GPJA #461 (Part 1/3): Forum Monday – Time to scrap the GCSB and Waihopai

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 461, May 1, 2013

Stop Press: 8.30am Thurs – Picket Pak ‘N Save, 67 Cavendish Drive – Stop youth Rates and 90-day right to sack

Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/152738678233034/

Herald Article on today’s picket (just a snippet of the media coverage received):
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10880844

 

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

COROMANDEL: NO MINING REGATTA MAY 18TH

Kia ora koutou, My name is Ruby and I am emailing from Coromandel Watchdog. We are currently working on a campaign which is focused on preventing a prospecting permit granted in the Schedule Four conservation area of the Coromandel Harbour going ahead.

At the center of our campaign is a No Mining Regatta to be held on May the 18th. Our aim is to send a clear message to this government and the mining companies that they are not welcome to mine the Coromandel. It will draw attention to the fact that Schedule Four conservation land is not safe from the threat of mining and support the right to protest peacefully at sea and on land.

The event has two aspects, at sea and on land. A flotilla will navigate along the seaward border of the prospecting permit, coming to anchor in front of Wyuna Bay. On the beach at Wyuna Bay there will be a land based event which will include speeches from Catherine Delahunty and Bunny McDiarmid. As the boats move into the waters in front of Wyuna Bay, kayakers and surfers from the beach will join them.

We don’t want this day to be all about saying NO. As a part of our setup we will have a display board where we will put up information about environmentally and economically sensible directions we can move in. Would you help us put this together by sending us any information and research you think may be relevant?

It would be wonderful to have you with us on the day, with your boats, kayaks, surfboards or banners and if you could send through any contributions to our solutions board.

If you are interested in supporting us by either coming along and having some fun, helping with preparations for the display/research board, or if you would like more details about the day please get in contact with me at ruby

If you wish to discuss media for the day so that we are all on the same page and can maximise our effectiveness please talk to our coordinator and spokesperson Renee Annan whose contacts are below.

I have attached two documents: a copy of our poster/invite that we would hugely appreciate being spread far and wide; and the invite for captains in case you have any friends with boats.

All the best, Ruby, Campaign Coordinator, Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki

m: ruby / Facebook Event

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)

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 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. dion.martin

WHAT’S ON IN AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND

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

Thursday, May 2, 7.30pm, Peace Place, 22 Emily Place, Auckland

West Papuan journalist, human rights advocate, and Chairperson of the Papua Peace Negotiating Team. Octo Mote is the former Head of the Papua Bureau of Kompas, the largest Indonesian daily newspaper. Following the 1999 meeting between 100 Papuan leaders (Tim 100) and Indonesian President B.J. Habibie, Octo was forced to leave Papua due to death threats from the Indonesian security services. Granted asylum in the US and US citizenship, since then he has tirelessly lobbied the US government on issues of human rights in Papua and in Indonesia more widely. Octo is the Tom and Andy Berstein Senior Human Rights Fellow at Yale Law School. Octo is the current Chairperson of the Papuan peace negotiating team, which

comprises five Papuan leaders living in exile who were appointed at the Papua Peace Conference held in Jayapura, West Papua, in July 2011, to negotiate with the Indonesian government – more than 500 representatives of Papuan customary groups, civil society organisations, church groups, academics and student organisations participated in the Peace Conference.

Auckland meeting organised by Pax Christi Aotearoa. For more information please contact Kevin McBride (Pax Christi) on paxchristi or Marni Gilbert (West Papua Action Auckland) on 027 204 8637.

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

Sunday, May 5, 4.30pm, Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, 773 New North Road, Auckland.

Seminar on Human Rights Violations in Sri Lanka – Organized by NZ Tamil Society. Guest Speaker: Mr. Gordon Weiss. Also, Speaker from the Tamil community of New Zealand: Dr Malathy Naguleswaran – Author of the book “A Fleeting moment in my country – the last years of the LTTE De Facto State”.

Malathy spent four years in the Vanni District from 2005 to 2009. Hers will be the first hand account of the slow walk to Mullivaikal and the internment camps established by the Govt.of Sri Lanka following the total destruction of the Vanni District in 2009. The New Zealand Tamil Community appreciates your attendance and we wish you to hear the voice of the powerless community.

Regards, Daya Thevi, Human Rights Coordinator – NZTS

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: admin I M: 021 150 2414