GPJA NEWSLETTER #214, November 12, 2007
------------#214: 1ST VICTORY - DEC 1 PROTEST - \"NEVER AGAIN - REPEAL TERROR LAWS\"------------
GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER #214, November 12, 2007
Website
[http://www.gpja.org.nz/]
Dear friends,
The decision to not lay charges under the Terrorism Act is a great victory for the people of Tuhoi and the civil rights defence campaign. The campaign is not over. We must take this victory and raise the demand for the complete repeal of the terrorism laws. This includes the dangerous extension of definitions of terrorism in the SIS and other laws. The obligations under the UN Security Council for action against terrorist funding etc can be dealt with easily in other ways. This was used as an excuse for a radical expansion of police and governmental surveillance and harassment of dissident groups.
A call has gone out for a NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION ON DEC 1. This will be the time to say “NEVER AGAIN! REPEAL THE TERRORISM LAWS NOW”.
ORGANISING MEETINGS AUCKLAND: Civil Rights Defence Committee, 6pm, Tuesdays, Unite House, Level 12, 300 Queen St WELLINGTON: Weekly support group meetings - open to all - 6pm Tuesdays at 128 Abel Smith St
ARTICLES Nicky Hager: NZ 'terrorism', the backstory
[http://www.stuff.co.nz/4269120a6005.html]
John Minto: A true monumental blunder
[http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4270027a16155.html]
Top lawyer incensed TV3 leaked details
[http://www.stuff.co.nz/4270625a25364.html]
Top-level leak of arms case evidence
[http://www.stuff.co.nz/4267865a25364.html]
Iti's lawyer calls for UN probe into raids
[http://www.stuff.co.nz/4270621a10.html]
Lawyer urges review of terror evidence http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501470&objectid=104754...
[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501470&objectid=10475425]
TV3: Minto and Meurant discuss the evidence
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/3116.html]
Harawira - Terrorism Suppression Bill 3rd Reading
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0711/S00174.htm]
Matt McCarten: Law enforcement digs big hole with Urewera
'terrorist' swoop
[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10475226]
David Small: Claims of ‘No Terrorism’ Vindicated
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0711/S00150.htm]
Laila Harre: Union says the damage must now be accounted for
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0711/S00147.htm]
Bill Ralston: Identifying the real radical
[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10475224]
Terror charges Cullen's job - law expert http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=252&objectid=10475270&pnu...
[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=252&objectid=10475270&pnum=0]
Jackson resigns as police patron over raids
[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=252&objectid=10475209]
Last 'terror raid' accused freed as hikoi starts
[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=252&objectid=10475449]
Locke calls for Terrorism Bill to be halted
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0711/S00185.htm]
WEBSITES TO LOOK AT www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz
[http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz]
Full Scoop Coverage: Urewera 17
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/features/urewera17.html]
[http://www.indymedia.org.nz/]
[http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/nzterror.htm]
[http://www.conscious.maori.nz/front.php]
GET SUBSCRIBERS TO THIS NEWSLETTER Please forward this
newsletter to anyone you think may be interested and tell
them they can subscribe at
[http://gpja.org.nz/]
NATIONAL
EVENTS CALENDER
[http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/event]
POSTER AND OTHER RESOURCES Or download national posters
from
[http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/resources]
A PRIMER ON OPERATION 8 BY MOANA JACKSON “The decision of
the Solicitor-General that there was insufficient evidence
to warrant charges being laid against twelve people under
the Terrorism Suppression Act was welcome news for the
whänau of those involved. However many questions still
remain about the nature and scope of Operation Eight.” A
formatted printable version of this Primer is available
online at
[http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/mj121107.pdf]
the html version will be available at
[http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/nzterror.htm]
DEALING WITH POLICE – KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
[http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/YourRights.pdf]
MAKE A DONATION TO A DEFENCE FUND ONLINE
38-9000-0099726-00 GLOBAL PEACE & JUSTICE AKLD: Indentify
donation as being for the defence fund. Initial patrons of
the fund are Jane Kelsey, John Minto, Simon Oosterman and
Mike Treen Or Use your credit card through Paypal
[http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/donate]
INTERNATIONAL WAR ON FREEDOM Guantánamo by the Numbers
[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/10/opinion/10kayeintro.html]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE TRADE UNION HISTORY PROJECT INVITES YOU TO THE: Inaugural Rona Bailey Memorial Lecture. Rona Bailey was an icon of left wing politics in New Zealand and a founding member of the Trade Union History Project (TUHP). To acknowledge Rona’s massive contribution to trade unionism and workers rights, her opposition to racism and war, her support for biculturalism and women’s rights, and so much more in Aotearoa / New Zealand and internationally, the TUHP determined after her death on 7 September 2005 (at 90 years of age) that it would commemorate her memory by holding a biennial lecture in her honour. Robert Reid, President of the National Distribution Union (NDU) and long time comrade and friend of Rona will deliver this first biennial lecture: “Looking Backwards: Looking Forward”. WHEN: Friday 30 November 2007; WHAT TIME: 6.00 PM (pre lecture drinks and nibbles from 5.30pm); WHERE: NZ Drama School (Toi Whakaari) 11 Huchison Road, Newtown (formerly the Wellington Show Building). This is an open lecture for TUHP members, trade unionists and the public. The lecture will be followed by a party (complete with a band and a generous amounts of food and drink) to celebrate the 20th birthday of the TUHP. The TUHP urges you to come and spread the word to encourage friends to come as well. Entry by gold coin donation
CLIMATE CHANGE The CTU, Greenpeace, Forest and Bird, and
Oxfam met recently to discuss a project they have started
called "Be the Change”. It is a website which promotes
actions individuals and groups can take to reduce emissions,
conserve energy, and protect the environment. You may wish
to check out this website and also the details in the pdfs
attached. In particular note that they have a Biofuel
Climate Rescue Bus starting a nationwide tour on 8th
November from Invercargill and finishing on 15th December
in Whangarei. See
[http://www.bethechange.org.nz/]
NOV
25 - INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE
AGAINST WOMEN - UNIFEM NZ introduced the White Ribbon
campaign from Canada four years ago and it had such a good
public response that the Families Commission picked it up on
behalf of a number of statutory agencies. A wide range of
community NGOs also hold special events to raise awareness
of this hidden problem facing many women and children
throughout New Zealand society. Wearing a white ribbon
before / on Sunday 25 November (and then through 16 Days of
Activism Against Gender Violence: Nov 25 – Dec 10)
signals commitment “to always speak out against violence
towards women and children” For more info and ideas on
both White Ribbon and 16 Days of Activism campaigns, see:
www.unifem.org.nz
[http://www.unifem.org.nz]
WAIHOPAI
SPYBASE PROTEST JANUARY 25-27, 2008 The public face of New
Zealand’s role as an American ally is the NZ military
presence in Afghanistan. But New Zealand’s most
significant contribution to that, and other American wars,
including the one in Iraq, is the Waihopai spybase.
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0701/S00036.htm]
To register send $40 ($20 unwaged) to the Anti-Bases
Campaign, P.O. Box 2258, Christchurch. Make all cheques to
ABC. E-mail
[cafca@chch.planet.org.nz]
www.converge.org.nz/abc
[http://www.converge.org.nz/abc]
VISIT CUBA THIS SUMMER Cuba consistently makes the news:
whether it is it’s health care system (see Salud or
Sicko), its response to its oil crisis, its environmental
programmes, or by remaining a political opponent of US
imperialism for forty years. It is also the home of salsa
and its music is world renowned. Registrations are open for
the 25th Southern Cross Brigade to Cuba. Members of the
Brigade, which is made up of Australians and New Zealanders,
spend approximately four weeks in Cuba, leaving 27th
December and returning 24th January. The all up cost is
$5500, including airfare, spending money and all
accommodation and meals. Members of the Brigade often stay
longer in Cuba as private travelers or move onto other
countries in the region. For further enquiries and
registration e- mail Ina at
[inashina@clear.net.nz]
or Paul at
[wkcultur@ihug.co.nz]
(03 732 4010).
WHAT’S ON IN AUCKLAND
Sunday Nov. 18, 6 to 9pm, A
Space Inside, 193a Symonds St. (upstairs), Newton. Auckland
book launch for Rabble Rousers and Merry Pranksters: A
History of Anarchism in Aotearoa/New Zealand from the
mid-1950s to the early 1980s by Toby Boraman. To read the
introduction of the book, go to
[http://www.rabblerousers.co.nz]
and
click on 'excerpt'. There was also a feature in the Press
recently about the book.
[http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4251620a19743.html]
[http://www.stuff.co.nz/4251621a13135.html]
Rabble Rousers and Merry Pranksters is jointly published by
Katipo Books (web:
[http://www.katipo.net.nz]
, e-mail:
[info@katipo.net.nz]
) and
Irrecuperable Press (e-mail:
[irrecuperablepress@gmail.com]
). If
you can't make the book launch, the book can be purchased
online at www.katipo.net.nz
[http://www.katipo.net.nz]
and
through Irrecuperable Press by post (download the order form
from www.rabblerousers.co.nz
[http://www.rabblerousers.co.nz]
). It
is also available at some bookstores.
Wednesday, November 21, at 6pm at Unite House, Level 12, 300 Queen St, central Auckland CUBA FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY – Meeting to help plan speaking tour for Leonard Weinglass, noted US civil rights lawyer and counsel for the Miami 5 – Cubans imprisoned in the US for trying to stop terrorism.
Friday, Nov 23 to Sat Nov 24, St Columba’s Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby PAX CHRISTI ANNUAL ASSEMBLY: ‘Pax Christi’s Place in Peacemaking in the Pacific’ The Friday programme begins with a keynote address by Professor Joe Camilleri of the Centre for Dialogue, Latrobe University, Melbourne, titled ‘From the Middle East to Asia Pacific: Arc of Conflict or Dialogue of Cultures and Religions’. Saturday’s programme will look at different aspects of the relationship between New Zealand and Pacific Islands, some unresolved conflicts in the region and hopefully, some paths towards resolutions of those conflicts by peaceful means. Contributions to the discussion will include Pacific Island and New Zealand speakers with experience in justice and peace work in the region. There will also be plenty of time for discussion on a wide range of topics. We offer a warm invitation to anyone who would be interested in this gathering. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided but we would be grateful for a plate of finger food, or a contribution towards the costs of the venue and meals. The programme runs from Friday 23 November: 6pm (shared meal); 7pm prayer and welcome; 7.30pm to 9.30pm keynote address; to Saturday 24 November: 9.15am – 4.30pm. We hope you can join us for this important review of peace needs in the Asia-Pacific region.
Saturday, December 1, 3.30pm-6pm, St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby SEMINAR: Human Rights and ASEAN West Papua, The Philippines,Burma and Aotearoa Keith Locke MP - ASEAN’s Role; Naing Ko Ko - Burma; Dennis Maga - The Philippines; Maire Leadbeater - West Papua; Cameron Walker - Spectre of terrorism in Aotearoa - drawing the parallels Dec1 - West Papua Independence Day. You are also invited to join us for a symbolic flag raising outside NZ Army Headquarters in Great North Rd prior to the seminar: meet Corner Great North Rd and Ponsonby Rd by the Peace Mural at 2-30 pm 1 December. Indonesia Human Rights Committee Box 68-419 Auckland. Inquires Maire Leadbeater 815 9000
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The revolutionary struggle... is a doorway open to intelligence” Frida Kahlo
BEST ON THE WEB
NEW ZEALAND Laila Harre: Union Relevance in Aotearoa in the 21st Century
ENVIRONMENT
VENEZUELA Chavez:
“Latin America Is Waking Up, and No One Can Stop It”
[http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news/2816]
Opposition Violence at Venezuelan University - What Really
Happened
[http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/2818]
Dual Power in the Venezuelan Revolution
[http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/2813]
BOLIVIA Bolivia: Coming to Terms with Diversity - Laura
Carlsen interviews Vice Pres Alvaro Garcia Linera http://boliviarising.blogspot.com/2007/11/bolivia-coming-to-terms-with-d...
[http://boliviarising.blogspot.com/2007/11/bolivia-coming-to-terms-with-diversity.html]
Bolivian Horizons: an Interview with Historian Sinclair
Thomson
[http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=52&ItemID=14221]
ECUADOR The CONAIE and the President: The need to be on
the same path ... http://ecuador-rising.blogspot.com/2007/11/conaie-and-president-need-to-...
[http://ecuador-rising.blogspot.com/2007/11/conaie-and-president-need-to-be-on-same.html]
CANADA Mohawk Warriors Unite with Zapatistas at
Encuentro: "We All Have to Get Together to Fight
Colonialism”
[http://www.narconews.com/Issue47/article2856.html]
USA Fed Chief Warns of Worse Times in the Economy http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/09/business/09fed.html?_r=2&th&emc=th&ore...
[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/09/business/09fed.html?_r=2&th&emc=th&oref=slogin&oref=slogin]
UK Big increases in attacks on gambling machines http://www.tottenhamjournal.co.uk/content/haringey/tottenhamjournal/news...
[http://www.tottenhamjournal.co.uk/content/haringey/tottenhamjournal/news/story.aspx?brand=HCEJOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newstwgj&itemid=WeED07%20Nov%202007%2011%3A17%3A00%3A033]
BURMA Burma: New Evidence Of Mass Detentions, Deaths
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0711/S00426.htm]