GPJA #470 (Part 1/2): Anti GCSB protests a huge success / What’s On in Aotearoa (31/7/13)

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 470, JULY 31, 2013

A number of new readers will be looking at this newsletter for the first time. Please fee free to subscribe on our blog page or join our facebook group to receive these newsletters.

We try to get the newsletter out weekly and it usually has four parts: 1 – What’s On in Aotearoa” which advertises meetings around the peace and social justice themes; 2 – “Announcements” which contain notices from other organisations about their acftivities; 3 – “Best on the Web” which has links to articles of interest from Aotearoa or internationally.

Because of the huge protests this week I have modified the format a little by having all the news on that issue seperated out from the general NZ and international news which will follow in a few days times.

Mike Treen
Editor

GCSB – GENERAL

The Erosion Of Our Civil Liberties – I Think We’ve All Had Enough By John Minto http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/07/29/the-erosion-of-our-civil-liberties-i-think-weve-all-had-enough/

Dame Anne Salmond: The ongoing battle to preserve our democracy http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/opinion/8963742/The-ongoing-battle-to-preserve-our-democracy

Anti-GCSB Bill protest at spy base http://www.3news.co.nz/Anti-GCSB-Bill-protest-at-spy-base/tabid/1607/articleID/306672/Default.aspx

‘Conspiracy theorists’ were right on GCSB – Minto http://www.3news.co.nz/Conspiracy-theorists-were-right-on-GCSB—Minto/tabid/1607/articleID/306285/Default.aspx

Jane Kelsey: GCSB Bill a threat to anti-TPPA campaigners http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1307/S00349/gcsb-bill-a-threat-to-anti-tppa-campaigners.htm

Interview with a Boffin: Is it possible to shut down the GCSB? By Chris Trotter – See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/07/26/interview-with-a-boffin-is-it-possible-to-shut-down-the-gcsb/#sthash.oMOgmIAA.dpuf

Gordon Campbell on Peter Dunne’s illusory gains on the GCSB Bill http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2013/07/23/gordon-campbell-on-peter-dunnes-illusory-gains-on-the-gcsb-bill/

GCSB changes ‘do not address flaws’ – QC http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10902099

Rodney Harrison

Human Rights Commission releases report to Prime Minister on security and intelligence matters http://www.hrc.co.nz/2013/human-rights-commission-releases-report-to-prime-minister-on-security-and-intelligence-matters

Poll: More people believe Dotcom http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10903329

Union backs call for inquiry into intelligence services http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1307/S00354/union-backs-call-for-inquiry-into-intelligence-services.htm

GCSB bill will fuel Crown suspicions of iwi – Tuhoe leader http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/215374/gcsb-bill-will-fuel-crown-suspicions-of-iwi-tuhoe-leader

Kim Dotcom talks to Campbell Live after GCSB hearing http://www.3news.co.nz/Kim-Dotcom-talks-to-Campbell-Live-after-GCSB-hearing/tabid/817/articleID/303679/Default.aspx

Listening to Sir Bruce Ferguson http://www.3news.co.nz/Listening-to-Sir-Bruce-Ferguson/tabid/817/articleID/306810/Default.aspx

Fears Big Brother will spy on every one of us http://www.nzherald.co.nz/audrey-young/news/article.cfm?a_id=164&objectid=10901257

Key explains the need to spy on us all http://thestandard.org.nz/key-explains-the-need-to-spy-on-us-all/

Nothing to hide, nothing to fear? http://thestandard.org.nz/nothing-to-hide-nothing-to-fear/

Keith Locke: Separate spy agency not needed http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10905601

Gerald McGhie: Transparency more than a buzz word http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10905042

SPYING ON JOURNALISTS

Journalist Jon Stephenson accuses NZDF of spying on him http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10904564

Jon Stephenson

Journalist’s calls monitored in Afghanistan http://www.3news.co.nz/Journalists-calls-monitored-in-Afghanistan/tabid/1607/articleID/306677/Default.aspx

US spy agencies eavesdrop on Kiwi http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8972743/US-spy-agencies-eavesdrop-on-Kiwi

Inquiry sought into NZDF spying on journo http://www.3news.co.nz/Inquiry-sought-into-NZDF-spying-on-journo/tabid/423/articleID/306755/Default.aspx

Reference to journalists to be removed from military manual http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/215610/reference-to-journalists-to-be-removed-from-military-manual

NZ journalist spied on after ‘inconvenient, embarrassing’ Afghanistan report http://rt.com/news/new-zealand-spied-journalists-731/

Defence ‘subversives’ definition slammed http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8976122/Defence-subversives-definition-slammed

Defence Force commands under the microscope http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/defence-force-commands-under-microscope-5521490

Russell Brown (Public Address): The Real Threat http://publicaddress.net/hardnews/the-real-threat/

Ex-Defence boss: Journalists not the ‘enemy’ http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10904839

Gordon Campbell on the Defence Force’s paranoia about journalism http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2013/07/29/gordon-campbell-on-the-defence-forces-paranoia-about-journalism/

Flushing out the subversives: the NZ Defence Force and Jon Stephenson http://www.listener.co.nz/commentary/flushing-out-the-subversives-the-nz-defence-force-and-jon-stephenson/

So much for democracy http://thejackalman.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/so-much-for-democracy.html

GCSB inquiry sought reporter’s phone records http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/215438/gcsb-inquiry-sought-reporter’s-phone-records

Bryce Edwards: Democracy under attack, again http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10904950

Justifying mass surveillance with ‘terror threat’ is a right wing talking point http://www.thepaepae.com/justifying-mass-surveillance-with-terror-threat-is-a-right-wing-talking-point/31681/

The Privileges Of Parliament & Peter Dunne http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1307/S00196/the-privileges-of-parliament-peter-dunne-500-words.htm

GCSB – SATURDAY PROTESTS

Protest marches against GCSB bill across NZ http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10904220

NZ protesters condemn GCSB ‘spy bill’ and spooks centre with Pacific targets http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2013/07/nz-protesters-condemn-spy-bill-and-communications-centre-with-pacific-targets/

Thousands in spy march http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10904351

Protesters turn out to oppose GCSB bill http://www.3news.co.nz/Protesters-turn-out-to-oppose-GCSB-bill/tabid/1607/articleID/306599/Default.aspx

Dotcom joins rally against GCSB http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8972305/Dotcom-joins-rally-against-GSCB

Thousands protest new spying laws (2:10) http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/thousands-protest-new-spying-laws-video-5520366

Protesting the GCSB http://iso.org.nz/2013/07/28/protesting-the-gcsb/#more-1585

David Shearer at the Stop the GCSB Bill Rally in Auckland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jmsIulhWC4

Jane Kelsey at the Stop the GCSB Rally in Auckland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdSCCtIai6w

Kim Dotcom Speaks at the Stop the GCSB Rally in Auckland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5wjka8j3EE

PM dismisses protests against GCSB Bill as ‘misinformed’ http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/pm-dismisses-protests-against-gcsb-bill-misinformed-5520686

GCSB bill protests kick off http://www.3news.co.nz/GCSB-bill-protests-kick-off/tabid/1607/articleID/306538/Default.aspx?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The Auckland Protest http://thestandard.org.nz/the-auckland-protest/

Auckland Photos: And the good people of Auckland let their voices be heard! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.658302600846480.1073741826.294717643871646&type=1

Roger Fowler Sings, ‘First They Came…’ (and Mike Treen’s speech)

The Dunedin protest http://thestandard.org.nz/the-dunedin-protest/

Photos from Dunedin: Orwellian Future for NZ? http://www.michaelmcqueen.co.nz/blog/gcsb_nz/

More Dunedin photos: https://www.facebook.com/okanedavid/media_set?set=a.632909800060469.1073741826.100000243649681&type=1

Palmerston North: Protests against spy bill http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/8976394/Protests-against-spy-bill

Palmerston North: GCSB protesters lay TV complaint http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv/8977658/GCSB-protesters-lay-TV-complaint

Hamilton GCSB Bill Protest July 27 2013 (Rainbow Project Media) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Oum56Y34j8w

GCSB Protest Speeches in Wellington

GCSB – THURSDAY PUBLIC MEETING

Spy-bill opponents keep the fight going http://www.odt.co.nz/news/politics/266290/spy-bill-opponents-keep-fight-going

Dame Anne Salmond and Kim Dotcon

Group gathers to protest GCSB bill http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/8964434/Group-gathers-to-protest-GCSB-bill

Prominent NZers scathing of GCSB bill http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/215402/prominent-nzers-scathing-of-gcsb-bill

Video On Demand: Stop The GCSB Bill Public Meeting http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/07/25/live-video-stop-the-gcsb-bill-public-meeting-from-7pm/

Anti-GCSB bill meeting attracts hundreds http://www.3news.co.nz/Anti-GCSB-bill-meeting-attracts-hundreds/tabid/423/articleID/306395/Default.aspx

Anti-GCSB group garners support on social media http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10902634

People against GCSB bill speak in Auckland ahead of protest (2:21) http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/people-against-gcsb-bill-speak-in-auckland-ahead-protest-video-5519475

Hundreds hear big-hitters rail against spy legislation http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10903323

Labour would repeal GCSB law – Shearer http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10903651

TVNZ: People against GCSB bill speak in Auckland ahead of protest (2:21) http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/people-against-gcsb-bill-speak-in-auckland-ahead-protest-video-5519475

GCSB protests growing (with Keith Locke) http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/gcsb-protests-growing-video-5519462

Mainstreaming Dissent By Michael Timmins http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/07/27/mainstreamingdissent/

Key ignoring the public on GCSB – lawyer http://www.3news.co.nz/Key-ignoring-the-public-on-GCSB—lawyer/tabid/1607/articleID/306459/Default.aspx

GCSB Bill opposition heats up http://thestandard.org.nz/gcsb-bill-opposition-heats-up/

WHAT’S ON IN AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND

Wednesday, July 31, 6:30pm-8.30pm, Western Springs Garden Community Hall, 956 Great North Road, Western Springs
A winter’s night with CPAG. 6.30pm: AGM. 7.30pm: Launch. Please join us for: CPAG’s Annual General Meeting. Followed by the official launch of CPAG’s two-part series on: Child Abuse and Poverty: What are the links? Come along, meet the CPAG team, chat to fellow supporters, learn more about what we’re doing, hear from great speakers and enjoy some drinks and nibbles! Please remember to RSVP for catering purposes. If you have any questions about the event or how to RSVP please contact our office on admin 09 320 5260

Friday 2nd August to Sunday 3pm 4th August, Te Kohinga Mārama Marae, Waikato University, Knighton Road, Hamilton.
Want to Learn the History of the Treaty? Te Tiriti o Waitangi Treaty education hui. Kia ora koutou, The intention for this hui is to provide a safe, supportive space for anyone looking to begin or continue their journey of mātauranga/knowledge in and around Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi, colonisation and Māori-Pākeha/tauiwi relationships. We are wanting to create an opportunity for people of any age or descent to come together and have a good ole’ kōrero/chat so we have teamed up with Tangata Tiriti, a Treaty education project to bring you this hui. The programme will be facilitated by Ingrid Huygens, national director of Tangata Tiriti and Lawrence Jensen, a community development consultant, Ngati Porou. It includes activities and roleplays about the relationship between Maori and Europeans before the treaty, the Declaration of Independence, the language of the treaty, and the impact of the laws passed during colonisation. Participants will become ‘informed citizens’ who understand how the Māori-Pākeha relationship has developed to how we stand today. Ingrid and Lawrence will work together to bring out possibilities for action and new relationships. Certificates are also available upon completion of the workshop for those who want to add the experience to their CV! To read more about the facilitators, logistics or register, click HERE. Registrations close July 18th and there is a limited number of spaces, so jump on board this waka sooner rather than later! Nga mihi, Phoebe and Alejandra

Sunday, August 4, 1-3pm, The Surf Club at Muriwai, 100 Jack Butt Lane, Muriwai Beach
Protect Our Beaches – Stop Deep Sea Oil Drilling Muriwai Beach Public Meeting. The National Government has recently announced plans to allow deep sea drilling off the West Coast of Auckland. Just imagine an oil spill washing up on our iconic West Coast beaches like Muriwai. If we had a leak from a deep sea oil rig, the damage to our environment, economy and reputation would be catastrophic. Join Catherine Delahunty MP with guest speakers from Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, Deep Sea Oil Watch Auckland and Oil Free Auckland at the Muriwai Beach public meeting on Sunday 4th August to learn more about the drilling and talk about what you can do to get involved with the campaign to stop it. – See more at http://www.greens.org.nz/events/protect-our-beaches-stop-deep-sea-oil-drilling-muriwai-beach-public-meeting

Monday, August 5, 6pm, St John’s in the city, corner of Willis St and Dixon St, Wellington.
Public meeting: Nothing to hide – everything to fear. An evening to look at surveillance beyond the GCSB Bill and talk about what is wrong with the slogan “if you’ve got nothing to hide you’ve got nothing to fear”. Our speakers are: Kate Dewes – a long time peace campaigner who has experienced first hand for many years what it is like to be under surveillance. An article about her will appear in the Sunday Star Times this coming weekend. Thomas Beagle – from Tech Liberty and the Council of Civil Liberties will explain why the collection of metadata is not harmless. Helen Kelly – from the Council of Trade Unions will speak about the creeping erosion of privacy. Organised by OASIS: Organising Against State Intelligence and Surveillance. OasisFromSurveillance.blogspot.co.nz

Wednesday, August 7, 6pm, Henderson Council Chamber Civic Building (Level 2), 6 Henderson Valley Road Henderson
The WEB invites you to a forum on: Migrant workers experiences on labour exploitation in New Zealand. Presenter: Dennis Maga (Co-ordinator of Union Network of Migrants (UNEMIG). 6:00pm for registration/networking; Meeting from 6:30pm -8:00pm. RSVP: contact or Phone (09) 836 0169 by 2nd August for catering purposes, as seating is strictly limited. Baljit Singh I Coordinator I Waitakere Ethnic Board PO Box 21068, Henderson, Waitakere City 0650, Auckland. Website:www.waitakereethnicboard.org.nz

Wednesday, August 7, 6.00pm, University of Auckland Conference Centre, 26 Symonds St, Auckland
Frances Joychild QC talk on human rights litigation in New Zealand. Frances Joychild QC will be speaking at our annual general meeting on 7 August 2013 about the environment of human rights litigation in New Zealand. In particular, Frances will share her recent experiences in significant discrimination cases in the Court of Appeal: representing the Child Poverty Action Group in their challenge of the government’s In-Work Tax Credit scheme (Court of Appeal decision expected in the coming months); and representing Atkinson in the Family Caregivers Case (Ministry of Health v Atkinson [2012] 3 NZLR 456 (CA)), where the government policy that excluded family members from payment for providing various disability support services to their disabled children was found to be unjustified discrimination. Frances Joychild QC is one of New Zealand’s leading human rights lawyers. She has 15 years experience as a barrister sole working in civil litigation, and has spent 3 years as a Law Commissioner. WHEN: Wednesday 7 August 2013 at 6:00 pm for drinks and nibbles for a 6:30 pm start.
Annual General Meeting, Human Rights Lawyers Association of NZ: At the conclusion of Frances Joychild QC’s speech, the Association will hold its second Annual General Meeting (AGM). We expect that it will take approximately 30 minutes, and the Association will provide further drinks and nibbles at its conclusion. All members are welcome. For more information, follow this link.

Tuesday, August 13, 1pm, Parnell Trust Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Rd, Parnell, Auckland
Women’s Health Action, Counselling Services Centre, HELP, Rape Prevention Education and Tu Wahine Trust invite you to the annaul Cartwright Seminar, ‘One in a Hundred: Improving Justice for sexual violence survivors’ on Tuesday, August 13th from 1pm. The seminar will include a panel of presenters followed by discussion and then a light refreshments. Tickets cost $10. Register online at info or phone 09 520 5295. Please circulate this invitation among your networks.

Wednesday, August 14, 7-9pm, St Colomba Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby
A social justice forum on youth and employment. “Walk Alongside: Meaningful Work for the Young”. Guest Speakers: Cathy Bi, Caritas Aotearoa; Sarah Thompson, Auckland Action Against Poverty. For more information see: maryb

JOIN THE 2013 SOLIDARITY BRIGADE TO VENEZUELA – DECEMBER 4-13, 2013
Witness a people’s revolution in action. The Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network’s 14th international solidarity brigade to Venezuela this December is a very special opportunity to observe, learn about and be inspired by the Bolivarian revolution that is transforming Latin America and challenging the greed and exploitation of global capitalism by showing that a better world is possible.
Brigade registration and costs
The registration deadline for the 2013 brigade is September 1, 2013. Accommodation, transport within Venezuela and English-Spanish translation throughout the brigade will be organised for all participants by the AVSN.
Participants will need to book their own international airfares. Please do not purchase your tickets before the registration deadline of September 1.
In addition to your international airfare, you will need to budget for approximately $1200. This will cover your brigade registration fee ($500 for waged workers or $350 for students/pensioners), and your food, transport and (shared) accommodation in Venezuela.
To register or for more information: EMAIL: brigades
www.venezuelasolidarity.org

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HIROSHIMA / NAGASAKI COMMEMORATIONS AND PEACE SUNDAY 2013
Events in Aotearoa New Zealand commemorating the 68th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima (6 August) and Nagasaki (9 August), and Peace Sunday 2013. This message is available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/notes/peace-movement-aotearoa/hiroshima-nagasaki-commemorations-and-peace-sunday-2013/546922228688484 and the version formatted for printing is at http://www.icanw.org.nz

National

· Peace Sunday resources – from Christian World Service are available at http://www.cws.org.nz/newsroom/media-releases/peace-sunday-4-august

· From nuclear weapons-free Aotearoa New Zealand to a nuclear weapons-free world – join the call for action to abolish nuclear weapons. Information about iCAN Aotearoa New Zealand is available at http://www.icanw.org.nz

Waiheke Island

· Tuesday, 6 August – ‘Hiroshima remembered’: screening of Vibrant Video’s short film featuring Hiroshima bomb survivor Shigeko Sasamori speaking about the posters from the Hiroshima Peace Museum at Devonport on Hiroshima Day 2012. Starts at 7.30pm, at the Waiheke Community Cinema, followed by refreshments provided at Adjaz. Organised by the Waiheke Peace Group. The poster for this event is available at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/waiheke-hiroshima2013.pdf

Auckland

· Sunday, 11 August – Hiroshima Day Commemoration: you are warmly invited to attend a Candle Floating Ceremony to remember those who died at Hiroshima and Nagasaki as a result of the atomic bombs dropped on their cities at the end of the Second World War. The programme includes crane-making, music and candle-floating (candles will be supplied), WILPF members will be speaking about the present situation regarding nuclear testing and particularly about what is happening in the Pacific, and there will also be an opportunity for others to speak. From 5pm to 7pm at the Auckland Domain Wintergarden; organised by WILPF (Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom) Tamaki Makaurau. RSVP on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1388288251394363

Wellington

· Sunday, 4 August – Celebrating 30 years as a peace church, service at 10am, St Andrew’s on The Terrace, 30 The Terrace.

· Sunday, 4 August – ‘Peace, Love and all the Jazz – a jazz service for Peace Sunday’, with a focus on becoming peacemakers. At 10am, St Peter’s on Willis, 211 Willis Street. The poster for this event is at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/peace-jazz2013.pdf and you can RSVP on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/483689308385642

· Sunday, 4 August – Hiroshima and Nagasaki commemoration, from 2pm to 4pm, at the Peace Flame, beside the Rose Garden, Wellington Botanic Garden (in the Begonia House if wet). Organised by The City Is Ours, more information is available at http://hdwn.webs.com/cndsmessagepostertocopy.htm

Christchurch

· Friday, 9 August – Hiroshima / Nagasaki commemoration. Speakers, music and candles at 5.30pm, at the Peace Bell in the Botanical Gardens, followed by soup at the YMCA. Organised by WILPF (Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom) Otautahi and Christchurch Quakers.

Oamaru

· Tuesday, 6 August – Hiroshima / World Peace Day gathering, from 12.30pm to 12.50pm at the Woodland Garden, Oamaru Public Gardens (access through Oamaru Top 10 Holiday Park off Chelmer Street). The gathering will take place if it is raining, and is organised by the Anglican Parish of Oamaru-Maheno.

Dunedin

· Monday, 5 to Friday, 9 August – ‘Everything You Treasure: For a World Free from Nuclear Weapons’, an exhibition consisting of 40 panels covering nuclear weapons issues from 12 perspectives: humanitarian, environmental, medical, economic, human rights, energy, scientific, political, spiritual, gender, generational and security, will be on display at Otago University Library

· Tuesday, 6 August – Peace Vigil to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, beginning with a performance by the Dunedin O-Taiko Drummers followed by silent prayers at the moment the bomb was dropped (8.15am in Hiroshima, 11:15 in NZ). From 11am to 11.30am at the Peace Pole in front of the Otago Museum. Organised by the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, for more information see the poster at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/cpacs-hiroshima2013.pdf

· Tuesday, 6 August – Hiroshima Day public debate ‘That New Zealand is safer out of ANZUS and nuclear free’, with Kevin Clements, Director of the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, and Gerald Hensley, a former New Zealand diplomat who served under Rob Muldoon and David Lange as Head of the Prime Minister’s department. Starts at 5.15pm, in Archway 3 Lecture Theatre, Otago University. Organised by the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, for more information see the poster at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/cpacs-hiroshima2013.pdf

ROGER AWARD

Nominations are open for the Worst Transnational Corporation Operating in Aotearoa – New Zealand in 2013. Download a nomination form here http://bit.ly/13RBjuT

DAVID ROVICS TOUR DOWN UNDER

Hi folks in aotearoa, Five weeks before I land in Christchurch, and then ramble around the south and north islands of New Zealand, before then going to tour Australia, starting in Perth and then moving on to drive from Adelaide to Brisbane, including lots of cities in between, such as Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney… At this point the tour is looking good, but there is still a heck of a lot of room for improvement! More gigs on both islands of Aotearoa and in the smaller cities anywhere in southeastern Australia would be very, very welcome indeed. I hope to hear from some of you who might be up for organizing something, and I hope to see many of you on the upcoming tour! Please let people know about all this if you see fit. That’s the only way this works, I’ve discovered… Details of what’s definite so far below and of course on my website…

Saturday, August 17th: The Free House, 95 Collingwood Street, Nelson

Monday, August 19th: Doors open at 6 pm, show starts at 8 pm! Puppies, Wellington

Friday, August 23rd: Old Stone Butter Factory, 8 Butter Factory Lane, Whangarei

Saturday, August 24th: Thirsty Dog, Auckland

LIVING WAGE TO FEATURE AT LOCAL ELECTIONS

Candidates will be asked by communities to step up for a Living Wage at this year’s local body elections in Auckland, Wellington and beyond. The Living Wage Movement will hold seven meetings in Auckland with communities that want to see employees and contracted workers at Auckland Council paid a Living Wage. Living Wage Aotearoa NZ will join with the following Auckland communities to call for a Living Wage and to support other critical issues that really matter to their communities:

Unions @ Papatoetoe Cosi Club | August 22, 4-6pm

Women @ Columbus Centre, Ponsonby | September 3, 6-8pm

Youth @ Auckland University quad | September 4, 12.30-1.30pm

Migrant and Refugees @ Mays Rd Memorial Hall | September 7, 4-6pm

Faith-based groups @ Columbus Centre, Ponsonby | September 10, 7-9pm

West Auckland communities & unions @ | TBA

Pacific Communities @ Pacific Island Church Otara | October 4, 5-7pm

INVITATION TO “SEE THE PHILIPPINES: LEARN AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!” WITH PEOPLE’S SOLIDARITY AND EDUCATION TOURS (PSET)

Dear friends, We are pleased to introduce to you People’s Solidarity and Education Tours (PSET), a newly-formed organization dedicated to solidarity building through tourism. More than offering fun and a glimpse of the country’s beauty, PSET offers an opportunity for travelers to have meaningful interaction and build solidarity with the Filipino people, especially in these times of worsening impoverishment and social injustices. Should you (or your members/contacts) be coming over to the Philippines, kindly consider availing of our heritage tours to see the Philippines’ famous historical and cultural sites from a different light, linking the country’s past and present with information and analysis that goes beyond the trivial, common, and colonial; or, to take part in our immersion programs in various communities for an in-depth understanding of the Filipino people’s plight, and direct contribution and long-term solidarity with them in their struggles. We also offer study tour programs which combine heritage tours and community exposures with formal lectures by institutions and authorities on the different aspects and issues of Philippine society. Alternatively, we can simply explore possible partnerships in the future. Please do not hesitate to email us at secretariat for more information and inquiries. Background information are also available at secretariat See the Philippines, learn and make a difference!