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GPJA #460 (Part 1 of 2): Mobilise against asset sales this Saturday!

April 26, 2013 Leave a comment

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 460, April 26, 2013

POWER TO THE PEOPLE – DAY OF ACTION APRIL 27
Time for the Government to listen to the majority of New Zealand. a National Day of Action organised by the Aotearoa is Not For Sale Coalition to stop Asset Sales. Now endorsed by the Labour party, NZ First, the Mana Movement, CTU, Unions Auckland, Unite, NZNO, PSA, SFWU, FIRST union, MUNZ, , ANFS, Occupy, Auckland Action Against Poverty, the Tamaki Housing Group and Socialist Aotearoa.

Further information? Contact Joe at 029 4455702.

Auckland- Britomart 2pm, Saturday April 27th.

https://www.facebook.com/events/151078145052593/?fref=ts

Wellington- https://www.facebook.com/events/549656878400623/

Tauranga- https://www.facebook.com/events/165947043558739/

Napier- https://www.facebook.com/events/101180450070550/

Christchurch- https://www.facebook.com/events/498770806846579/

Dunedin- https://www.facebook.com/events/228130223991407/

Nelson- https://www.facebook.com/events/178199345664434/

Hanmer April 28th- https://www.facebook.com/events/571065112918062/571096586248248/

GPJA FORUM: Monday, May 6, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn, Auckland

Time to scrap the GCSB and Waihopai: The debate about the GCSB and the Waihopai Spy Base has finally hit the mainstream. Now we all know that the agency operates behind a wall of impunity – when it is caught acting illegally the Government moves to change the law. However there is still confusion about the real role of the GCSB and the ‘five-eyes’ UKUSA network it is part of. The Close Waihopai campaign began in 1988 before the base was even opened – back then the peace calendar was crowded with national actions against the base. Is it time now to revive a feisty and effective campaign to challenge our key role in secretive western intelligence gathering? Join a GPJA discussion: Speakers: John Minto – Why the GCSB should be shut down; Keith Locke (former Green MP) – Challenging the GCSB and Waihopai in Parliament; Maire Leadbeater The history of the Waihopai campaign.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PALESTINE

Kia Ora Koutou supporters of Palestine Aotearoa wide. This is an open call to be involved in organising the countries FIRST EVER national conference on the question of Palestine and building an organised, coordinated BDS (Boycott Divestment Sanctions) movement with long-term goals/ strategy to ensure our institutions and companies are not complicit in allowing Israel to profit off its brutal occupation. This call comes a result of interest in Wellington, and recent discussions at the most recent BDS Auckland meeting where many groups/parties in attendance expressed their support for the idea.

The suggested conference date June the 22-23rd in Auckland as the planning of a large speaking event featuring Israeli writer Miko Peled and Gazaan Yousef AlJamal is underway. Some people may need to make travel arrangements so it would be good to confirm this asap.

We want to see a democratic network with involvement from all NZ’s Palestine groups. If you are interested in making such an event happen and contributing to the korero, in a big, or small, way then please register your interest by sending an email to bdsaotearoa. We are looking for representatives from all groups to be a part of an organising committee and others to be involved in helping out.

Some inspiration:

Further information on the call for BDS made by Palestinian civil society in 20:http://www.bdsmovement.net/call

Please feel free to send this email on to other activists and advocates who may be interested in being a part of the organising committee.

In Solidarity, Nadia (SJP Wellington) and Tali (Kia Ora Gaza)

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

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

MAYDAY CELEBRATIONS IN BLACKBALL

In association with Runanga community. Debate- forums-campaign launch- theatre- dinner-. Programme:

Friday May 3rd 7.30pm: Debate between Blackball and Runanga. Topic: ‘The modern worker is too bemused by TV , booze and consumerism, to stand up for his/her own class interests.’ Blackball Working Men’s Club.

Saturday May 4th: 2.00pm Forum for community sector on topic: The community sector now serves the state rather than communities. (afternoon tea provided). Blackball Community House.

3.30pm March from Community House to Museum. Launching of Living Wage Campaign for the West Coast.

6.30pm TheatreKiwi/ Possum Productions presents Waihi Oratorio (a history of the 1912 Waihi Strike in song). Working Men’s Club. (entry by donation)

7.15pm Dinner at The Hilton ($25 for 3 course meal), plus songs from The West Coast Wobblies and forum: Four local people answer the question: What is good about current society?/ What is bad? Green MP, Kevin Hague responds. Reservations for dinner essential.

Enquiries: 732 4010. Bookings for dinner (03) 732 4010 or (03) 732 4705 or wkcultur

Our Union Makes Us Strong

MAYDAY CONCERT – 7.30PM, SATURDAY, MAY 4, REGENT ON BROADWAY, PALMERSTON NORTH

A great night of fun and solidarity in the form of song, music, dance and performance art from community groups and individuals throughout New Zealand and beyond. For singer/songwriter and New Zealand Art Laureate

Moana Maniapoto, it is passion and politics that informs her writing. Her music is at times stirring & militant, poignant & sensual, but always – unmistakenly from New Zealand. Joined by Cadzow Cossar and Paddy Free, Moana will perform an intimate set that will pay tribute to those who fought and continue to fight for workers rights.

Also featuring: The Brazen Hussies: launch their first ever CD, “And We’re Strong” & perform the MayDay 2012 songwriters workshop song, “Manawatu River” The Crew (RMTU rock band): (Wgtn/PNth). Songs of oppression, discrimination, solidarity Michelle Robinson Dance Studio (PNth) “Power to the People”, “Jack of all Trades” Kate Martin Dancers (Levin) “Treaty won’t go Away/Nga Iwi E” Shades of Green (Wgtn) Ry Cooder’s “Strike” Spanner in the Works (Wgtn) “Remember Waihi”, “Solidarity Forever”, “The Union Forever” Luc, Kate & Tessa (France/NZ/Belgium) James K Baxter’s, “Song of the Years” Cailin Traditional Irish Dance School (PNth) The dance of defiance in the midst of oppression.

Tickets $15 (free under 16).

The MayDay Cup is presented by a panel of judges to the outstanding group / performer on the night Peter Conway (Secretary, NZCTU), Denise Roche (Green Party MP), Maria del Carmen Herrera Caseiro (Cuban Ambassador), Axel de Maupeou dAblieges (PNth Cultural Coordinator), Chris Teo Sherrell (PNth City Councillor).

Organised by Dion Martin (coordinator) Manawatu MayDay Coalition, for Unions Manawatu. PO Box 1327, Palmerston North. (06) 356 9658, (021) 776 029, dion.martin

WHAT’S ON IN AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND

Thursday, April 25, 1-4pm, Wellington Waterfront, Wellington
PEACE CONCERT, FREE, FAMILY FRIENDLY: This is a free concert for all ages. It will be held on Wellington’s Waterfront, 1-4pm, on Anzac Day, Thursday 25 April 2013. There is no wet weather venue. If it is poor weather, the event will be cancelled. Peace groups are invited to have information displays. Quality craft and food stalls are also invited to attend. There will be a range of activities kids. Various Wellington musicians have so far come forward to play. They include Matiu Te Huki, James Coyle, Matt Pike, Sam Manzanza, Pip Payne, David Greer, The Relatives, the Stevie Ray Vaughn Tribute Band, and a “One World Band” to provide backing for solo artists.

Saturday, April 27, St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby, Auckland
QPEC Public Forum and 2013 AGM: 10.00am Public Forum: All welcome. Attacks on public education came thick and fast last year but the government ended the year on the back foot with the Minister struggling to hold onto her job. Our public forum will review the main challenges to public education from the National/Act/Maori Party government and what the next steps are for defending and improving public education in New Zealand. The discussion will be led by –
· Charter schools – Bill Courtney, QPEC Deputy National Chairperson
· Christchurch school restructure – Liz Gordon, Education Consultant and QPEC Treasurer
· National standards – Martin Thrupp, Professor of Education from Waikato University.
· Integration of private schools into public education – John Minto, QPEC National Chairperson
· The Treasury Agenda for New Zealand – Ivan Snook, Emeritus Professor of Education, Massey University.
12.00noon Input from other education sector groups
Opportunity for comment/input from student organisations, parent groups, teacher unions.
12.30pm Lunch
1.00pm QPEC 2013 AGM (Observers welcome)3.00pm Finish

Saturday, April 27, 7pm. Militant Labour Forum 4/125 Grafton Rd, Auckland. Cuba and Angola: Fighting for Africa’s Freedom and Our Own. Celebrating the publication of this new book by Pathfinder Press. Speaker: Joanne Kuniansky, member of Communist League in Australia, volunteer at Pathfinder stall, Havana International Book Fair. Donation $5 waged, $2 unwaged. For more information Tel:09 369 1223. email: milauck.

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.

Saturday, April 27, 2pm, Cnr Deans Ave & Riccarton Road, Christchurch
Power to the People – National Day of Action Against Asset Sales . Marching up Riccarton Rd and ending at Shands Cres Park. The event on Facebook Map

Sunday, April 28, Hanmer, Christchurch
Picket of John Key & National Party Conference: Keep Our Assets Christchurch has decided to hold a protest at the National Party’s regional conference, which is being held in Hanmer on the weekend of April 27 & 28. We have located the conference venue.We’ve had a look at the programme and have decided that our protest should coincide with John Key’s speech to the conference, which is on the morning of Sunday April 28th (we don’t know the exact time). It will be on regardless of weather (so come prepared).
Here is the programme.
Meet west side of Latimer Square 7am for 7.30am departure.
Meet at Hanmer 9.30am -10am at the start of the avenue of oaks (on the rise going into town).
Good parking available at that time.
10am Proceed walking to venue (800m) Bring noise making instruments, drums, etc.
10.30am-12.30pm Picket
12.30pm Move to Village Green for picnic.
If you’re travelling to Hanmer independently, meet us there between 9.30 a.m. and 10 a.m. at the avenue of oaks (on the rise). If you’d like to come with us and haven’t already contacted us, please reply to this e-mail, and we’ll keep you in touch with details as they develop.
Download flyer (car pooling – locations – times)
The event on Facebook

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

Sunday, April 28, 12 noon, Kiwi Rail Hutt Workshops, Elizabeth Street, Moera, Lower Hutt
“Your Life for the Job” by Hazel Armstrong. This book will be launched on Workers Memorial Day, Sunday 28 April. This important book concludes that the appalling rate of death and injury of New Zealand railway workers in the 1990s is the story of de-regulation and privatisation. NZ Railways and Tranz Rail cut staff and reduced spending. Railway workers paid the cost with their lives.

Monday, April 29, 6PM, AAAP space, 86 Princes St, Onehunga (3 mins walk from the train station).
AUCKLAND ACTION AGAINST POVERTY WIDER MEETING: We have an exciting and busy month coming up with many different actions and workshops planned. For this reason it would be great to catch up with you all to discuss where we at and how more people can become involved in exposing and opposing the neo-liberal agenda on jobs and welfare. To this end we will be holding a wider meeting for all friends and supporters next Monday the 29th of April at 6pm. Current Agenda: – Welcome; – Actions; – Workshops; – Vacancies and volunteering; – Any other updates. It would be fantastic to see many of you then. Thanks, Sarah (and Sue and Karen) for AAAP

Wednesday, May 1, 5-7pm, Level 6, PSA House, 11 Aurora Tce, Wellington
2013 Wellington Mayday Event: Celebrating International Workers Day and featuring the Roger Award for the worst transnational corporation operating in New Zealand in 2012. Roger Award finalists are: the four Australian-owned banks collectively; British American Tobacco; IAG, King Salmon; Newmont Waihi Gold; Rio Tinto Alcan NZ; Taejin Fisheries and Vodafone. May Day Speeches and updates at 5.30pm. Presentation of the Roger Award gets underway at 6pm. Speakers : Murray Horton, Secretary/Organiser, CAFCA; John Maynard, Judge, Roger Awards; Music, theatre and more! No door charge. Drinks and nibbles available Bring a full wallet for Union AID raffle. Find out more about the Roger Award at www.cafca.org.nz

Friday, May 3, 5.30-7.30pm, WG126, AUT University, Sir Paul Reeves Building, 2 Governor Fitzroy Place, Auckland City.
UNESCO Lecture: Press freedom, social media and the citizen. The May 3 UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2013 lecture at AUT University’s new Sir Paul Reeves communications precinct hosted by the Pacific Media Centre with support from the UNESCO New Zealand National Commission.
Dr Mark Pearson, Professor of Journalism and Social Media at Griffith University, Queensland, and Australian correspondent of the Paris-based global media freedom organisation Reporters sans frontières (Reporters Without Borders). The title of his lecture is “Press freedom, social media and the citizen”.
Chaired by Professor Judy McGregor, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Public Policy, AUT University.
Professor Pearson is also Australian correspondent for Paris-based global media freedom advocacy organisation Reporters sans frontières (Reporters Without Borders). Professor Pearson has combined careers in teaching and journalism. He was special reports editor of The Australian newspaper and his work has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Far Eastern Economic Review, The Fiji Times, the Pacific Area Newspaper Publishers Association Bulletin and Crikey.com.au

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

Celebrations as marriage equality bill passes http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/celebrations-marriage-equality-bill-passes-video-5410417

Same-sex marriage: basic justice but no threat to the system http://rdln.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/same-sex-marriage-basic-justice-but-no-threat-to-the-system/

Native Affairs Political Debate – Race Relations http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/politics/native-affairs-political-debate-race-relations

Parata Doesn’t Care about Maori Education http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1304/S00313/parata-doesnt-care-about-maori-education.htm

Denis Edwards: When it comes to Kiwi movies, Maori stories rule http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10877930%20

Defend the Right to Protest at Sea

New Zealand troops leaving Afghanistan http://rdln.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/new-zealand-troops-leaving-afghanistan/

Warning on racist campaign http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10878942

Few Maori and Pasifika in sports management http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/133156/few-maori-and-pasifika-in-sports-management

Man sent to jail for watching ‘pixie sex’ http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/8577037/Man-sent-to-jail-for-watching-pixie-sex%20

New spy laws comparable to Big Brother http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10878865

‘Stop selling our state homes!’ that’s the call by protesters in front of a group of state homes in Auckland today http://www.maoritelevision.com/tv/shows/te-kaea/S09E110/te-kaea

Fighting to Choose: the Abortion Rights Struggle in New Zealand http://iso.org.nz/2013/04/21/fighting-to-choose-the-abortion-rights-struggle-in-new-zealand/

Our manufactured drinking crisis http://offsettingbehaviour.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/our-manufactured-drinking-crisis.html

Bigotry, “offensive language”, and freedom of speech http://norightturn.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/bigotry-offensive-language-and-freedom.html

Charter Schools: preserving and advancing the position of the rich and powerful http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/04/22/charter-schools-preserving-and-advancing-the-position-of-the-rich-and-powerful/

What the latest Political Poll really means (why MANA is the Greens best friend) http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/04/20/what-the-latest-political-poll-really-means-why-mana-is-the-greens-best-friend/

POWER

Empowering New Zealand: CPAG says yes to electricity reform http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1304/S00255/empowering-new-zealand-cpag-says-yes-to-electricity-reform.htm

Labour and the Green’s electricity plan commended http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/labour-and-green-s-electricity-plan-commended-5410947

Bolder than expected but too timid By John Minto http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/04/21/bolder-than-expected-but-too-timid/

Bernard Hickey: Power barons fail to fool the public this time around http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10878726

It’s enough to make you want to scream http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/8575452/Its-enough-to-make-you-want-to-scream

Images of the proposed NZ Power industry shakeup http://liberation.typepad.com/liberation/2013/04/images-of-the-politics-of-the-power-industry-shakeup.html