Tomorrow! Global Day of Action + new petition launch

From Peace Movement Aotearoa

Final update of what's on where on the Global Day of Action against War and Occupation

Saturday, 20 March

Details for Auckland, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Kapiti Coast, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin are below.

The new national petition - End NZ support for the 'war on terrorism' - is now available online. There is a link to it from the Global Day of Action page at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/20mar04.htm or you can go directly to it at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/pet03041.pdf The petition is to the NZ government calling on them to end their military and political support for the US government-led 'war on terrorism', and to recall all NZ military personnel who are involved in it. If you would like to have printed petition forms posted to you, please email back to saying how many you require, and include the physical address to mail them to.

All events below are on 20 March unless otherwise stated in the listing.

* Auckland *

~ March and rally on the anniversary of the invasion of Iraq - Bush has US sights set on Syria, and the occupation of Iraq continues; starts at 12 noon from the bottom of Queen Street, then march to the Town Hall for the rally. More details as they are confirmed. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation, organised by Global Peace and Justice Auckland, for more info contact email jbminto@xtra.co.nz or miket@pl.net

* Rotorua *

~ Rally and march - sign a letter to Prime Minister Helen Clark calling for an end to the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan and withdrawal of all New Zealand military contributions, including troops, military equipment and intelligence; then march to MP Steve Chadwick's office to present signatures; assemble at City Focus at 12 noon. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation; organised by Rotorua Peace and Justice, for more info contact Bernie tel (07) 345 9853 or email bernieh@clear.net.nz

* Palmerston North *

~ Rally, followed by Palmy Peace Convoy to Wellington - three main strategies and demands: No New Zealand support for the wars of occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan; Defend civil liberties / No racist attacks; No nukes, never! Bring your friends, cars, noisemakers, banners, placards and flags to the rally, 9am in the railway land, Main Street; there will be a 'Palmy Peace Convoy' banner for those signing by who can't make it to Wellington, and the Convoy will leave from there. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation; for more info contact Kane tel (06) 354 7290 or email kane_forbes@paradise.net.nz

* Kapiti Coast *

~ Peace rally with speakers, including Dame Laurie Salas, United Nations Association; launch of public letter-writing campaign to US ambassador; 11am, at Speakers Corner, outside Kapiti library.

~ Peace stalls outside the Post Shop, Coastlands, on Sunday 14 March from 10am to 2pm; on Friday 19 March from 10am to 3pm; and on Saturday 20 March from 9am to 11am.

~ Displays in the Kapiti, Waikanae, Levin, Otaki libraries.

All Kapiti Coast events are organised by Peace Action Kapiti, for more info contact John Murray tel (04) 902 8855, Lei Clifford tel (04) 299 0012, Wickham Pack tel (04) 904 0409, or Paul Hockey tel (06) 364 5643.

* Wellington *

~ All day peace presence at the US embassy to mark the anniversary of the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Come along and be part of the peace presence for all or some of the day - there will be leaflets and other information, peace banners, and an area set aside for those who wish to engage in silent, contemplative or prayerful vigil. From 8am to 8pm, on the grassy area beside the embassy, Murphy Street; bring your peace banner/s, your leaflets, your family and friends, long strips of red ribbon or streamers and messages to tie to the fence if you wish, and candles to light as it grows dark. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation, organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa and Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (Wellington), for more information contact tel (04) 382 8129, or email pma@xtra.co.nz

~ Rally at Civic Square then march to Cenotaph - all people and groups are invited to bring their messages of support for the people of Iraq and victims of the so-called 'War on Terrorism' everywhere; starts at 12 noon in Civic Square. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation, organised by Peace Action Wellington, for more info contact Valerie Morse, tel (04) 383 9315 or email peacewellington@hotmail.com

* Christchurch *

~ One Year On March and Rally - No NZ Support for Bush's War - Self-determination for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan. USA out now! Bring NZ troops home - march and rally on the anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, starts 2pm at the Museum, then heads to the Square for the rally. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation, organised by Peace Action Network Otautahi, for more info contact tel (03) 386 1025 or email claire_dann@hotmail.com

* Dunedin *

Rally to mark the anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq - with speakers including Mayor Sukhi Turner; and collection of signatures for an Open Letter to local Labour MP and senior cabinet minister Pete Hodgson, demanding the immediate recall of all NZ military forces from Iraq and Afghanistan and respect for the right of the Iraqi people to their own political self-determination; 2pm in the Octagon. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation; organised by Dunedin Coalition Against War, for more info contact Tim Bowron tel (03) 477 9525, email tim_bowron@hotmail.com or Shaun Presow tel (03) 477 7458, email shaunpresow@yahoo.com

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