. And they were not criminals.

From the seventies to the nineties more people, just like you, sailed to Moruroa to protest against French nuclear testing in the Pacific. They were not criminals either. In 1973 the NZ Government itself sent two ships – the HMNZS Otago and HMNZS Canterbury to Moruroa Atoll to protest French nuclear testing. They were not criminals. In 2010 a flotilla went to sea off the East Cape to protest the Petrobras deep-sea oil survey ship. They were not criminals.

Far from being criminal acts, those protests at sea meant we stopped nuclear ships and submarines entering our harbours. We stopped French nuclear testing in the Pacific, and Petrobras abandoned its oil drilling plans in our waters. Our country safer and less polluted as a consequence – and that is why it is so important to defend the right to protest at sea now.

Indeed these extraordinary acts, by ordinary people have come to define New Zealand as a brave and independent nation that is not afraid to stand up for itself.

Now our own Government is undermining that right and proud tradition. We must voice our opposition to this law loudly, and we must do it now.

Join the Right Hon Geoffrey Palmer QC, and many others in signing this vital statement in defence of the right to protest at sea.

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 for the 2012 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. There will be no equivalent reports about the People’s Choice winner. Please help to publicise this. Spread the word. Murray Horton, Secretary/Organiser

POSITION VACANT – MANAGER, THE PEACE PLACE, AUCKLAND The Peace Place (Aiotanga)* is a project of the Dominican Family and Pax Christi. A space in the heart of Auckland working for a more just and peaceful world; promoting inter-religious dialogue, and studying ecology, nonviolence and restorative justice. The Peace Place is seeking a Manager, paid, for 20 hours per week. Expressions of interest and job description to the secretary at: The Peace Place, 2F / 22 Emily Place, Auckland 1010, Aotearoa – New Zealand. or email: nfo Closing date: 15 April 2013. * a place of peace and shelter.

http://thepeaceplace.org.nz

GREENPEACE: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED

New Zealanders love their country. We love our unspoiled beaches and ocean, our national parks, forests, rivers and mountains. It’s our big backyard, we treasure it, and it’s one of the things that makes New Zealand special.

It gives us the unique quality of life that makes us the envy of the world and indeed even our economy depends on it.

And we have all this because people before us worked very hard to establish laws that protect our natural heritage and give us all a say in what happens to it.

But these laws, which are enshrined in what’s known as the Resource Management Act (RMA), are now being targeted by Government.

Steven Joyce and John Key plan to strip out the core principles of the RMA – the bits that actually protect our environment and give you a say in what happens in your backyard.

They’re pretending that it’s about ‘removing red tape’. It’s not. It’s about removing your rights as a New Zealander to have a say when big business wants to wreck our countryside, build on our beaches or pollute our water.

They want to remove your right to object to things like oil drilling and fracking happening in your backyard. It’s about re-writing laws to suit big business over the interests of ordinary Kiwis.

There comes a point when we have to stand up and say enough is enough. That time is now.

Use our quick easy online form right now to make a submission to the Government on its proposed changes to the RMA:

Click here to take action

Now, more than ever in the two decades since the RMA came into force, we need to ensure that our economic growth occurs in harmony with environmental protection.

Our economy can thrive by doing business in a cleaner, smarter way. And laws like the RMA can help.

Good economic planning and growth must be able to work together with good, environmental laws – our future prosperity depends on it.

Thank you for your support,

Nick and the whole crew at Greenpeace

There is more information on the MFE website.

INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMICS: A SHORT COURSE FOR JOBS AND WELFARE ACTIVISTS – April 10 – July 17
Auckland Action Against Poverty invites members and supporters to join us:
Introduction to economics: a short course for jobs and welfare activists. This series of eight workshops will be held from 6.00pm – 8.00pm at our AAAP office, 86 Princes St, Onehunga. Snacks and drinks will be available from 5.40pm before each session begins. This course is not academic. It is aimed at people who are taking part in advocacy and action on jobs and welfare, and would like to understand a little more about economics, and about the kinds of solutions that AAAP supports, as opposed to those inflicted on us by neoliberal governments. You are welcome to come to one, some or all of the workshops – but we ask you to register with us at contact by Tuesday 2 April for the first four sessions. There is no charge for the workshops, but a small donation from those who feel in a position to contribute would be appreciated.

Part (a) Economics for beginners

1. The Economy and Me – looking at our own lives through the lens of ‘economics’. Starting to identify and understand some key concepts. Wednesday 10 April.

2. The Economy and Economics – introducing more key terms, with an update on recent critical developments in the global and local scene. Tuesday 23 April.

3. The Government’s Budget May 16 – what are budgets? – how do they work? What do we need to look out for on Budget Day from the point of view of beneficiaries, unemployed people and low wage workers? Wednesday 8 May.

4. Unemployment – an overview. Historical context, why it exists, how capitalism uses it to maximise profit at the expense of us all, paid workers, unemployed workers and beneficiaries alike. Wednesday 22 May. (b) Economics – Current issues. This second part of the programme is aimed at those who attended the first sessions, as well as others who may already have a grasp of basic economics, but who would like to take part in learning and discussion around these particular issues.

5. Welfare policies, paid work and unemployment – how these interact with each other from an economic perspective. Wednesday 5 June.

6. Universal Basic Income – what is it? What might a progressive version of UBI look like in 2013? Introduction and discussion. Wednesday 19 June.

7. Decent Job Creation – in our current situation and beyond – key concepts, ideas, challenges. Wednesday 3 July.

8. Challenging capitalism – beyond reforms within the system, looking forward to an economics as if ordinary people and the environment mattered. Wednesday 17 July.

For more information, contact AAAP contact Ph 634 0591

WHITE POPPY PEACE SCHOLARSHIPS: EXTENDED DEADLINE

This message is to let you know that the deadline for applications for White Poppy Peace Scholarships to assist with research in the 2013 academic year has been extended to Friday, 5 April 2013. Please forward this message on through your networks, especially to any tertiary students who may be interested in applying.

Information about the White Poppy Peace Scholarships, how to apply, and how to support the Peace Scholarships, is available below and online at http://www.facebook.com/notes/peace-movement-aotearoa/white-poppy-peace-scholarships-extended-deadline/495420043838703 – please share the link on your page, thank you.

About the 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 Peace Scholarships are entirely funded by donations, including those collected during the White Poppies for Peace Annual Appeal (17 to 24 April). The number and amount of the grants awarded annually is determined by the amount raised during each year.

How to apply for a Peace Scholarship

Guidelines for applicants are available at peacescholarship The extended deadline for applications for Peace Scholarships to assist with research in the 2013 academic year is Friday, 5 April 2013.

How you can support the Peace Scholarships

There are two ways you can support the Peace Scholarships – by making a donation, or by helping to collect donations for white poppies, an international symbol of remembrance for all the casualties of war and of peace. Your generosity will help to promote peace by directly supporting research into militarism, militarisation and warfare.

To make a donation by cheque, please use the form at peacescholarship and we will provide the details for you. A tax credit receipt is sent for all donations.

To support the Peace Scholarships by collecting donations for white poppies:

if you can assist with the White Poppies for Peace Annual Appeal, 17 to 24 April, please fill in and return the form at whitepoppies

if you would like to have white poppies available at a peace event at any time during the year, please email whitepoppies with your request.

Thank you.

WHAT’S ON IN AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND

Thursday, April 11, 6.30pm, Room 3402, Engineering Building, University of Auckland, Symonds Street, Auckland.
West Papua info night And launch of West Papua Action Auckland. Come from 6pm for nibbles. (The building with the light sculpture. Just enter the main doors from Symonds Street and walk down to the back). West Papua has been under Indonesian control since 1963. There have been many human rights abuses towards the indigenous people by the Indonesian military. • See an on-the-spot video update of latest events in West Papua;
• Hear speaker Keith Locke on 12 years of campaigning for West Papua in Parliament; • Join in a discussion about the current challenges and opportunities for the West Papua solidarity campaign in New Zealand;
• Plenty of time for discussion and opportunities to get involved. Supported by AUSA IAO

Saturday, April 13, 11am, Queen Elizabeth Square (bottom of Queen St).
Stand Up for Kids and Protect Our Schools, Centres and Kindergartens! Gather in Queen Elizabeth Square (bottom of Queen St) at 11am. March up at Queen St at 11.30am. Rally in Aotea Square. Educators all over New Zealand are marching on Saturday April 13th because we’re concerned about the impact the Government’s education policies are having on children and their learning. We’ve had enough of the Government’s refusal to listen, respect or even properly pay the people at the heart of our education system. Instead, it is bulldozing through policies that we know are bad for children. Whether it’s the rushed and flawed implementation of National Standards, the botched implementation of Novopay, the hasty mergers and closures of schools in Christchurch, the imposition of league tables, the introduction of charter schools that don’t have to employ qualified teachers, or dropping funding rates in early childhood education, we are asking the Government to stop, look and listen to the voice of educators and communities.

Monday, April 15 – Global Day of Action
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 Links to more information: The GDAMS 2013 Aotearoa New Zealand event page is at http://www.facebook.com/events/382710081820597 ; Peace Movement Aotearoa’s latest comment on the NZ government’s prioritising of military spending over social spending is at http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=454139961300045&l=166560be6f; Information on the Global Day of Action in Aotearoa New Zealand since the first in 2011 is available at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/gdams.htm

Thursday, April 15, 5.30pm, Stone Lecture Theatre, Building 803, Faculty of Law, University of Auckland
Refugee Rights and Mandatory Detention – The government is hurrying to push through the Immigration (Mass Arrivals) Amendment Bill, which allows for the mandatory detention of refugees entering New Zealand by “mass arrival”. Prominent human rights and refugee lawyers have described this Bill as ‘legally flawed‘ and inconsistent with New Zealand’s obligations under the Refugee Convention. Please join us for a discussion of this important issue.
5:30 – 7pm Thursday 18 April 2013. Speakers include: Rodger Haines Q.C., chairman of the Human Rights Review Tribunal; Tracey Barnett, journalist and member of the Auckland Refugee Council; Carole Curtis, prominent immigration & refugee lawyer; Myanna Desaulnier, refugee rights scholar; Adan Isse, Somalian refugee; Jon McBride, immigration & refugee lawyer and Convenor of the NZLS Immigration & Refugee Law Committee. Drinks & nibbles from 5:30pm in the Staff Common Room. Speakers from 6pm.

Tuesday, April 23, 4pm-5.30pm, The Limelight Room, Upper NZI Level, Aotea Centre, Auckland CBD
Free Seminar: The great good fortune Treaty of Waitangi settlements will bring to Auckland. uckland Conversations, in association with the Research, Investigations and Monitoring Unit invites you to attend a presentation by: Dr David V Williams, Professor of Law, University of Auckland and Margaret Kawharu.
Abstract: After Treaty settlements there is a flourish of celebration and an enormous sigh of relief for claimants who seek to move on. There is a strong desire not to repeat the grievances of alienation and marginalisation. Settlement legislation includes Mâori hapû and iwi in decision-making around various resources such as reserves, significant sites and waterways. Co-governance and co-management mechanisms take many different forms to adapt to local circumstances, bringing together community stakeholders and their knowledge in collaboration. The conclusion of the long and arduous Treaty claim settlement process, it is to be hoped, will lead to major shifts in decision-making processes as New Zealanders engage with greater diversity in civic and national life.
Professor David V Williams and Margaret Kawharu have been heavily involved in Treaty claim settlements. In this presentation they share some of their insights, particularly on co-governance for Ngâti Whâtua in Auckland. Margaret draws on Ngâti Whâtua’s historic role in civic affairs to explain their ongoing desire to participate actively and thus enhance outcomes for everyone. She presents the Ngâti Whâtua o Ôrâkei Reserves Board governance of the Whenua Rangatira (Bastion Point) as a successful example of co-governance between Ngâti Whâtua and Auckland Council. David then discusses a range of alternative models for co-governance and co-management.
Please feel free to forward this invitation to anyone who may be interested.

Saturday, April 27 – National day of Action
Power to the People- a National Day of Action against Asset Sales. Its time for the Government to listen to the majority of New Zealand. a proposed National Day of Action organised by Aotearoa Not For Sale Coalition to stop Asset Sales. More details coming soon, but add people to this event page now. Want to organise a protest in a smaller town? Contact Joe at 029 4455702.

Sunday, April 28, 12pm, Maritime Club in Auckland, 68 Anzac Ave, Auckland
WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY: The Council of Trade Unions is holding a memorial service for the families of the many forestry workers who have died in this industry. We want to highlight the accident rate in forestry and seek change. A New Zealand forestry worker is 6 times more likely to die at work than a UK forestry worker, and twice as likely as an Australian forestry worker. Each death means a family, community, workplace loses someone they love. Each injury is someone’s life being changed forever by something that happened at work. We need to make it safer. Remembering workers who have died at work, working to make it safer for those working. The service is open to the public, please come and show your support for the forestry families. For more details see http://www.facebook.com/fairness.at.work/events

Friday, May 17, 7.15am – 8.45am, Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch
Save the Date: Nationwide Post-Budget Breakfasts. Please ‘save the date’ for CPAG’s national Post-Budget Breakfasts – Friday 17 May. Each year CPAG provides child-focused analyses and commentary of the year’s budget and how it affects children and young people, especially our most vulnerable. Event registration details along with venues and presenter information will be sent out in the next few weeks. We look forward to seeing you there! As always, thank you for supporting our work. Warm regards, Marianna Munting, CHiLD POVERTY ACTION GROUP Executive Officer, T: 09 302 5260 I E: admin I M: 021 150 2414

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND

The art of protest in New Zealand http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/blogs/in-our-nature/8520224/The-art-of-protest-in-New-Zealand

Steeper rate kicks in for students http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10874677

Gordon Campbell on John Key’s gaffe about North Korea http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2013/04/08/gordon-campbell-on-john-keys-gaffe-about-north-korea/

Afghanistan – a failure of political and military courage By John Minto http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/04/07/afghanistan-a-failure-of-political-and-military-courage/

More than 7000 could be homeless in Christchurch http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10875616%20

Matt McCarten: Drip, drip … time is running out http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10875847

Keith Locke: Everything about the GCSB is up for debate – including the closure of Waihopai http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/04/09/everything-about-the-gcsb-is-up-for-debate-including-the-closure-of-waihopai/

Gordon Campbell on the GCSB’s practice of spying on New Zealanders http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2013/04/10/gordon-campbell-on-the-gcsbs-practice-of-spying-on-new-zealanders/

Government Bid To Criminalise Sea Protests Slammed http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1304/S00078/government-bid-to-criminalise-sea-protests-slammed.htm

Just As Predicted: Key’s Refugee Deal http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1304/S00098/just-as-predicted-keys-refugee-deal.htm

Global Day of Action on Military Spending http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1304/S00097/global-day-of-action-on-military-spending.htm

Release the 88 Names and Apologise http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1304/S00149/release-the-88-names-and-apologise.htm

Beneficiaries Receive Biggest Boot In Guts Since ’91 Cuts http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1304/S00094/beneficiaries-receive-biggest-boot-in-guts-since-91-cuts.htm

The Show (And Tell) Trial – Is Kim Dotcom bound to get a raw deal at his extradition hearing? by Gordon Campbell http://werewolf.co.nz/2013/03/the-show-and-tell-trial/

Inquiry into GCSB needed – Edwards http://www.3news.co.nz/Inquiry-into-GCSB-needed—Edwards/tabid/1607/articleID/293685/Default.aspx

Policing Pregnancy: In the rush to protect children, are the rights of pregnant women being overlooked? by Alison McCulloch http://werewolf.co.nz/2013/02/policing-pregnancy/

Documentary Challenges New Zealand’s Role in Afghanistan http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1304/S00107/documentary-challenges-new-zealands-role-in-afghanistan.htm

WHO ARE THE BLOODY CRIMINALS NOW? Scrap The GCSB & Close Waihopai Spybase And Drop The Case Against Waihopai Domebusters http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1304/S00088/who-are-the-bloody-criminals-now.htm

Investigative journalism is not dead http://thestandard.org.nz/investigative-journalism-is-not-dead/

Sharples wants ‘urgency’ in Pora case http://www.3news.co.nz/Sharples-wants-urgency-in-Pora-case/tabid/423/articleID/292104/Default.aspx

How true are National Party claims that our public education system is failing students? http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/04/08/how-true-are-national-party-claims-that-our-public-education-system-is-failing-students/

Cuts to DoC threaten other worthy causes By Brian Rudman http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10876505

Sea protest law tramples on civil rights By Bryan Gould http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10876503

Rachel Noble: Are injuries needed to get action on disabled rights? http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10873560

Housing action group returns to Parliament http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1304/S00107/housing-action-group-returns-to-parliament.htm

NZ ECONOMY

Nicky Hager: Money trail leads home to New Zealand http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/8515361/Money-trail-leads-home-to-New-Zealand

Mighty River Monster| 500 Words http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1304/S00042/mighty-river-monster-500-words.htm

Jane Kelsey: What is really driving China in trade negotiations and why Key is failing http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/04/08/what-is-really-driving-china-in-trade-negotiations-and-why-key-is-failing/

Kiwis at centre of money maze: Hager http://thestandard.org.nz/kiwis-at-centre-of-money-maze-hager/

Elderly person’s nightmare in the red zone http://vimeo.com/63010494

Jane Kelsey: Long way to go yet for mega trade deal http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10872602

Nothing Much Has Changed. Power Junky: The Bluff Smelter’s Early Years. http://www.historicalwatchdog.blogspot.co.nz/2009/01/comalco-comic.html

Cafca: Let the “Too Big to Fail” Smelter Fail http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1304/S00042/let-the-too-big-to-fail-smelter-fail.htm

Mana: Time for State Rent Control http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1303/S00488/time-for-state-rent-control.htm

POVERTY & WELFARE DEBATE

Poverty Watch 26 http://thestandard.org.nz/poverty-watch-26/

Income gap growing wide as the Ditch http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10873868

The strange case of Paula Bennett http://thedailyblog.co.nz/category/bloggers/sue-bradford/

CPAG: Myths and Facts about DPB Recipients http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1303/S00355/myths-and-facts-about-dpb-recipients.htm

CTU: Welfare Reforms: Wrong Route http://union.org.nz/news/2013/welfare-reforms-wrong-route

WORKRIGHTS NZ

CTU: Third Forest Death a Tragedy http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1303/S00323/third-forest-death-a-tragedy.htm

Safer forests family’s aim http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10875262%20 TV1 http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/new-campaign-forestry-safety-video-5394200

Mike Treen: Migrant workers ‘used and abused’ http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/04/05/migrant-workers-used-and-abused/

Mike Treen: Ronald wants to re-introduce youth wages http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/04/02/ronald-wants-to-re-introduce-youth-wages/

Laila Harre: Paid Parental Leave is a human right, not an employment right http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/04/10/paid-parental-leave-is-a-human-right-not-an-employment-right/

Hospital food change may hit jobs http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/8533580/Hospital-food-change-may-hit-jobs

Govt to close all NZ hospital kitchens http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10876642

Toxins In The Timber Mills: The remarkable struggle of Joe Harawira and the Sawmill Workers Against Poisons shows it will take more than good rules to keep workers and the environment safe by Alison McCulloch http://werewolf.co.nz/2013/03/people-profits-and-poison/

Helen Kelly: True Blue Worker Hate http://thestandard.org.nz/true-blue-worker-hate/

Judy McGregor: Mighty pay rise overlooks aged carers http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10876010

Pak n Save & New World sticking out like a sore thumb over youth rates http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1304/S00059/pak-n-save-new-world-sticking-out-like-a-sore-thumb.htm

Helen Kelly: What would I be prepared to die (or worse) for http://thestandard.org.nz/what-would-i-be-prepared-to-die-or-worse-for/

Government moves to cut youth pay by 20% http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1303/S00160/government-moves-to-cut-youth-pay-by-20.htm

STATS OF THE WEEK

Among the world’s 34 major industrial nations, Denmark last year had the highest top marginal tax rate, 60.2 percent on income over $55,000. The top federal rate in the United States last year: 35 percent. Californians this year will pay the highest top combined state and federal rate: 47.6 percent on income over $400,000. http://toomuchonline.org/

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

"Civil disobedience is not our problem. Our problem is civil obedience. Our problem is that numbers of people all over the world have obeyed the dictates of the leaders of their government and have gone to war, and millions have been killed because of this obedience. Our problem is that people are obedient all over the world in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity, and war, and cruelty. Our problem is that people are obedient while the jails are full of petty thieves, and all the while the grand thieves are running and robbing the country. That’s our problem.": Howard Zinn, from ‘Failure to Quit’

"The corporate grip on opinion in the United States is one of the wonders of the Western world. No First World country has ever managed to eliminate so entirely from its media all objectivity – much less dissent. Of course, it is possible for any citizen with time to spare, and a canny eye, to work out what is actually going on, but for the many there is not time, and the network news is the only news even though it may not be news at all but only a series of flashing fictions…" : Gore Vidal

FEATURES

World Social Forum Opens in Tunisia by Jordan Flaherty http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2013/flaherty270313.html

Declaration of the Social Movements Assembly of the World Social Forum, Tunisia 2013 http://links.org.au/node/3283

Digital Disconnect: Robert McChesney on "How Capitalism Is Turning the Internet Against Democracy" http://www.democracynow.org/2013/4/5/digital_disconnect_robert_mcchesney_on_how

Assange At Bay: An interview with Julian Assange’s lawyer, Jennifer Robinson by Gordon Campbell http://werewolf.co.nz/2013/02/assange-at-bay/

The Remote Control War http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/799.php

A Time to Break Silence By Rev. Martin Luther King – Audio and Text. "Beyond Vietnam" speech delivered at New York’s Riverside Church on April 4, 1967 — A year to the day before he was murdered — King called the United States "the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today." http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article2564.htm

Vittorio Longhi’s The Immigrant War makes a compelling case for why migrant labour needs to be defended against attack. http://www.counterfire.org/index.php/articles/book-reviews/16382-the-immigrant-war

WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS

Tomgram: Barbara Garson, Going Underwater in the Long Recession http://www.tomdispatch.com/dialogs/print/?id=175685

Noam Chomsky: Can Civilization Survive Really Existing Capitalism? Video: UCD Philosophy Society Inaugural Lecture April 2013 http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article34532.htm

The World’s Debts Shall Not Be Repaid by Ingo Schmidt http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/791.php

LAND, LABOUR AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Foodopoly: The Battle Over the Future of Food and Farming in America from Monsanto to Wal-Mart http://www.democracynow.org/2013/4/2/foodopoly_the_battle_over_the_future

Land For Those Who Work It http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/792.php

The New Scramble For Africa looks beyond the humanitarian rhetoric and examines the geo-strategic motives of the Western powers in Africa http://www.counterfire.org/index.php/articles/46-video/16383-video-the-new-scramble-for-africa

CULTURAL DISSENT

Generation Palestine – Highly Recommended – I highly recommend the new collection of essays, Generation Palestine: Voices from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement, ed. Rich Wiles, Pluto Press, London, 2013. http://palestinechronicle.com/generation-palestine-highly-recommended/

"Today, a female soldier in combat zones is more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire. That’s the terrifying reality prevalent in the military, one of America’s most respected and prestigious institutions.". This message is to let you know that ‘The Invisible War’ will be screening later this month in Auckland and Wellington in the Documentary Edge Festival – an outline of the film’s contents is available below, and online – together with screening dates and venues, at http://www.documentaryedge.org.nz/2013/ak/film/invisible-war

AFGHANISTAN
"A One Sided Slaughter Of Helpless People" http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wiVN8hjJzLA#t=4s

AUSTRALIA

History reminds us to protect refugees http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53748

BOLIVIA

Informal Economy Bolivian Style http://boliviarising.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/informal-economy-bolivian-style.html

CANADA

National Farmers’ Union supports Idle No More http://links.org.au/node/3285

Another evening of mass arrests by Montreal police http://www.rogerannis.com/another-evening-of-mass-arrests-by-montreal-police/

Québec solidaire leader Amir Khadir speaks http://www.rogerannis.com/quebec-solidaire-leader-amir-khadir-speaks/

CHILE

Why Would Anyone Celebrate the Death of Margaret Thatcher? Ask a Chilean http://www.thenation.com/blog/173731/why-would-anyone-celebrate-death-margaret-thatcher-ask-chilean

CHINA

China’s workers demand a better trade union http://www.clb.org.hk/en/content/chinas-workers-demand-better-trade-union

GUATEMALA

Guatemalan President Accused of Involvement in Civil War Atrocities http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article34527.htm

HONDURAS

Still Waiting for Justice: An Assessment of the Honduran Public Ministry’s Investigation of the May 11, 2012 Killings in Ahuas, Honduras http://www.cepr.net/index.php/publications/reports/still-waiting-for-justice

Will Congress act to stop US support for Honduras’ death squad regime? http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/mar/30/congress-us-support-honduras-death-squad-regime

ICELAND

Icelandic Lawmaker Birgitta Jónsdóttir on Challenging Gov’t Secrecy from Twitter to Bradley Manning http://www.democracynow.org/2013/4/8/icelandic_lawmaker_birgitta_jonsdottir_on_challenging

IRAQ

Who Controls Iraq’s Oil? Ten years on from the invasion, it is not the Americans by Gordon Campbell http://werewolf.co.nz/2013/03/who-controls-iraqs-oil/

Wealth for Some, Woes for Many (VOA On Assignment Apr. 5)

A country whose Future was Stolen (Jamail) http://www.juancole.com/2013/03/country-stolen-jamail.html

JAPAN

Two years after the earthquake/tsunami/Fukishima nuclear disaster in Japan http://www.rogerannis.com/two-years-after-the-earthquaketsunamifukishima-nuclear-disaster-in-japan/

KOREA

Korean War Games by Bruce Cumings http://www.thenation.com/article/173657/korean-war-games

Myths about Korean militarism http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53761

‘US wants to take S. Korea into new Korean war’

North Korea ‘Rattles Sabres’; Meanwhile, U.S. Pretends to Drop Nuclear Bombs on Them http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article34510.htm

LAOS

40 Years After Secret U.S. War in Laos Ended, Millions of Unexploded Bomblets Keep Killing Laotians http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2013/4/4/40_years_after_secret_us_war_in_laos_ended_millions_of_unexploded_bomblets_keep_killing_laotians

MALI

The political left in France and in Mali assess the French military intervention and its aftermath http://www.rogerannis.com/the-political-left-in-france-and-in-mali-assesses-the-french-military-intervention-and-its-aftermath/

MEXICO

Mexican Workers Win Ownership of Tire Plant with Three-Year Strike http://www.labornotes.org/2013/04/mexican-workers-win-ownership-tire-plant-three-year-strike

Can worker-owners make a big factory run? http://links.org.au/node/3287

PALESTINE

Mass arrest of 27 children shows the increasing impact of occupation on Hebron’s children http://masteradrian2nd.wordpress.com/2013/03/30/mass-arrest-of-27-children-shows-the-increasing-impact-of-occupation-on-hebrons-children/

Palestinian Academics, Teachers and Writers Welcome TUI Boycott Israel Call http://palestinechronicle.com/palestinian-academics-teachers-and-writers-welcome-tui-boycott-israel-call/

Palestinians advocate for a one state solution http://kiaoragaza.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/palestinians-advocate-for-a-one-state-solution/

PHILIPPINES

Support sacked Philippine Airline Workers http://www.mua.org.au/news-story/3577/

RUSSIA

An oligarch’s mistake, an oligarch’s fate http://links.org.au/node/3282

SOUTH AFRICA

For Margaret Thatcher, few tears shed in South Africa http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/south-africa/130408/margaret-thatcher-south-africa-nelson-mandela-anc-terrorists

SRI LANKA

Haunted By Her Yesterdays: This documentary tells a story of silent agony, trapped screams and repressed mourning. A story of women forced to deny their identity — who are trapped in between a government which sees them as "Tigers," and a society whose norms they are no longer deemed worthy of. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nSSv9Kk3tkI

Poorest set for ‘perfect storm’ on benefit cuts: the low-paid, disabled and jobless will be hit hardest http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/poorest-set-for-perfect-storm-on-benefit-cuts-the-lowpaid-disabled-and-jobless-will-be-hit-hardest-8555225.html