2015 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 routinely spies on any number of other countries, on behalf of the US National Security Agency (NSA). And 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 nearly 30 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. John Key has said that NZ’s current military involvement in the Iraq War is “the price of belonging to the club” i.e. Five Eyes, which 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!

I want to take part in the Weekend of Protest Name_____________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________ Phone/mobile/Email_________________________________________ I enclose $40 ($20 unwaged) per person registration to cover costs $___ I want to make a donation to the Waihopai campaign $____ I can help with publicity in my area or network – Yes/No I want to join the Anti-Bases Campaign. Annual membership is $20 ______ (includes subscription to Peace Researcher)

CLOSE THE WAIHOPAI SPYBASE NOW! Organised by the Anti-Bases Campaign, Box 2258, Christchurch 8140. E-mail abc www.converge.org.nz/abc Make all cheques to ABC; online payment details at http://www.converge.org.nz/abc/joinabc.html