Global Peace And Justice Auckland Newsletter #31, April 9, 2003

Website http://www.gpja.pl.net/ Contact details: Forums - John Minto, (09) 8463173 mailto:jbminto@xtra.co.nz; Newsletter Editor - Mike Treen 0212547440 / 3616989 mailto:miket@pl.net Web page - Geraldine Peters (09) 3570655 mailto:bern@ihug.co.nz Donations can be sent to GPJA, Private Bag 68905, Newton, Auckland. All communication regarding the GPJA mailing list (email or snail) should be addressed to mailto:gpjamailinglist@xtra.co.nz

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION APRIL 12 ANTIWAR MARCH THIS SATURDAY, 12 NOON ASSEMBLE WESTERN PARK - NEAR CORNER OF PONSONBY AND K/RDS

This Saturdays march will take a route down K/Rd to visit a Mobil Station and make the link between oil and war, on to the TNZ studio to protest their biased coverage, then on to the consulates of the "coalition of the Killing" - UK, Australia and the USA. We will be finishing with a rally outside the US consulate about 1.30pm. We know this is a long march but we felt it was important to take the time to challenge the media, the oil industry and the governments of the principal war makers. Protests will be taking place in hundreds of cities worldwide.

HOW YOU CAN HELP - THIS MEANS YOU - Distribute posters and leaflets: available from the front porch 84 Paice Ave, Sandringham. (Contact John Minto, see above). - Cars with a roof rack needed to be a mobile sound system announcing the April 12 protest. Anytime Thursday-Sat this week. Contact mailto:miket@pl.net - People with cars to place signs on the entrances/exits of the motorways late Thursday or early morning Friday April 11. Contact mailto:miket@pl.net - Flat deck truck or Ute for use on April 12 march. Contact mailto:miket@pl.net - Help sell "No blood for oil" bumper stickers. Up to 50 $1 each. 50-100 75 cents. 100 plus 50 cents. Contact mailto:miket@pl.net - Help sell "Stop the war on Iraq badges" $2 each. Contact mailto:miket@pl.net. - Banner painting, Thursday (see below)

SPECIAL GPJA FORUM THIS MONDAY, 7.30PM, APRIL 14 TO DISCUSS THE STRUGGLE AT NGAWHA, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn.

STUDENT ANTIWAR DAY, THURSDAY APRIL 10, 11AM-3PM, AUCKALND UNIVERSITY. 4 BANDS AND SPEAKERS

GPJA eFORUMS

EFORUMS ( http://www.gpja.pl.net/eforums/) is an online initiative set up to enable the GPJA constituency an opportunity to discuss issues the GPJA network helps give voice to. Please send queries, suggestions, and notices about teething problems to either Antony ( mailto:dolby@paradise.net.nz) or Geraldene ( mailto:bern@ihug.co.nz).

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GPJA TABLE AT AUDIOSLAVE CONCERT APRIL 19. Contact: Brian van Dam mailto:vandam@math.auckland.ac.nz

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

100 people came to the April GPJA forum with Sue Rhodes who gave a first-hand report on the appalling abuse being meted out daily to the people of Hebron in Palestine. To keep up with the news from Palestine from a Palestinian viewpoint checkout the website of the Palestine Authority http://www.ipc-ps.info/ Another eye-witness account by a NZ doctor working in Gaza will be held on April 27 (See What's On in Auckland). Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr will also be on the Sunday programme, TV 1, April 13 at 7.30pm.

No need for Gats rush - Arena http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0304/S00028.htm

Lower Hutt march draws 300 http://www.indymedia.org.nz/front.php3?article_id=5093&group=webcast

Kiwis join Greenpeace blockade of Australian warship http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0304/S00057.htm

Buy USA? No Way! Boycott US brands, we can help peace every time we go into a shop and we can choose where to spend our money. We can send a message to Bush and his band of bullies that is strong and clear and effective. For more info check out Spend for Peace Boycott at http://www.spendforpeace.co.nz

April 15: International Day of Boycott the War Actions http://www.motherearth.org/USboycott/ No money for the war: boycott the US! A call to organise non-violent anti-war consumers actions on this day around the world, picket a petrol station, have restaurant owners announce they withdraw US products, get your school to close any Coke machines and replace them with local or organic products, e-mail avalanches calling for boycott...

A creative alternative to boycotts is "procott". This is a movement educating and organizing around conscious consumer efforts to support the production and purchase of earth/justice-friendly goods and services. http://www.web.ca/~procott/

May 10-11: National Peace Workshops 2003, Christchurch Organised by Peace Action Network Otautahi, in association with Peace Movement Aotearoa. Details next week.

WHAT'S ON IN AUCKLAND

PEACE VIGIL - A 120 HOUR CAMP OUTSIDE US CONSULATE MON-SAT Simon, a young musician, is making a strong personal antiwar statement by maintaining a 24-hour a day vigil outside the US consulate from Monday to Saturday. He is inviting people to support him by coming to the Consulate at 23 Customs St. He wants people to bring music, dance, art and creativity "or just yourself". Refreshments welcomed (no meat or dairy products). Email mailto:aucklandpeacevigil@yahoo.co.nz http://www.geocities.com/aucklandpeacevigil

Pickets of the US consulate are being held daily from 7-9am, 12-2pm, and 5-7pm

Antiwar vigil church service with Rev Craig Forbes, every weekday 12noon-1pm, Pitt St Methodist Church, Newton.

Silent Peace Vigil every Sunday, 9.15-945am, Quaker Meeting House, 115 Mt Eden Rd. All welcome. For more information phone Friends Centre (09) 630 6834

Wednesday, April 9, 3.30pm, Level 7, 90 Symonds St, City A Canadian psychologist working in Cambodia to develop prevention strategies to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the tourist town of Siem Reap. Ian Lubek, Professor of Psychology at Ontario's University of Guelph, will give a seminar at Massey University's Centre for Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation (SHORE). Phone: 366 6136 to reserve a place.

Wednesday, April 9, 7.30pm, Trades hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn Direct Antiwar Action meeting. email mailto:euphemiak@yahoo.com

Thursday, April 10, 11am-3pm, Auckland University, Student Union Quad, Princes St Student antiwar day. 4 bands and speakers.

Thursday April 10 from 5:30 - 8:30pm, Green Party office, 308 Great North Rd. Grey Lynn, Auckland BANNER & SIGN PAINTING SESSION We have a large space and an overhead projector which is great for making signage - we have spare blank corflute, brushes, some paint photocopiers and printers, - bring along any paint, calico, boards and bright ideas to add to the mix. Come along - pick up a brush. All welcome. Ph. Kim 361-5925. Thursday, April 10, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn We are inviting individuals and groups with an interest in the WORLD SOCIAL FORUM movement to attend a meeting to consider the holding of a Social Forum here in Aotearoa. Edward Goldsmith, founding editor of "The Ecologist" will be speaking and discussing his experience with this global movement and related issues. Having established a national co-ordinating group we now wish to involve others throughout New Zealand and to co-ordinate our efforts across sectors and communities. For further information contact Pat Hanley 04 239 8027 e-mail mailto:angoa@clear.net.nz or in Auckland Mike Treen 09 358 4104 / 021 254 7440 e-mail mailto:miket@pl.net

Saturday, April 12, 12 noon, Western Park, cnr Ponsonby and Grafton Rds International day of antiwar action. Demand all foreign troops out now! Contact mailto:miket@pl.net

Sunday, 13th April, 12.00 to 2.00 pm, Unitec Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Entry through Gate 3 to building No 170, staff cafeteria FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON FOR MEDICINES FOR IRAQ Home and Family Society New Migrants' group is putting on a luncheon of Middle Eastern food to raise funds for medicines for Iraq. This funding is being sent with some Iraqi doctors who are returning to Iraq shortly to help with the impacts of war on the people of Iraq. Iraqi women from the New Migrants' Group are preparing the food. Entry $20 payable at the door. We would love it if you could join with us to enjoy their food and contribute with them to the people of Iraq suffering the war. If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation instead, please send it to Home and Family Society Box 67 120 Auckland, or drop it into us here at 344 Mt Eden Rd. Please indicate any donation as for Iraq and we will pass it on. For any enquiries please contact Mary Gray at Home and Family Society Tel. 630 8961 or email mailto:mary.gray@homeandfamily.org.nz

Monday, April 14, 4.30-6pm, outside Helen Clark's electoral office, 65 Sandringham Rd. Save Ngawha: stop the prison! Protest picket. The picket is to support the ongoing occupation at Ngawha. The occupiers are taking non-violent direct action to stop a prison being built on wahi-tapu, sacred, Nga Puhi land. The prison development is environmentally, spiritually, economically, and socially unsound. Come to the picket on Monday and help to stop the prison at Ngawha. Build communities not prisons! For more info contact email mailto:amoorenz@yahoo.com

Monday, April 14, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn Special GPJA forum on the Ngawha struggle with representatives speaking and a video of the recent hikoi.

Monday, April 14, 5.45-7pm, Staffroom, Centre for Language and Languages, 2nd floor, A block, Auckland College of Education, Epsom Human Rights Network (Auckland) meeting. Entrance via Gate 3 at 74 Epsom Avenue - car parks are readily available as staff leave around 5-30pm. For more info or to add items to the agenda, contact Bev Turner tel (09) 418 0700 or email mailto:BeverleyTurner@nznet.gen.nz

Tuesday, April 15, 7.30pm, Avondale Community Centre, 99 Rosebank Rd. Spray Action Meeting to raise public awareness through creative and legal action to stop this violation of human rights. Contact Rachel mailto:nowayspray@hotmail.com Ph 8272516. http://www.geocities.com/no_spray/

Thursday April 17th, 8pm, The Classic, 321 Queen St., Auckland. AN EVENING OF MUSICE FOR PEACE Jeremy Elwood and Daniel Loughnan Present "WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?" AN AURAL HISTORY OF PROTEST MUSIC. When the going gets tough, the tough start singing. These are the songs that shaped our world, and the stories behind them. From Vietnam to the World Wars, from the poppy fields of France to the cotton fields of the USA, protest music has always acted as a release and a record of the hardships and triumphs of ordinary people. In our current climate, it pays to remember that differences have been made, and will continue to be made as long as we don't forget the lessons of the past. "Which Side Are You On" is a mix of music, storytelling, humour and good old fashioned rock and roll. Performed by Daniel Loughnan (The Unusuals) and Jeremy Elwood (Pulp Comedy), and featuring appearances by Michele A'Court and guest musicians. One night only, with a percentage of the proceeds going to Global Peace and Justice Auckland, the driving force behind the enormous anti war movement in this city. Bar open from 7pm, Show starts 8pm. $10 / $8 concession, Door Sales only. For further information contact email mailto:jmelwood@hotmail.com

Sunday, April 27, 4pm, Epsom Community Centre, 202 Gillies Ave, Epsom Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr will give a presentation about their recent experiences in Gaza, Palestine. Tea and Coffee will follow with whatever food people bring for a shared afternoon tea. Contact the Wakims for more info 5200201

Friday, May 2, 5.30pm, Freyberg Square, High St, Auckland City Two Christchurch-based groups (CAFCA and GATT Watchdog), which organise the annual Roger Award, say that TNCs are the real "government" of New Zealand; the public were invited to nominate the worst of 2002. The criteria for judging are by assessing the transnational that has the most negative impact in New Zealand. Music and revelry preceding the awards begin at 5.30pm. For more information on the awards ceremony contact the Roger Award organisers: mailto:g.baxter@auckland.ac.nz CAFCA-Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa Box 2258, Christchurch, New Zealand mailto:cafca@chch.planet.org.nz http://www.cafca.org.nz

Saturday, May 3, 12noon-6pm, Mountfort Park, Manurewa. (Rainday Sunday) MAYFEST 2003. Workers and Youth united against war. Free concert, song, dance theatre, Hip Hop, Rap, Reggae and more. Hot food stalls, information stalls. Contact Jean at 2684364 or email mailto:nitsuj_naej@hotmail.com

Saturday, May 3, 7.30pm, Titirangi War Memorial Hall, Sth Titirangi Rd (beside Library). WAITAKERE PEACE CONCERT. Featuring Kurdish musicians from Iraq and the very best of West Auckland's songwriters and musicians. Live music, dance, food and drinks, peace in the community. $15 waged, $10 unwaged and family concessions. For tickets and more details contact Laurie Ross 8118696 or David Lynman 8178338. Tickets also from Titirangi Pharmacy. Presented by Free Spirit Peace Productions.

Monday, May 5, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn GPJA Forum with Murray Horton, Anti-bases Campaign and CAFCA.

Friday May 16, Venue to be announced. "I'm currently organising in conjunction with Performing Artists For Peace Association a Full Moon Dance For Peace event celebrating life, unity and peace on the 16th of May at a venue yet to be confirmed. It will be a chance for people to make a stand for peace while experiencing other forms of dance and acknowledging our creator and Mother Earth." Helpers, leaders, performers or supporters inspired by a stand for peace please contact Clancy at mailto:clancycroft@hotmail.com or 021 452177.

BEST ON THE WEB SPECIAL REPORT: Water under siege in Iraq: US/UK military risk committing war crimes by depriving civilians safe water. A 13 page background paper that documents how water has been used as a weapon in the 13-year war against Iraq. http://www.cesr.org/iraq/docs/waterundersiege.pdf

POSTWAR IRAQ: A SHOWCASE FOR PRIVATIZATION? By Philip Mattera Earlier this week, U.S. military officials came up with a solution to the chaos surrounding the distribution of water to civilians in the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr: They are providing water free to locals with tanker trucks, who are being allowed to sell the precious liquid for a "reasonable" fee. "This provides them with an incentive to hustle and to work," an Army commander told a reporter for the New York Daily News http://www.corp-research.org/extra_040303.htm

A Currency War? The dollar vs the Euro as a reason for war http://homepage.eircom.net/~gulufuture/news/eurozone_war030323.htm

Pentagon takes control of aid distribution - Interview with Denis Halliday (former UN director of the Food for Oil programme) http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0304/S00073.htm

Red Cross: Iraq casualties too high to count http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0406-02.htm

The Ministry of Mendacity strikes again, Robert Fisk http://argument.independent.co.uk/commentators/story.jsp?story=393723

Beyond the veto - deligitimising the US invasion http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/632/fr1.htm

John Pilger: We see too much, we know too much, that is our best defence http://argument.independent.co.uk/commentators/story.jsp?story=394406

Is the Iraq war the beginning of World War IV http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0304/S00044.htm

US Congressional Rep Kucinich says “Stop the war now” http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0304/S00040.htm

Wartime contracts favour Bush administration cronies http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0304/S00072.htm

"The chick was in the way" http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/632/sc3.htm

British use of cluster bombs condemned http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardianpolitics/story/0,3605,929336,00.html

Red Cross: 280 dismembered’ by bombs http://www.news24.com/News24/World/Iraq/0,6119,2-10-1460_1342460,00.html

Cluster bombs liberate Iraqi children http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/ED04Ak07.html

UK Defense Secretary claims that mothers of Iraqi children killed by cluster bombs would "one day" thank UK for their use: just as we are all thankful for the history of British colonialism, criminality, racism, embrace of the Zionist project, among other great contributions: http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=394140

Hawkish lawyer to oversee Iraqi Ministries A Pentagon lawyer who sought to have US citizens imprisoned indefinitely without charge as part of the war on terrorism will supervise civil administration in Iraq once Saddam Hussein is removed. http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,929378,00.html

Cronies set to make a killing http://www.observer.co.uk/Print/0,3858,4641671,00.html

It will end in disaster - The US and British governments have dragged us into a mess that will last for years, George Monbiot, 1 April 2003 is at http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,3604,926820,00.html

The minute it's made up, you'll hear about it ... Ah yes, that chemical weapons factory that turned out to be an all-night petrol garage, Mark Steel, 3 April 2003 is at http://argument.independent.co.uk/regular_columnists/mark_steel/story.jsp?story=393414

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