------------#219: VENEZUELA FILM WED 8.15, ACADEMY------------

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER #219, December 9, 2007

Website [http://www.gpja.org.nz/]

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Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think may be interested and tell them they can subscribe at [http://gpja.org.nz/]

Dear friends,

This week we have the unique opportunity to see a documentary film about Venezuela made by a team of New Zealanders. Wed night at the Academy. See “What On in Auckland” below. The civil rights defence committee is also meeting Tuesday.

NEW ZEALAND

101 East: More than a dozen New Zealanders, some Maori, were arrested in October in a major operation involving hundreds of police. To discuss the political storm the arrests have created, 101 East is joined by Hone Harawira, a Maori Party MP, Dr Tracey McIntosh, who is of Tuhoe descent and from Auckland University, and MP Ron Mark of the New Zealand First Party. [http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/1E6CA021-AA72-482A-9721-FA857B0F07F3.htm]

JOHN MINTO: Caring for our children in need - Why is it that so many people respond brilliantly to single children in trouble but can't relate to them in the plural?
[http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4308082a16155.html]

Renowned International Civil Society Activist Criticises NZ's Terror Laws
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0712/S00086.htm]

More Than 1100 People View Suppressed Police Affidavit
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0712/S00040.htm]

Secret Zaoui Witness At Classified Hearing Arrested In Spain, Flees to Germany
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0712/S00102.htm]

Support for Amnesty's concern over Afghan's
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0712/S00095.htm]

Feltex should be re-investigated: academic
[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/3/story.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10480775]

Herald censors criticism
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0712/S00184.htm]

Helen Kelly, Dominion Post column, Electoral Finance Bill http://union.org.nz/news/2007/helen-kelly-dominion-post-column-electoral...
[http://union.org.nz/news/2007/helen-kelly-dominion-post-column-electoral-finance-bill]

Thai unionist reinstated at Rank Group site
[http://www.epmu.org.nz/SITE_Default/news/union_news/2007_12_06_Rank.asp]

Matt McCarten: Childish tantrums in the House but plight of poor kids ignored [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10481209&pnum=0]

The Council of Trade Unions says a report by the right-wing Centre for Independent Studies comparing New Zealand wages with those in Australia doesn’t make sense.
[http://www.epmu.org.nz/SITE_Default/news/union_news/2007_12_06_CIS.asp]

New evidence reveals Peter Ellis inquiry a sham
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0712/S00092.htm]

Immigration: Lawyer Worried Bill Designed To Avoid 'Zaoui Type Cases' May Work - High profile lawyer Deborah Manning who successfully defended Algerian former MP Ahmed Zaoui has sounded alarm that while 'Mr. Zaoui has received justice in New Zealand' she is concerned that 'many others may miss out'.
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0712/S00075.htm]

Unacceptable threat to entry to Auckland Uni: Quality Public Education Coalition – QPEC - is appalled at the attempt by Auckland University to restrict entry to courses which currently have open entry.
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0712/S00002.htm]

FUNDRAISING - URGENT - WE NEED $10,000 BY XMAS We urgently need funds to help meet the large costs we have incurred so far and costs we can predict over the next few months. To put it bluntly we need to raise $10,000 before XMAS. MAKE A DONATION TO A DEFENCE FUND ONLINE 38-9000-0099726-00: 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]

Send a cheque to GPJA c/o treasurer Brian Van Dam, 16 Browning St Manurewa. THE BEST SUPPORT IS A SMALL MONTHLY – IE $10 A MONTH - AUTOMATIC PAYMENT FOR THE LONG TERM THAT CAN SUPPORT THE ONGOING WORK OF GPJA. ORGANISING MEETINGS

AUCKLAND: Civil Rights Defence Committee, 6pm, TuesdaySat Unite House, L12, 300 Queen St, 6pm.

For other events in Auckland see “What’s On In Auckland” below

WELLINGTON

Every Tuesday - 6pm - Support Meeting at 128 Abel Smith St. Thursday 20th December - End NZ support for the 'war on terrorism' / Honour the Treaty, respect human rights, repeal the terrorism suppression legislation: the regular peace vigil will again be focused on support for the communities, families and individuals affected by the 'terrorism' raids; from 5pm to 6pm at the Cenotaph (corner Lambton Quay and Bowen Street). The vigils are held on the first and third Thursdays of each month, for more information contact Peace Movement Aotearoa, email [pma@xtra.co.nz]

WAIKAREMOANA December 31 - January 03 - Ten year anniversary of the Waikaremoana occupation

CHRISTCHURCH

Every Friday until Christmas - Vigil in Solidarity with the Tuhoe people: "each week, the vigil will feature a speaker to talk about the issues that have emerged from the raids of the 15. To vigil means to ‘remain awake’. We must remain awake to the political agendas at work in the current climate of the “war against terrorism” and demand an end to the targeting of sisters and brothers who speak truth to power. The vigil will be a peaceful and prayerful presence." From 5pm to 6pm, in Cathedral Square; for more information contact email [moanacole.barrister@paradise.net.nz]

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]

[http://kaupapamaori.com/]

PHOTO GALLERY Visit our Flickr photo group. (Join the group and add your pictures!)
[http://flickr.com/groups/civilrightsdefence/]

FACEBOOK Visit our FaceBook group: [http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12434385103]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK "Man was born free, and everywhere he is in chains." -- Jean-Jacques Rousseau - 1712-1778 - Political philosopher, educationist and essayist

WHAT’S ON IN AUCKLAND

Wednesday, December 12, 8.15pm, Academy Cinemas, Public Library, Lorne St, Auckland

NOW THE PEOPLE HAVE AWOKEN: EXPLORING VENEZUELA'S REVOLUTION

Except for beauty queens and oil, Venezuela has never been on the international stage. Now Venezuela is at the center of international controversy: for some it has been stolen by populist dictator, while for others Venezuela represents the centre of a continent-wide democratic revolution. There is much at stake. Venezuela sits atop the biggest oil reserves in the world, which are being used to foment a new order. President Hugo Chavez, who survived a military coup in 2002, has supported a number of controversial social programs which have pushed Venezuela onto the United States government, and media, enemy radar. What makes Venezuela tick? Who is behind the movement and what does it seek? Filmed through the 2006 presidential elections, this is a film about the people of the new Venezuela. New NZ Documentary, 4 December, 8.15 pm, Academy Cinemas, Public Library, Lorne St, Auckland Film followed by discussion with local directors. To reserve your ticket contact
[activoproductions@yahoo.com] or call 0210339220. $10 unwaged; $14 waged Preview here: [http://youtube.com/watch?v=gSWOLRl0i04]

Friday, December 14, 8pm, Tivoli, Oneroa, below Harcourts, Waiheke Island You are invited to a screening of the documentary NO NUKES IS GOOD NUKES! The Legacy of New Zealand's Grassroots Anti-Nuclear Movement directed and produced by Claudia Pond Eyley ph/fax +64 9 372 3361 / 021 175 2218 [tivolinz@gmail.com] www.tivoliNZ.com
[http://www.tivoliNZ.com]

Saturday, December 15, 1pm - 2.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road Grey Lynn THE FUTURE OF WORKERS CHARTER The Workers Charter newspaper has been published monthly for two years now. It has been part of an attempt to create a broad left alternative to Labour. It has brought a fresh look to union issues, worker struggles and social movements. The paper has endeavoured to combine reporting on these issues with insightful commentary and some in-depth analysis as well as providing general interest material including sports, film reviews and history pieces. It has a small but dedicated regular readership. However after two years we have just 300 subscribers and need to seriously look at the future of the paper. (We owe $4,800 in loans, $2000 to the printers and we have just $450 in the bank – all this before we look at printing the December issue!). Is it serving a useful purpose? If so then why has it not gained a wider subscription base? Does the product justify the huge effort to produce it? This needs to be a frank discussion with a broad range of individuals and organisations taking part. We welcome your participation – If you love the paper come along and let us know. If you hate the paper we need you even more!! If you’ve never heard of it come and find out about it. John Minto, Editor.

Saturday, December 15, 10.30am-4.30pm, Engineering School auditorium (Rm 1439), 20 Symonds St TALK ABOUT TERROR - A Public Forum at the University of Auckland Reflections on politics, history, law and media. This forum addresses the on-going fallout for Tuhoe and New Zealanders of the October 15 police action. Public discussion and comment has focussed on whether police action was ‘warranted’ and whether the Terrorism Suppression Act was ‘good’ law. This drift in mainstream media obscures the real issues, which remain Tuhoe sovereignty, the compulsory nationalism of New Zealand democracy, the broken trust of state aggression against community, the enduring relevance of local history, and a global war on terror which has brought terror ‘home’ in support of international obligations that exclude the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The object of the forum is critical reflection that will highlight the substantive issues behind talk of terror in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Respondents include: Tracey McIntosh (Sociology, AU); David Williams (Law School, AU); Stephen Turner (English, AU); Laurence Simmons (Film, Television and Media, AU); Kiritapu Allan and Teanau Tuiono (Conscious Collaborations). The format will be welcome and morning tea (10:30–11:00), a screening of a 50 minute interview with Tamati Kruger of Tuhoe, followed by 15 minute presentations from respondents on different aspects of public talk about terror (12.00–1.00). Lunch break, followed by further responses and discussion. The forum will close with a screening of Robert Pouwhare’s Tuhoe: A History of Resistance (3:00-4:00), still unseen on New Zealand television. Organisers: Nova Paul ([nova.paul@aut.ac.nz]), with Geraldene Peters, Tessa Laird and Adam White. ALL WELCOME

Saturday, December 15, 9am – 2pm, 2F / 22 Emily Place, Auckland The Dominican Friars and their friends invite you to their HOUSE WARMING AT THE PEACE PLACE. With your help the Peace Place will be: a quiet place in the heart of the city for meditation and prayer where friends work for peace through hospitality, conversation between people of every faith, study of ecology, conflict resolution and social justice. Lifting of Tapu and blessings 9am. Join us for morning tea or call in during the day. Open House to 2pm.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMISSIONS ON EASTER TRADING The Government has produced a discussion document about Easter shop trading. After two bills opening shops at Easter were defeated in May this year(following a union and church-led campaign)supporters of liberalisation are making a comeback. Submissions on the discussion document close on 14 December. You can make an on-line submission, read the NDU's full submission guide and/or print out a shorter form submission for posting in at
[http://www.shelfrespect.org/eastertrading]

WEST PAPUA INDEPENDENCE DAY - photos from the West Papua solidarity events in Wellington and Auckland to mark West Papua Independence Day, 1 December, are now online, follow the link at [http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/wpdec07.htm]

HELP US BAN CLUSTER BOMBS, NEW ONLINE PETITION - "I support the global call to ban cluster bombs", you can add your name at
[http://www.stopclusterbombs.org.nz/take-action/petition/]

DEPLETED URANIUM MUNITIONS, NEW NATIONAL PETITION - "To the House of Representatives: that the House emulate the Belgian Parliament's decision of 22 March 2007 by prohibiting in New Zealand the manufacture, use, storage, sale, acquisition, supply and transit of inert munitions and armour that contain depleted uranium [DU] or any other industrially manufactured uranium." The printable petition form, with a fact sheet from DUET, is available at
[http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/dupetition.pdf] The deadline for return of signed petition forms is 31 January 2008.

WANTED! A CAMPAIGN MANAGER TO COORDINATE THE GREEN PARTY'S 2008 ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN AUCKLAND.

We still have a vacancy in our 2008 election campaign team for a regional campaign manager based in Auckland. This is a paid position with a salary of $50,000 plus, pro rata. Applications are now invited from people with fantastic organisational and communication skills who share our vision of a greener New Zealand, have a working knowledge of Auckland, and possess proven experience in managing campaigns. We need to find a great person for this position as soon as possible. Success in Auckland is going to be crucial to the Greens' electoral success next year. Please, spread this message as widely as you can amongst Green and other NGO networks you may be a part of, and if you know of anyone whom you consider suitable for this role, suggest to them that they think about applying. Applications close on Thursday 13th December at 4pm with the Green Party National Office. For job descriptions and further information contact the National Office on 04 801 5102 or [greenparty@greens.org.nz]

NOW THE PEOPLE HAVE AWOKEN: EXPLORING VENEZUELA'S REVOLUTION

Except for beauty queens and oil, Venezuela has never been on the international stage. Now Venezuela is at the center of international controversy: for some it has been stolen by populist dictator, while for others Venezuela represents the centre of a continent-wide democratic revolution. There is much at stake. Venezuela sits atop the biggest oil reserves in the world, which are being used to foment a new order. President Hugo Chavez, who survived a military coup in 2002, has supported a number of controversial social programs which have pushed Venezuela onto the United States government, and media, enemy radar. What makes Venezuela tick? Who is behind the movement and what does it seek? Filmed through the 2006 presidential elections, this is a film about the people of the new Venezuela. New NZ Documentary, 12 December, 8.15 pm, Academy Cinemas, Public Library, Lorne St, Auckland Film followed by discussion with local directors. To reserve your ticket contact
[activoproductions@yahoo.com] or call 0210339220. $10 unwaged; $14 waged

TOUR FOR NOTED US CIVIL RIGHTS LAWYER LEONARD WEINGLASS

Dear Friend, The Cuba Friendship Society in Auckland invites you to be part of an international campaign calling for the release of five Cubans imprisoned in the United States. Gerardo Hernández, René González, Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, and Fernando González – the Cuban Five, as they are known – have been in U.S. prisons for nine years. They were convicted in 2001 of conspiracy to commit espionage for the government of Cuba, and related charges. The five men were monitoring Cuban-American organisations based in Miami in order to uncover plans and activities that posed a threat to the safety of the Cuban people. These organisations have an extensive record of carrying out violent attacks against Cuba from U.S. soil, including assassination attempts on Cuban officials, biological warfare, and bombings. Leonard Weinglass, one of the U.S.-based attorneys for the Cuban Five, will be touring Australia early April 2008 to raise awareness and build support for this campaign. He will be available to visit Auckland for two days as part of this tour. Beginning in the 1970s, Leonard Weinglass has defended many political activists, including Angela Davis, Mumia Abu Jamal, and leaders of the American Indian Movement. In 2004, the American Trial Lawyers Association voted to name an annual award, the Leonard I. Weinglass Award, honouring lawyers who contribute to human rights and civil liberties causes. If you want to help with the tour, need further information, or have ideas on fund-raising or others to approach, please let us know. Email:
[cubafriendship@xtra.co.nz] More information about the Cuban Five can be found at [http://www.freethefive.org]

BILLY BRAGG CONCERTS

In addition to playing at the Big Day Out in Auckland, singer Billy Bragg, favourite of many a unionist, will be playing at the Leigh Sawmill in Auckland on January 15 and the San Francisco Bathhouse in Wellington on January 16. Billy's website has details: [http://www.billybragg.co.uk/shows/shows_2008.html]

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).

BEST ON THE WEB

REVIEW The Slave Ship: Marcus Rediker - Book Review by Hassan Mahamdallie, December 2007
[http://www.socialistreview.org.uk/article.php?articlenumber=10192]

ENVIRONMENT

Bali Conference: World's Poor Need Action On Climate Change Says UN - A senior United Nations official told the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali today that any delay in addressing the issue of adaptation could be called "an attack on the poor." [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0712/S00284.htm]

UN report: Severe climate change may now be `inevitable'
[http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/733/37973]

What Is Progress? By George Monbiot: When you warn people about the dangers of climate change, they call you a saint. When you explain what needs to be done to stop it, they call you a communist. Let me show you why.
[http://www.monbiot.com/archives/2007/12/04/what-is-progress/]

Eight reasons why the market can't solve the climate crisis
[http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/733/37974]

Ecosocialism and the Fight Against Global Warming
[http://www.socialistvoice.ca/Soc-Voice/Soc-Voice-153.htm]

Marx and the Global Environmental Rift
[http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/foster281107.html]

"Does anybody care if Bangladesh drowns?" Afsan Chowdhury on climate change, environmental refugees, and the Bali conference [http://therealnews.com/web/index.php?thisdataswitch=0&thisid=669&thisview=item]

Food Prices Climbing, With No End In Sight - Globalisation, climate change, and the mass production of biofuels are pushing up food prices worldwide, which could jeopardise the livelihoods of the world’s poorest, according to a report released Tuesday by the International Food Policy Research Institute
[http://www.countercurrents.org/pollock071207.htm]

AUSTRALIA

Unionists call for Work Choices' complete abolition
[http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/734/38013]

AFGHANISTAN

End support to Afghan narco-regime: Bring the troops home now!
[http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/734/38006]

BOLIVIA

Bolivia's 9 Governors Agree to President's Referendum [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/06/AR2007120602721.html]

New Politics in Old Bolivia: Public Opinion and Evo Morales by Benjamin Dangl - Nearly two years into the presidency of Evo Morales, government officials and leftist social organizations are determined to break with the past and transform the nation. The opposition calls it a civil war. The government calls it a revolution. Other Bolivian activists and analysts call it business as usual.
[http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/dangl021207.html]

Bolivia head set for vote gamble
[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7130542.stm]

IRAN

U.S. Finds Iran Halted Its Nuclear Arms Effort in 2003 By MARK MAZZETTI A new assessment by American intelligence agencies, which concludes that Iran's weapons program is on hold, contradicts a report two years ago that Tehran was working inexorably toward building a bomb. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/04/world/middleeast/04intel.html?th&emc=t...
[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/04/world/middleeast/04intel.html?th&emc=th]

IAEA again verifies Tehran's NPT compliance
[http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/733/37970]

IRAQ US troops, mercenaries take more innocent life
[http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/733/37976]

USA

Racism, Gov't Apathy Fuel U.S. Epidemic
[http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=40267]

Unions rally behind the writers
[http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/733/37989]

LEBANON

Ibrahim Mousawi Hezbollah representative to World Against War Conference
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OM4UMpNecE]

VENEZUELA

Concession Speech of President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela
[http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/2978]

Venezuelan referendum: Democracy prevails, the Bolivarian revolution continues
[http://www.venezuelasolidarity.org/?q=node/1715]

Lessons for the Bolivarians - Venezuela After the Referendum - By TARIQ ALI
[http://www.counterpunch.org/tariq12032007.html]

Pro-Chavez Leaders Examine Reasons for Venezuelan Referendum Loss
[http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news/2969]

Venezuela: Not What You Think
[http://www.monthlyreview.org/mrzine/hahnel301107.html]

Venezuela: Democracy or dictatorship?
[http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/734/38002]

CAMBODIA

Khmer Rouge tribunal holds first public hearing
[http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/733/37988]

INDONESIA

Indonesian activists appeal for solidarity
[http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/733/37992]

PAKISTAN

Resistance to military rule continues
[http://www.greenleft.org.au/2007/733/37968]

SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka: Amnesty Condemns Mass Arrests Of More Than 1000 Tamils
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0712/S00302.htm]

KOREA

Urgent Call for the Release of MTU Leaders! Stop Crackdown on Migrant Workers!
[http://nodong.org/bbs//view.php?id=eng_action&no=53]

RUSSIA

Strike At Ford-Vsevolojsk - A unique and exemplary struggle
[http://www.internationalviewpoint.org/spip.php?article1376]

Appeal by strikers at St Petersburg Ford factory - “When all other rights are trampled under foot, the right to revolt cannot be denied” Tom Paine
[http://www.internationalviewpoint.org/spip.php?article1374]

The Ford workers have asked LabourStart to help raise money for the union's strike fund -- which is rapidly emptying out.
[http://labourstart.chipin.com/striking-ford-workers-in-russia]

PLAESTINE

Racism In Israel Reached New Heights In 2007
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0712/S00605.htm]

BURMA

Junta Charges Monks' Leader With Treason Terry EvansThe leader of the All-Burma Monks Alliance (ABMA) has been arrested and charged with treason for his role in the September pro-democracy demonstrations. Treason is a capital crime in Burma. If convicted and executed, 27 year-old U Gambira would be ...
[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0712/S00010.htm
]
ENDS

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