GPJA #509: Mobilise against Israel’s war – Assemble: Sat, 2pm, Aotea Square, Auckland

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 509, July 24, 2014

WHAT’S ON IN AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND

Friday, July 25, 3pm, Owheo Building, 133 Union St East, Dunedin

Broadcasting Debate with Kris Faafoi – Labour, Julie Anne Genter – Greens, Richard Prosser – NZFirst. Come along to see the opposition broadcasting policies put under the microscope by TV3 Reporter, Dave Goosselink. Book your seat at votechat Even if you’re not in Dunedin, you can watch this debate live (and afterwards) at betterbroadcasting Big thanks to VoteChat for making this possible.

Tuesday, July 29, 1.30-6pm, Graduate Women Room, Old Government House (Upstairs), Princes Street, University of Auckland

Revisiting Gender, Power and the Body Politic – Politics and International Relations Symposium, School of Social Sciences. Session 1: 1.30-3pm, ‘Intimate Justice: The Black Female Body and the Body Politic’. Dr Shatema Threadcraft, Rutgers University, New Jersey. ‘Intersectionality, power and the body politic in feminist development research’, Dr Anita Lacey, Politics and IR, University of Auckland. Chair: Dr Katherine Smits, Politics and IR, University of Auckland

Session 2: 3.30-5pm: ‘Julia Gillard and the Gender Wars’, Professor Linda Trimble, University of Alberta, Canada. ‘”Now you see it, now you don’t?” Gender and the Chilean presidential election campaigns of Michele Bachelet and Evelyn Matthei’. Dr Jane Christie and A/P Jennifer Curtin, Politics and IR, University of Auckland. Chair: Dr Valentina Cardo, Media, Film and Television, University of Auckland. ALL WELCOME. Refreshments provided. For further information and to RSVP for catering purposes contact Jennifer Curtin on j.curtin

Wednesday, July 30, 5pm, Unitec Lecture Theatre (B510-B007), Waitakere campus, 5-7 Ratanui Street, Henderson, Auckland

Sue Bradford and Peter Matthewson: Is there a place for radical social work in Aotearoa 2014? You are warmly invited to join leaders in the social practice sector for a fortnightly evening lecture. Each 45 minute session looks at multidisciplinary approaches to social justice and is followed by a Q&A and light refreshments. Joining us for the sixth lecture are Department of Social Practice lecturers, Sue Bradford and Peter Matthewson. They will ask whether there is a place for radical social work in Aotearoa. Social work has traditionally operated within a framework that acknowledges the values of social justice and personal and collective empowerment. Two of the New Zealand Social Work Registration Board’s ten core competencies are ‘to promote social change’ and ‘to promote empowerment and liberation of people’. Sue and Peter will examine these competencies more closely and explore what it means for practice in Aotearoa. They will consider what radical social work can look like, what constrains it, and what might liberate this aspect of the profession in the future. Social practice doesn’t remain static, and Sue and Peter will draw on research that suggests that now is the time to discuss this challenge. Admission: $10 (complimentary for field educators and supervisors). Department of Social Practice, Unitec Institute of Technology

Wednesday, July 30, 7.30pm, St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby, Auckland

CPAG’s Annual General Meeting Followed by: Election Year Political Forum. Come along, meet the CPAG team, chat to fellow supporters, learn more about what we’re doing and grill some MPs on child poverty! Light refreshments provided, limited space available so please RSVP. Following the AGM, we’ll be asking the tough questions about child poverty at our political forum. Come and hear candidates and spokespeople from across the political spectrum answer your questions on children’s rights to quality education, health, housing and income. Can’t make it on the night, but have a burning question about children’s welfare? Email us and we’ll make sure your question is raised. CONFIRMED: Jacinda Ardern (Labour), Alfred Ngaro (National), Metiria Turei (Green Party), Su Cullen (Maori Party), Asenati Lole-Taylor (New Zealand First) and Hone Harawira (Internet-Mana) and Damien Light (United Future).

Thursday, July 31, 6pm to 7.30pm, Room 1, Conference Centre, 30 The Terrace, Wellington

West Papua: human rights and media freedom. You are invited to a public meeting with Victor Mambor, Alliance of Independent Journalists in Papua, Editor of Tabloid Jubi, Human rights defender. Victor is a leading human rights defender in Indonesian occupied West Papua. He is Editor of the Jayapura-based newspaper and website Tabloid Jubi, Chairperson of West Papua’s Alliance of Independent Journalists, and a contributor to Al Jazeera. Victor is a prominent advocate for freedom of the press and open access for international journalists and UN monitors to Papua. His outspokenness is courageous given that journalism is a risky profession in West Papua – AJI documented 20 cases of violence and intimidation against journalists in 2013. Victor also supports grassroots journalism and devotes his skills and experience to the training of NGO activists in media and communication skills. Organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa and Va’aomanu Pasifika, please RSVP to pma tel 04 382 8129 or at https://www.facebook.com/events/309949635847814/ Links: On Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/events/309949635847814/ A4 Poster – http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/papua-wgtn-31july14.pdf

Friday, August 1, 6.30-8.30pm, Saturday 2 August, 9am-5pm, Faculty of Law, The University of Auckland, Level 2 (Friday) and Level 3 (Saturday), 9 Eden Crescent, Auckland

The latest from on the ground in West Papua. The urgent need to improve media and international NGO access to West Papua. New Zealand’s historical and current complicity with Indonesia, including providing police and military training and condoning environmental exploitation. Support for West Papua in Melanesia and Indonesia’s attempts to undermine this support through the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Is West Papua the new East Timor? Political panel with representatives from major parties. Find the event on maire

Friday, August 1, 7-9pm and Saturday 2nd August – 9am- 4.30pm, St Andrews on the Terrace, Wellington

The Bigger Picture Building Up to the Election : Democracy, Ethics and the Public Good: Last but no least! This is a not to be missed conference that aim is to “open the debate on the quality of our democracy and seed ideas about future approaches to building a more inclusive democracy in NZ”. The conference is sponsored by PublicGood Aotearoa and St Andrews Trust, and there is an excellent line up of speakers including -Lloyd Geering, Bronwyn Hayward, Bill Ryan, Jane Kelsey, Michael Macaulay, Myles Thomas, Barbara Bedeschi-Lewando, Cath Wallace, Max Rashbrook, Stephanie Rodgers, Meg Howie. For more information and to register visit

Friday, August 1, 5-8pm at Loaves and Fishes, corner of Molesworth and Hill Streets, Wellington

Living Wage Campaign celebrates its 2nd Birthday! It’s two years since the launch of the Living Wagecampaign in Wellington and supporters are throwing a party to celebrate all that has been achieved during this time. The party will have entertainment, activities for kids and food. All welcome to this free event on Friday 1 August, 5-8pm at Loaves and Fishes, corner of Molesworth and Hill Streets. Please RSVP toRebecca.matthews (cc’d tofran.taito ) Or join the Facebook event herehttps://www.facebook.com/events/302033269965811/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Friday, August 1, Saturday August 2, SkyCity Cinema, Auckland
HOT AIR is the story of twenty years of political struggle between politicians, scientists and activists wanting to reduce New Zealand’s emissions, and corporate leaders and their lobbyists working to protect profits and commercial advantage. HOT AIR, a new documentary by Alister Barry & Abi King-Jones, will be screening in the upcoming New Zealand International Film Festival in Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch, Hamilton & Palmerston North. In 2013 Alister Barry won the Bruce Jesson Foundation’s Senior Journalism Award to assist in completion of the film. See http://www.hotairfilm.co.nz for session dates & times. Auckland Screening Times: Friday 1 August 1:00 p.m. SKY CITY CINEMA; Saturday 2 August 3:30 p.m. SKY CITY CINEMA.

Friday 1 August, 6.30-8.30pm, Saturday 2 August, 9am-5pm, Faculty of Law, The University of Auckland, Level 2 (Friday) and Level 3 (Saturday), 9 Eden Crescent, Auckland.

The latest from on the ground in West Papua. The urgent need to improve media and international NGO access to West Papua. New Zealand’s historical and current complicity with Indonesia, including providing police and military training and condoning environmental exploitation. Support for West Papua in Melanesia and Indonesia’s attempts to undermine this support through the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Is West Papua the new East Timor? Political panel with representatives from major parties.

Find the event on facebook and please share with your friends and networks!

Keynote speaker: Victor Mambor, Chairperson for the Alliance of Independent Journalists (Papua chapter). Other speakers include: Prof. David Robie (Director, Pacific Media Centre, AUT); Dr. Elizabeth Stanley (Victoria University of Wellington); Maire Leadbeater (Human Rights activist); Paul Bensemann (Independent NZ journalist); Johnny Blades (Radio NZ journalist – via video link); Paula Makabory (West Papuan human rights activist, Melbourne) tbc

The event is hosted by the Organising Committee for West Papua Seminar. For more information please contact Maire Leadbeater at maire.

Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3, 9am each day Where: Owen G Glen Building, University of Auckland
Generation Zero Climate Vote Summit: ClimateVote is a weekend of workshops, speakers and planning. It’s an offering of skills, knowledge and connections, but more importantly it’s an invitation to take part and become a leader in a nationwide push to get young people voting, and with climate change in mind.You’ll hear from some of the best speakers NZ has to offer on climate change solutions, youth leadership, sustainable business and governance. You’ll take part in informative workshops, and develop your own capacity to make a difference through skill building and the transformative experience of a weekend with rad, inspired people like yourself. Hundreds of young people are coming together – to get ready, to get to know each other, and to get organized in putting climate climate change on the agenda this election. Will you join us? The cost is only $20 for the whole weekend and you can register here http://www.climatevote.org.nz/aucklandsummit

Sunday, August 3, 5-7pm, Pitt St Methodist Church, 78 Pitt Street, Auckland
Living Wage Movement – Election Forum: Open invitation to hear from our party representatives on key policies and issues for Auckland. Denise Roche MP is speaking for the Green Party.

Sunday, August 3, 7pm, Academy Cinema

"Notes to Eternity" 2014 Directed by Sarah Cordery CHAMPIONS. Renowned critics of Israeli policies – Noam Chomsky, Norman Finkelstein, Sara Roy and Robert Fisk – provide personal substance and historical perspective to their arguments in this impressive film by New Zealander Sarah Cordery.New Zealand filmmaker Sarah Cordery’s analysis of the Israel-Palestine conflict argues implicitly for justice, with eloquence and careful deliberation. http://www.nziff.co.nz/2014/auckland/notes-to-eternity/

Monday, August 4, 6pm

Peace Movement Aotearoa – WW1 anniversary candlelit peace vigils. Details of the WW1 anniversary peace vigils around the country are at www.ww1.org.nz If you would like to mark the anniversary and cannot get to a vigil, or there isn’t one in your area, please consider lighting a candle at 6pm on Monday, 4 August, in solidarity with all who resist war and promote peace. Details of the Wellington vigil are: included below, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PeaceMovementAotearoa/events and the A4 poster is at www.converge.org.nz/pma/vigil-wgtn-aug14.pdf

Monday, 4 August 2014, Auckland 6-6.30pm at the Devonport War Memorial, corner of Victoria Street and King Edward Parade, a short distance from the Ferry

Candlelit peace vigil to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One “the war to end all wars” · to remember all the casualties of war · to remember all who resisted war · to call for an end to war · to promote peace. In conjunction with peace and faith groups around the country and overseas who are holding vigils to mark the anniversary and to highlight our mutual belief that conflict must be resolved peacefully rather than by war.

On Monday 4 August, from 6pm – 6.30pm at the Cenotaph, corner Lambton Quay and Bowen Street, Wellington.
Please bring your own candle, placards and banners will be available at the vigil. The A4 poster for this event is at www.converge.org.nz/pma/vigil-wgtn-aug14.pdf

Organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa, RSVP at www.facebook.com/PeaceMovementAotearoa/events

· Honour the war dead by ending war ~ www.ww1.org.nz ~

Tuesday, August 5, 6.30pm, Anglican Cathedral of St Paul, 45 Molesworth St Wellington

Forum of Child Poverty: On Election day 1 in 4 children will be living in poverty. Make your vote count for those who can’t. That is the key message for discussion at the upcoming Forum on Child Poverty. Bishop Justice and Archbishop John will present on Christian perspectives on poverty. Children’s Commissioner Dr Russell Wills will give a keynote address, and various party leaders will discuss their plans to reduce NZ child poverty.

Tuesday, August 5, 7.30pm, Community of St Luke’s, 130 Remuera Rd, Auckland
Inequality Matters: Increasing social inequality is one of the major issues facing our country today and is a core focus of the 2014 election. This public event includes a panel discussion that targets critical social issues for thoughtful voters. Short presentations by four leading figures : Max Rashbrooke: Political & social journalist, Author ‘ Inequality’ A NZ Crisis ‘(2013); Major Campbell Roberts: Director Salvation Army Social Policy Unit & Parliamentary Unit; Professor Susan St John: Co-Director Retirement Policy & Research Centre, Auckland University; Rod Oram: Business journalist, Member of St Andrew’s church, Epsom. These will be followed by discussion convened by Rev. Glynn Cardy, Minister at St Luke’s. Cost $5: Tea & coffee provided (Students with ID free). Book now. Call Carol; 09 520 0199 (or) Pamela 09 5200740

August 5,6,7, 8.30am-4.30pm, WINZ, 93 Mascott Ave, Mangere

AAP Impact. Learn your rights from trained advocates.

Wednesday, August 6, 7.30pm, Ponsonby Primary School, Curran St, Auckland.

‘Tick for Kids’ – Auckland Central Candidates forum. Come hear Auckland Central candidates from across the political spectrum answer the important questions on children’s rights to quality education, health,ousing and income. Jacinda Ardern (Labour) and Denise Roche (Green Party) Miriam Pierard (Internet Mana) confirmed. National and New Zealand First speakers tbc. Special guest speaker Peter O’Connor, Associate Professor Critical Studies in Education from University of Auckland.

Sunday, August 10, 7pm, Capitol Cinema, Balmoral, Auckland

Film Fundraiser for Auckland Women’s Centre: The Auckland Women’s Centre is hosting a fundraising film evening. While all details have been confirmed, the film itself remains a secret. As a not-for-profit organisation, the Centre’s fundraising activities aim to ensure its continued work within the community. Guests can expect another fabulous evening of feminist cinema with the Auckland Women’s Centre, all while supporting the longevity of the Centre’s work. The film will be revealed on 1 August, but tickets are now available from the Auckland Women’s Centre, at a cost of $20 to $25. To pre-purchase tickets call 09 376 3227 or email info

Sunday, August 10, 7.30pm, Thames Multiplex

Coromandel Watchdog Fundraiser

Monday, August 11, 4.30pm, St Johns-in-the-City Hall, cnr Willis St and Dixon St, Wellington CBD

Debate with Craig Foss – Minister of Broadcasting, Kris Faafoi – Labour Broadcasting, Julie Anne Genter – Greens Broadcasting.

Monday, August 11, 1pm, Auckland University Quad.

Public meeting against state surveillance and the GCSB. Speakers: Kim Dotcom, Russel Norman, Mike Treen, plus MANA, Labour and Internet Party.

Monday, August 11, 7pm, Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, Auckland

Public meeting against state surveillance and the GCSB. Speakers: Kim Dotcom, Russel Norman, John Minto, Jane Kelsey plus MANA, Labour and Internet Party.

Tuesday, August 12

Tuesday, August 12, Wellington

CPAG Wellington Election 2014 Discussion Series. Education and child poverty were the focus of a public discussion held by Wellington CPAG in early July. Our guest panel of inspirational educators, Prof Jenny Ritchie, Dr Sarah Te One and Principals Janice Shramka and John Russell, gave an overview of the impact of poverty on education and the lives of children. This was followed by a spirited discussion in smaller groups on how we, as individuals and working together, can bring about meaningful change for our most vulnerable children. The evening’s discussion notes will be available shortly. CPAG is also building an online discussion group for further action on education and child poverty – please contact wgtn to join!

Friday, August 15, 1pm, Student Union Building, Victoria University, Wellington

Public meeting against state surveillance and the GCSB. Speakers: Kim Dotcom, Russel Norman, Mike Treen from GPJA, Thomas Beagle from Tech Liberty plus Labour MANA and Internet Party.

Tuesday, August 19, 1pm, Undercroft (bottom floor James Hight building), Canterbury University

Public meeting against state surveillance and the GCSB. Speakers: Kim Dotcom, Russel Norman, Mike Treen, Murray Horton from ABC, Labour, MANA and Internet Party.

Tuesday, August 19, 7pmk, Cardboard Cathedral, Latimer Square, Chrisychurch Central

Public meeting against state surveillance and the GCSB. Speakers: Kim Dotcom, Russel Norman, Mike Treen from GPJA, Murray Horton from ABC, plus Labour MANA and Internet Party.

Friday, August 29, 7pm, cnr Alfred St and Symonds St, Auckland

Saturday, August 30, 3pm, Britomart Transport Centre, Queen St, Auckland in Auckland
A30. MARCH TO BRING DOWN THIS ROTTEN GOVERNMENT. Its time to mobilise and bring down John Key’s National Party Government. Increase the protests, strengthen the campaigns, register the working class and poor to get them out. Lets organise a national day of Action on Saturday August 30th. Spread this event like wildfire.

Saturday, September 6, 11am, Auckland

CPAG Hikoi for children. Join Child Poverty Action Group in a hikoi for children on Saturday 6th September, at 11am in Auckland (and hopefully some other places too!) This is going to be a really positive, fun event to show the energy and passion of all the people in New Zealand committed to giving children the best possible start in life. We hope to see you there – more details coming soon!

23/24 October, Rydges Latimer, Christchurch
Social justice in communities – What is it? How can we build it? How can we sustain it? A conference jointly hosted by Community Networks Aotearoa (formerly NZCOSS) and the NZ Council of Christian Social Services. Social justice is vitally important in Christchurch as it is rebuilding and redeveloping; it is equally important in all of our communities. It does not happen by accident but is the result of deliberate and inclusive decision-making. Inspirational speakers from Christchurch, elsewhere in New Zealand and Australia will share their experiences in working within communities to bring about self-determination, inclusion and empowerment for community members. This conference will strengthen participants’ commitment to social justice, it will inform them of how socially just communities have been developed and will inspire them to work towards this ideal in their work and communities. Registrations are open – register now!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

JOIN THIS YEAR’S AUSTRALIAN SOLIDARITY DELEGATION TO VENEZUELA DECEMBER 2 – 13, 2014

Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network. Registrations are now open for the Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network’s 2014 solidarity tour to revolutionary Venezuela.
http://links.org.au/node/3700