PRESS RELEASE : WATER PRESSURE GROUP (AUCKLAND) 29 NOVEMBER 2002

"Where do all other MPs stand on the issue of the right of citizens to tell the truth about the policies and broken promises of politicians and political parties?

Green MP Nandor Tanczos is to be congratulated in his principled defence of Water Pressure Group activist Ike Finau, who is facing three months jail for contempt of court for refusing to remove signs on his van which suggest to the public who NOT to vote for" stated Water PressureGroup Media Spokesperson Penny Bright.

"Where do all the other politicians stand on this issue?

Do they support freedom of expression and the right of citizens to tell the truth about politicians and political parties? Yes or No?

Where do they stand???

Prime Minister Helen Clark?

Minister Assisting the PM with Auckland issues

-Judith Tizard?

Minister for Justice - Phil Goff?

How about all the 'libertarians', who would have everyone believe that they would 'die in a ditch' to protect freedom of expression??

How many ACT MPs and supporters are going to speakout and put signs on their fences???

Stephen Franks and Deborah Coddington?

A Court decision which threatens jail for citizens who have the guts to tell the truth about politicians telling lies, while allowing politicians to lie with impunity - deserves to be treated with contempt.

The Water Pressure Group calls on all publicly-minded citizens to make a stand in defence of freedom of expression and against this form of political censorship by putting a sign up on their own fence or property.

It is time for the community to make a stand in solidarity with Ike Finau. In so doing, we at street level are defending our human rights. This attack on democracy is not coming from overseas 'terrorists' but from our own

undemocratic Auckland City Council, backed up by a judicial decision that appears to have thrown the concept of 'justice' out the window.

Global Peace and Justice Auckland is holding a forum on Monday night, 2 December 7.30pm at the Trades Hall

147 Great North Rd Grey Lynn - on 'Democracy in Auckland City'.

Printed solidarity signs will be available at the meeting for a recommended donation of $5.00 to cover printing costs.

Support for freedom of expression and action against this bullying and vindictive Auckland City Council will be discussed.

It's 'people power' time!"

Penny Bright

Media Spokesperson

Water Pressure Group (Auckland)

Ph (09) 846 9825

*************

Nandor accuses council of targeting activists

Green MP Nandor Tanczos has spoken up in support of a campaign challenging a ruling that stops people publicly displaying hoardings of who NOT to vote for.

Aucklander, Ike Finau, an activist in the campaign to keep the city’s water supply clean and in public ownership, had displayed a hoarding on his fence drawing attention to the policies and political record of candidates.

“Auckland City Council took Ike to court, saying the bylaws outlaw commercial advertising in a residential area,” said Nandor. “Incredibly, he has now been found in contempt of court for refusing to take down his hoarding.

“Ike’s not telling people to drink Coke or eat Big Macs, though perhaps if he was the Council would be more sympathetic. What he’s being punished for is telling the truth about politicians.

“Apparently it's quite alright for politicians to erect election hoardings all over the city, making promises they don’t keep, but it’s a punishable offence to point out those broken promises.

“This is obviously an attempt by the council to shut up its critics, just as they have refused speaking rights to members of the public when they disagree with council decisions. It shows an unhealthy disrespect for democracy and the people of Auckland.”

“Ike and other members of the Water Pressure group have been targeted by this council for trying to make it accountable to the people.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media