GPJA #521 (23/10/14): Antiwar action Sat 2pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/346139598891897/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

Thursday, October 23, 7pm, 6a Western Springs Rd, Morningside "Kurdistan, ISIS and Imperialism". Socialist Aotearoa discussion with Joe Carolan.

WELLINGTON : 24th & 25thOct CHRISTCHURCH :: 29th Oct Abrupt Climate Change NZ Speaking Tour – Dr. Guy McPherson. Guy McPherson is Professor Emeritus of Natural Resources, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona where he has taught for over 20 years. He is an internationally renowned climate scientist and speaks out about the latest findings of the scientific community and his own research. Dr. McPherson is an energetic, entertaining speaker and moderator. He addresses the two primary consequences of our fossil-fuel addiction: global climate change and energy decline. His scholarly and research work focuses on the conservation of biological diversity. He lives in an off-grid, straw-bale house where he puts into practice his lifelong interest in sustainable living. Guy developed durable living arrangements in response to the ongoing collapse of the industrial economy and global climate change. “An increasing number of scientists agree that warming of 4 to 6 degrees causes a dead planet. They go on to say, we’ll be there much sooner than people realize."

http://guymcpherson.com/interviews/
http://www.youtube.com/user/gmcphers0n Interviews: Contact Kevin Hester 027 440 6999 CONFIRMED NEW ZEALAND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS: Wellington: Friday, 24 October, 7.30pm, The Downs Art Museum 45 Laings Road , Lower Hutt. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/316918331813821/?source=1
Wellington: Saturday, 25th October, 2pm, Tapu te Ranga Marae. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/292005561005324/
Christchurch: Wednesday, 29 October, 7.30 pm, C3 Lecture Theatre, University of Canterbury. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/1562932657261513/?ref_dashboard_filter=hosting

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!

Monday, October 27, corner of Bell Road and Homestead Road overbridge across State Highway 2, Mangatawhira
Labour Day Protest Against New Coal Mine at Mangatawhiri! Please join our ROADSIDE RALLY and wake up an audience of thousands of bored homeward bound holidaymakers. Our message: STOP Fonterra’s proposed new Coal Mine. STOP Climate Destruction. STOP mining coal next to schools and homes. Fonterra seems to have put its planned new coal mine on hold. Let’s make that permanent! Bring friends! We have posters and placards, or bring your own. If you need transport or have other enquiries, call or txt Pat, 021- 066 – 9009. On behalf of Auckland Coal Action and Coal Action Network Aotearoa. http://aucklandcoalaction.org/2014/10/11/labour-weekend-monday-protest-against-fonterras-proposed-coal-mine-at-mangatawhiri/

Tuesday, October 28, 12.30pm to 1.30pm, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui / Wellington Central Library (Ground Floor), Wellington.
He Wakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni / The Declaration of Independence, with Moana Jackson, Ngati Kahungungu / Ngati Porou, and Dame Claudia Orange. Free entry, RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/579931495444504 The poster for the forum is attached and available online at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/forum28oct14.pdf
Organised by the Wellington Treaty Educators Network.
https://www.facebook.com/events/579931495444504 – on your page, thank you.

Tuesday, October 28, 6.30pm, Downstairs in the University of Auckland Business School, Owen Glenn Building, Grafton Rd, Auckland

Privatising Our Futures: KiwiSaver and Superannuation Reform Continues the Neoliberal Project – Umesh Perinpanayagam. While there is considerable discussion around KiwiSaver, it is seldom mentioned in connection with Superannuation reforms. Umesh proposes that together these should be seen as a single policy project designed to eliminate the public provision of social security. He will outline some of the problems this shift in pension policy creates for a progressive political movement, including the impact on younger generations. He will also outline some alternative ways forward by asking us to rethink the concept of savings and investment to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Umesh Perinpanayagam recently stood as a Green Party candidate in the 2014 General Election. He studied economics amongst other things at the University of Auckland. For the last three years he has been employed by Parliamentary Services. He is the convenor of the Green Left Network, a national network dedicated to bringing an analysis of class, race and gender to Green politics. A Fabian Society meeting. Register here

Tuesday, October 28, 6-7.30pm, St Johns in the City, crn Dixon and Willis Streets, Wellington
Public Meeting: TPPA Wellington: Absolutely Positively Opposed? This forum will discuss the implications of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement in relation to local government. TPPA Action Group Wellington are hosting this hui and are calling on Wellington City Council to adopt a 12 point TPPA resolution (attached) that will safeguard their ability to make decisions in the best interests of the public that may arise, or be impacted on by, the TPPA. Speakers include: Bill Rosenberg: Economist and Chief Policy Advisor – CTU; Sarah Free: Wellington City Council Councillor; Greg Rzesniowiecki -Renewables (Motueka) and Anti – TPPA Campaigner; MC – Ariana Paretutanganui-Tamati – TPPA Action Group – Wellington.

Wednesday, October 29, 7.30pm, Kings Lion Hall

Wednesday, October 29, 7pm, The Roxy Cinema, Wellingon
Beatriz’s War – media luna new films (rated M). East Timor’s first feature fi lm, BEATRIZ’S WAR, is the haunting, passionate story of a woman’s conviction to remain true to the man she loves and the country for which she fought. It is a bold reworking of the 16th century French ‘Martin Guerre’ story. In this adaptation, it’s transposed to Portuguese Timor during the Indonesian occupation. Sixteen years after Beatriz’s husband disappeared during a brutal massacre by Indonesian forces, she is troubled by his mysterious return: Is he the young man she’d lost or is he an impostor? Tickets cost $25 and include pre-screening nibbles. See more details and buy your Wellington tickets now.

Thursday, October 30, 7-8.30pm, The Peace Place, 22 Emily Place, Auckland Central
You are all invited to the latest in our series of Eco-Spirituality Talks. October’s talk is about how we can reverse current climate change trends. The challenges facing us are explained in simple terms with suggested solutions that are common sense but not commonly applied! The intention is to complement the God’s Earth program with solutions that hopefully people will embrace as commitments. Climate change is real and we can and must make a difference, where we can and no matter how small a contribution. Our presenter is Stephen Lincoln (professional engineer, MBA, technical manager in manufacturing, town Councillor, concerned environmentalist, member of Greenpeace and member of the Environmental Committee for Catholic Diocese of Auckland). Cost: Koha. Please reply to this email or call 377-5541 to register. Please feel free to forward this email & the attached poster to your networks.

Thursday, October 30, 7pm, WEA, 59 Gloucester St, Christchurch

Flyer attached and links to other propaganda below.
Facebook Event page https://www.facebook.com/events/1538813942997833/
Flyer http://bit.ly/1p7GPi4
Background http://bit.ly/ZAlR4W

Wednesday, November 5,

Invitation to a symposium on Intersectionality. The AUT Pacific Media Centre, AUT Pacific Academic Staff Team, and staff in the School of Social Sciences and Public Policy, AUT University are hosting a small symposium titled ‘Intersectionality revisited – Beyond the contours of race, class and gender’. The purpose of the symposium is to discuss, debate and critique ideas, concepts and perspectives including and beyond the traditional intersections of race, class and gender and to engage with those intersections that are within themselves contested, inconsistent and contextual. The keynote speaker via live streaming is Professor Lisa Bowleg (George Washington University). The symposium will take the form of panel discussions. These sessions will provide the opportunity for you to present your research or your own developments in the area of intersectionality. If you would like to attend the symposium, please reply to this email (camille.nakhid) giving your name, institution, and whether you wish to present as part of a panel – by 15th September. If you wish to present in one of the panel sessions, please send us a brief abstract (150 – 200 words) of your presentation by 30th September. Response to your submission will be given by October 10th. We hope to write a review of the panel session discussions to submit to the New Zealand Sociology journal. Authorship will include the panellists. Please forward to your networks. “Intersectionality is a theoretical framework that posits that multiple social categories (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status) intersect at the micro level of individual experience to reflect multiple interlocking systems of privilege and oppression at the macro, social-structural level (e.g., racism, sexism, heterosexism)”. Bowleg, L. (2012)

Thursday, November 6, 7pm, Springs of Life Church, 126 Pt Chevalier Rd, Auckland
You are invited to a screening of the award winning documentary MARY MEETS MOHAMMAD. Tasmania’s first asylum seeker detention centre opens and local knitting club member and staunch Christian woman Mary is not welcoming of the 400 male asylum seekers from Afghanistan. Mary unexpectedly finds herself in regular contact with Mohammad, a 26 year old Muslim, after her knitting club donates beanies to the asylum seekers. Mary has many of her prior beliefs challenged as her relationship with Mohammad deepens. Parking available at the Church
https://www.google.co.nz/maps/place/126+Point+Chevalier+Rd,+Point+Chevalier,+Auckland+1022/@-36.867023,174.707708,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x6d0d473ce61f00e9:0xf31844bed7c875a9
Buses operate from Pt. Chevalier Rd. Cost of Tickets: $25 per person. To purchase via internet banking please go to the following account: ASB 12-3011-0762215-02. Please put your name and the number of tickets you wish to purchase in the reference code. Then e mail us at arci.refugee with the details and we will send your tickets out electronically. For further information phone 378 7434 or e mail arci.refugee. We look forward to welcoming you to this event. The ARCI Team. Auckland Refugee Council Inc. Tel: 09 378 7434, PO Box 78 024, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1245. https://www.facebook.com/ARCI.NZ www.aucklandrefugeecouncil.org
We are now on Facebook. If you want to be part of our conversation and growing community, please “friend” us if you have a moment

Thursday, November 6, 7.30pm, AMRF Auditorium (Room 505-011) Medical School, Park Road, Auckland
"Prospects for Peace in the Middle East": Public lecture by Professor Richard Falk

Friday, November 7, 7pm, Onehunga Community Centre, 83 Selwyn St, Onehunga
A BOOK OF POETRY LOCALLY MADE AND INTERNATIONALLY LAUNCHED
Toccata to the Public & Other Poems is Esteban A Espinoza’s second collection of poetry published in NZ. Esteban is a former political prisoner of general Pinochet (who ruled Chile with an iron fist and committed multiple human rights abuses), and resides in Auckland since 1981. In 1989, Hallard Press published ELEGY to HOPE, a book that described through poetry, the traumatic experience of torture and exile. It was entirely in English. This new volume, Toccata to the Public & Other Poems, is mainly in the Spanish language, although its most important poems are translated into English. It is obvious that his audience is the local community as well as the over 350 million Spanish Speakers in Latin America alone. Mr Espinoza’s intention is to launch this book here in Auckland and later in his native country of Chile, in the jewel of the Pacific, as it is known by seamen, the famous city of Valparaiso, also a home for the legendary and worldwide known poet, Pablo Neruda. This book of poems is a combination of poetry and anti-poetry, a mixture of black humour and a harsh critique of neoliberalism and individualism, both very current themes here as well as in Chile. This collection has the subtitle: “One day you all will be happy” as an irony to the continuous promises made by bankers and politicians worldwide. This book also marks the launching in Auckland of the Latin American community’s own publishing vehicle: Letras Latinas Publishing House, which promises to bring more surprises to the Auckland and world readership. Tocata to the Public will be launched on Friday 7th November 2014, at Onehunga Community House, 83 Selwyn St, Onehunga, Auckland.
For further information, please contact, E A Espinoza, fideluna or Cel: 02102278572

Friday, November 7, 7.30pm, St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby, Auckland

Dorothy Brown Memorial Lecture: "Looking back on world war 1 one hundred years later" by Professor Richard Falk, formerly UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Free entry.

Saturday, 8 November, St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby, Auckland

Study Day – World War I: How shall we remember them?
From 8-30am to 5pm (registration from 8.30am, programme begins at 9am), opening prayers by the Right Reverend Te Kitohi Pikaahu, Bishop of Tai Tokerau, followed by:

• Does the way we remember war affect our collective morality? Professor Richard Jackson, National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, Otago University
• Anniversaries of War, Remembering in 2014, Associate Professor Annabel Cooper, Otago University
• Did the Church yield to the State and prevailing attitudes in society? If so, why? What can we learn from this?Professor Peter Lineham, Massey University
• How do we understand the evil that led to the huge death toll? How can we be empowered to live peacefully together? Dr Andrew Shepherd, formerly Centre for Theology and Public Issues, Otago University
• Panel: Who Chose to Resist? with Nanaia Mahuta MP on Princess Te Puea; historian Megan Hutching, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, on New Zealand women who opposed the war; Ryan Bodman on the Passive Resisters’ Union; Chairperson: Keith Locke, former Green MP
• Enabling a century of warfare – the role of scientists, Associate Professor Peter Wills, Department of Physics, Auckland University
• Remembering WW1 in the context of ongoing militarism, Edwina Hughes, Peace Movement Aotearoa.

Cost is $20 including lunch, to be paid on the day. Pre-registration is essential for catering purposes, please email barfoots or tel 09 575 6142. Arranged by the Aotearoa New Zealand Peace and Conflict Centre Trust, NZ Christian Network, Pax Christi, Anglican Pacifist Fellowship and Auckland Labour History Group. The A4 poster for both events, including the programme, is available at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/apf/apf-sd14flyer.pdf and the Facebook event is https://www.facebook.com/events/660619040702869

November 8

On 8 November 2014 Kiwis will kickstart the global day of action against the TPPA. TPPA poses an enormous threat to NZ’s ability to regulate for itself, and gives foreign investors and multinationals new rights to control our laws. This could mean losing the ability to regulate our workplaces, our environment, our health and education systems and much more. For more information on the TPPA head to www.itsourfuture.org.nz

Current list of events (more to come):

AUCKLAND: https://www.facebook.com/events/1467237610222528/

HAMILTON: https://www.facebook.com/events/817162211683822/

RAGLAN: https://www.facebook.com/events/835063413190548/

TAURANGA: https://www.facebook.com/events/368971729938626/

ROTORUA: https://www.facebook.com/events/568804863225997/

NEW PLYMOUTH: https://www.facebook.com/events/692278354188260/

NAPIER: https://www.facebook.com/events/293223324204021/

PALMERSTON NORTH: https://www.facebook.com/events/820312961369156/

LEVIN: https://www.facebook.com/events/459224204217396/

WELLINGTON: https://www.facebook.com/events/367360156747943/

NELSON: https://www.facebook.com/events/287512898112082/

CHRISTCHURCH: https://www.facebook.com/events/369750123173101/

TIMARU: https://www.facebook.com/events/812868475430336/

DUNEDIN: https://www.facebook.com/events/853219618046052/

INVERCARGILL: https://www.facebook.com/events/400028260151334/

Monday, November 10, 7.30pm, St Marks, Pakuranga
Remembering Parihaka: Remembering the non-violent civil resistance of Maori Christians at Parihaka to government confiscation of their tribal lands in 1880. Theirs is an important example of Christian non-violence as humanity continues to struggle today with violence and war. We will be using the Caritas reflection booklet available online atwww.caritas.org.nz/resources/remembering-parihaka

November 27-29
Political journalism in the Asia-Pacific. A three-day human rights, social justice and media freedom conference is being hosted by the Pacific Media Centre at AUT University next month to mark 20 years of publishing the Pacific Journalism Review research journal. A special edition is being distributed at the conference and a book issue will be published early next year drawing from papers at the conference on November 27, 28 and 29. Papers include asylum seekers, state surveillance, climate change, murders of journalists with impunity in the Philippines and other countries, e-martial law, Fiji’s return to “democracy”, Māori and indigenous representation, West Papuan self-determination and a host of other issues. Two feature films are also being screened, Cap Bocage and Hot Air. Conference website: http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/articles/pjr-20th-anniversary-conference
Registration: https://www.eventspro.net/aut/getdemo.ei? id=7090112&s=_OQG0YBM4T
Inquiries: pjreview

January 23-25, 2015
WAIHOPAI SPYBASE PROTEST: 2014 has seen further explosive revelations about the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB). Not only does it systematically spy on New Zealanders – but, as the ongoing revelations from US whistleblower Edward Snowden show, it is routinely privy to American spying on other countries (e.g. on the President of Brazil) by the US National Security Agency (NSA). The NSA spies on everyone. It is essential that more pressure is put on the Government to put an end to the anti-democratic and destructive activities of this NZ spy agency.

New Zealand’s role as an American ally is being steadily reconstituted. But our most significant contribution to Washington’s global effort to manipulate world business and diplomacy is, and has been for more than 25 years, the Waihopai electronic intelligence gathering base, located in the Waihopai Valley, near Blenheim. It is controlled by the US, with NZ (including Parliament and the Prime Minister) having little or no idea what goes on there, nor any control.
First announced in 1987, Waihopai is operated by the GCSB in the interests of the foreign Powers grouped together in the super-secret Five Eyes Agreement (which shares global electronic and signals intelligence among the intelligence agencies of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and NZ). Its satellite interception dishes intercept a huge volume of civilian telephone calls, e-mail and computer data communications, including Twitter, Facebook and the like.
Five Eyes is the reason for the existence of both the GCSB and Waihopai; it is much more important than ANZUS ever was; it is, in reality, the secret ANZUS.This global spying network is accountable only to its own constituent agencies, not governments, and certainly not citizens. Getting out of Five Eyes is vital to NZ becoming a truly independent nation
Join us for the weekend of anti-war protest at this spy base. Come prepared for roughing it and camping out. We provide the food (we cater for vegetarians but vegans will have to bring their own). Bring sleeping bag, groundsheet, a tent, torch, water bottle, eating utensils, clothing for all weather, and $40 (or $20 unwaged) to cover costs. No open fires.
How to find our camp at Whites Bay: turn off SH1 at Tuamarina (9km north of Blenheim or 20 km south of Picton) and drive to Rarangi on the coast. Follow the steep Port Underwood Road over the hilltop before descending to the Whites Bay turnoff. There is a DoC public camp at the bay with basic facilities. ABC has to pay a fixed charge per head.
Waihopai does not operate in the interests of New Zealanders or our neighbours. It has no proper oversight or control from our Government. Basically it is a foreign spy base on NZ soil and directly involves us in America’s wars and America’s cynical manipulation of business and diplomatic affairs. Waihopai must be closed!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRIDE OPENS IN NZ CINEMAS ON OCTOBER 16.

We are thrilled to announce PRIDE will open in NZ cinemas on October 16.

Pride is a feel-good movie about the 1984 miner’s strike. It is a tender portrait of the real people who stood up and fought for their place in society – full of witty humour, personal and universal stories of triumph and touching moments of humanism. Starring Bill Nighy (Love Actually) and Imelda Staunton (Maleficent) Pride is based on an incredible true story about two seemingly disparate communities who form a surprising and ultimately triumphant partnership.

We thought this film would be of interest to your group/union and we encourage you to spread the word! We would be happy to provide you with some in season passes to giveaway via social media channels/newsletter if you are interested. Or if you have a suitable event/meeting coming up we could provide a number of 2-4-1 passes. Just let me know – happy to hear your suggestions.

View the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsFY0wHpR5o

About the film: Based on an incredible true story, Pride is a film about two seemingly disparate communities who form a surprising and ultimately triumphant partnership.

Set during the Thatcher era, the Welsh mining community of Dulais face dark days as they struggle to make ends meet during the 1984 mineworkers strike. Recognising the sting of marginalisation and driven by a sense of solidarity, a group of gay and lesbian activists in London decide to raise funds for the striking miners and their families. The group call themselves ‘LGSM’ – Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners – and approaches the Mineworkers Union to pledge their support.

But there is a problem – the Union seems unwilling to accept their help. Undeterred, the LGSM members travel to a small village in Dulais to make their donation in person. Initially, they are met with scepticism. But championed by an open-minded few, including local leader Dai and the formidable village matriarch Hefina, the two communities soon overcome prejudice to forge an extraordinary bond.

A terrific ensemble cast portray an array of richly drawn characters in this tender portrait of the real people who stood up and fought for their place in society. A rousing British crowd-pleaser in the spirit of Billy Elliot and The Full Monty, starring Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton, Pride is a funny, affecting and truly inspiring film about how the unlikeliest of unions can bring about the greatest change.

For more information contact Kylie Leggoe <kylie>

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