GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 466, June 27, 2013
WHAT’S ON IN AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND
Monday, July 1, 7pm, WEA, 59 Gloucester St, Christchurch
GAZA IS MY HOME is a public meeting all are welcome to attend. Hear Yousef’s story and ask him questions on the Palestine story. Yousef M. Aljamal graduated from the Islamic University in Gaza in 2011. He then undertook a translation internship, as a media translator, with the Center for Political and Development Studies, CPDS, a Gaza-based think tank. In the past two years, he translated more than one million words of articles, studies, reports and books on Palestine from Western Media outlets. Aljamal is also a blogger who is committed to promoting the Palestinian narrative in the West through translation and has organized, participated in and attended dozens of lectures and courses on translation, creative writing, social media, blogging and political discourse. He blogs at http://yeljamal.wordpress.com/author/yeljamal/. He has also translated for dozens of internationals and international convoys who visited Gaza in solidarity with Palestine. This includes Viva Palestina 5 convoys and the Kia Ora Gaza fact-finding missions in July and November 2012
Wednesday, July 10, 6.30pm, Kinder House Parnell, Crn. Ayr St. and Parnell Rd.
United Nations Association of New Zealand PUBLIC MEETING.
– Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Meeting UN Geneva April 2013. Report by Laurie Ross.
– Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Weapons – ICAN Demand a Ban. Oslo Conference March 2013. Report by Kate Dewes and Rob Green
– Abolition 2000 Edinburgh/Faslane Declaration. Nuclear Free Local Authorities Seminar. Report by Matt Robson.
The UNANZ provides an opportunity for people to learn about the progress being made this year at three international conferences for nuclear disarmament. The reports are presented by leading Nuclear Free New Zealand NGO representatives who attended the events. They will explain the process and the current strategies being employed to overcome the blockages to achieving the abolition of nuclear weapons. There will be time for questions and discussion. Supported by the Peace Foundation and Abolition 2000 NZ. For more information contact Laurie Ross 818 0696 or Gary Russell 379 4008. Email: laurie-ross
JOIN THE 2013 SOLIDARITY BRIGADE TO VENEZUELA – DECEMBER 4-13, 2013
Witness a people’s revolution in action. The Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network’s 14th international solidarity brigade to Venezuela this December is a very special opportunity to observe, learn about and be inspired by the Bolivarian revolution that is transforming Latin America and challenging the greed and exploitation of global capitalism by showing that a better world is possible.
Since 1998, when the late Hugo Chavez was first elected president, the Bolivarian revolution has achieved remarkable things by putting control of Venezuela’s politics and economy back into the hands of the poor majority. Despite the challenges created by Chavez’s death last March and the right-wing’s campaign to undermine new President Nicolas Maduro, this people-power driven revolution continues to flourish and defy all attempts by the imperialism-backed opposition to destroy it.
The brigade itinerary is being planned in consultation with our partners in Venezuela, but during the 10-day visit, participants will:
- visit social missions, communal councils and communes, as well as production cooperatives, public health and education services, sustainable development projects, community controlled media stations, and women’s and Indigenous organisations and projects; and
- meet with a wide range of grassroots organisations, community activists, trade unions and government representatives to learn more about the “socialism of the 21st century” being created by the Venezuelan people; and
- spend time in the capital, Caracas, and travel to a regional area of Venezuela.
Brigade registration and costs
The registration deadline for the 2013 brigade is September 1, 2013. Accommodation, transport within Venezuela and English-Spanish translation throughout the brigade will be organised for all participants by the AVSN.
Participants will need to book their own international airfares. Please do not purchase your tickets before the registration deadline of September 1.
In addition to your international airfare, you will need to budget for approximately $1200. This will cover your brigade registration fee ($500 for waged workers or $350 for students/pensioners), and your food, transport and (shared) accommodation in Venezuela.
To register or for more information: EMAIL: brigades
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ROBERT WADE PUBLIC LECTURES
Robert Wade, Professor of Political Economy, London School of Economics, will be visiting New Zealand inJuly, speaking on: “Inequality and the West – Capitalism at a Tipping Point”. Free public lectures will be held in Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington. A New Zealander, Professor Wade is a leading international writer on globalisation, inequality and world financial systems, and the author of the award-winning workGoverning the Market. Professor Wade was the winner, with José Antonio Ocampo, of the Leontief Prize in Economics in 2008.
Professor Wade is also a contributor to “Inequality: A New Zealand Crisis”, edited by Max Rashbrooke. Please click on the links below for more information:
Auckland:Monday 8 July 6pm
Old Government House Lecture Theatre. Co-hosted with the University of Auckland Business School. To be followed by the launch of Inequality in the OGH Members Lounge. Bookseller: Unity Books Auckland
Dunedin: Thursday 11 July 5.30pm
Archway 3 Lecture Theatre. Co-hosted with the Division of Humanities, University of Otago Bookseller: UBS Otago.
Christchurch: Friday 12 July 4pm
A3 Lecture Theatre. Co-hosted with the School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Canterbury and the New Zealand Fabian Society. To be followed by wine and light refreshments. Bookseller: UBS Canterbury
Wellington: Tuesday 16 July, 6pm
Soundings Theatre, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Please contact Megan Simpson at BWB for more informationmegan. We do not require confirmation of attendance for these events.
Robert Wade’s tour is supported by the J. R. McKenzie Trust and the BWB Publishing Trust.
FESTIVAL FILMS ON HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES
Hi there, Just letting you know about a few of the great films we are screening in the 2013 NZ International Film Festival that will appeal to anyone with an interest in human rights. NZIFF offers great concession rates for groups of over twenty people and can also work with you to run a fundraiser for your organisation. Do let me know if you would like further information about group bookings and fundraisers.
Firstly, Joshua Oppenheimer’s astounding documentary, The Act of Killing, depicts re-enactments performed by Indonesian death squad members of their 1960s reprisals against communism. “If we are to transform Indonesia into the democracy it claims to be, citizens must recognise the terror and repression on which our contemporary history has been built. No film, or any other work of art for that matter, has done this more effectively than The Act of Killing. It is essential viewing for us all.” — National Human Rights Commission of Indonesia. You may have heard Oppenheimer’s thorough discussion of the film in his recent interview with Kim Hill on Radio NZ National: http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/20130608
We are also screening two films that portray different aspects of the treatment of HIV in developing nations. Winner of both Jury and Audience Awards for Best Documentary at Sundance in January, Blood Brother explores the idealism of a young American aid worker in India. “Engaging and joyful… Documentaries don’t come any bigger-hearted than Blood Brother.” — Dennis Harvey, Variety. In somewhat stark contrast is Fire in the Blood, which chronicles resistance to the grotesque conjunction of market forces and health care in impoverished Africa. Both these films make excellent viewing for anyone interested in the human rights and development.
These films will be shown throughout our regions and the full programme, notes and details can be found on our website, www.nziff.co.nz. Do get in touch if you would like the full programme sent to you or if you would like to discuss the festival further.
Best regards, Catherine Swallow | Outreach Co-ordinator. DDI + 64 4 802 3140 | M 021 0429560 | SKYPE catherine_nzff. The New Zealand Film Festival Trust, WELLINGTON Level 2, 2 Majoribanks St, Wellington 6011 | PO Box 9544, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 | New Zealand | T + 64 4 385 0162
TWITTER | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | GOOGLE +| www.nzff.co.nz
INVITATION TO “SEE THE PHILIPPINES: LEARN AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!” WITH PEOPLE’S SOLIDARITY AND EDUCATION TOURS (PSET)
Dear friends, We are pleased to introduce to you People’s Solidarity and Education Tours (PSET), a newly-formed organization dedicated to solidarity building through tourism. More than offering fun and a glimpse of the country’s beauty, PSET offers an opportunity for travelers to have meaningful interaction and build solidarity with the Filipino people, especially in these times of worsening impoverishment and social injustices. Should you (or your members/contacts) be coming over to the Philippines, kindly consider availing of our heritage tours to see the Philippines’ famous historical and cultural sites from a different light, linking the country’s past and present with information and analysis that goes beyond the trivial, common, and colonial; or, to take part in our immersion programs in various communities for an in-depth understanding of the Filipino people’s plight, and direct contribution and long-term solidarity with them in their struggles. We also offer study tour programs which combine heritage tours and community exposures with formal lectures by institutions and authorities on the different aspects and issues of Philippine society. Alternatively, we can simply explore possible partnerships in the future. Please do not hesitate to email us at secretariat for more information and inquiries. Background information are also available at www.pset.org.ph We look forward to welcoming you/your guests to the Philippines and be a partner in building solidarity with the Filipino people. Yours truly, Lyn Pano, PSET Secretariat, www.pset.org.ph
People’s Solidarity and Education Tours (PSET) secretariat See the Philippines, learn and make a difference!
REFUGEES IN NZ – WHAT CAN I DO?
In 2009 I found over 1000 photos of Afghan families in an abandoned refugee detention centre in Iran. I smuggled them out of the country and they are having their first exhibition at Pataka Art + Museum in Porirua from July 13 – Sept 15. More information here: My Story. As a result I have researched New Zealand’s behaviour towards refugees. In February, the NZ Herald called our intake ‘paltry’ noting that Australia takes five times as many per capita. Amnesty International called our intake ‘tiny’. Around this exhibition I am working to push the government to double our refugee quota and funding. Over the coming week I will start pushing this material from our Facebook page. Please like and follow this page to stay connected.
But what can I do? Well, there are five packages to choose from – just consult the table below.
MUST WATCH: STRONG SOLIDARITY AT REGATTA – VIDEOS
Kia ora and greetings to friends of Coromandel Watchdog, We are very excited to invite you to watch our two videos of the regatta event in Coromandel last month. They have captured the positive, fun and strong energy of the day when we took to the water and the beach to protect the Coromandel Harbour from mining, defend the integrity of Schedule 4 and challenge the governments restrictions on protesting at sea. Share these videos with your friends and families to spread the message that the Coromandel Harbour is Too Precious To Mine. See photos from the day and read our blog. You can still help protect this area by printing out the letter to Sea Group Holdings asking them to revoke their permit, get it signed and send it to the address at the top of the letter. Make sure you have signed and shared our petition to maintain and extend Schedule 4. Thank you for helping us save the Coromandel.
Kind Regards, Renee Annan, Coordinator, Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki
STATS OF THE WEEK
In 1998 economists Srikanta Chatterjee and Nripesh Podder found that wealthy New Zealanders had substantially increased their share of national income. In 1983-84 New Zealand`s top income decile received 25.6 per cent of the national `cake`. In 1995-96 they received 29.6 per cent. The top 5 per cent increased their national share from 15.2 per cent to 19 per cent over the same period. – See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/06/10/degrees-of-separation/#sthash.8QtBBFMl.dpuf
BEST ON THE WEB
CULTURAL DISSENT
Book Review: Alison McCulloch, Fighting to Choose: The Abortion Rights Struggle in New Zealand http://iso.org.nz/2013/06/25/book-review-alison-mcculloch-fighting-to-choose-the-abortion-rights-struggle-in-new-zealand/
Harry – Like a P pipe in the dark? http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.co.nz/2013/06/harry-like-p-pipe-in-dark.html
NEW ZEALAND
Miko Peled’s ‘extremely succesful visit’ to New Zealand http://kiaoragaza.wordpress.com/2013/06/27/miko-peleds-extremely-succesful-visit-to-new-zealand/
Brazilians take to Auckland streets in solidarity http://www.3news.co.nz/Brazilians-take-to-Auckland-streets-in-solidarity/tabid/423/articleID/302393/Default.aspx
The New Zealand Herald supports torture – for shame David Fisher – See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/06/22/the-new-zealand-herald-supports-torture-for-shame-david-fisher/#sthash.7qMR88BL.dpuf
Q+A: Jessica Mutch interviews Miko Peled http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/jessica-mutch-interviews-miko-peled-5473555
Iranian photos shown in Wellington http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/culture/visual-arts/8840005/Iranian-photos-shown-in-Wellington
NZ: Māori online bashing on the rise, former police officer warns http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/nz-m-ori-online-bashing-rise-police-officer-warns-8338
Citizen A: With Martyn Bradbury, Efeso Collins & Selwyn Manning http://tinyurl.com/m3b4l3w
Mana’s Housing Policy Good For All New Zealanders http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1306/S00353/manas-housing-policy-good-for-all-new-zealanders.htm
Families demand justice over Samoa prison deaths http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/families-demand-justice-over-samoa-prison-deaths-5472129
Flavell’s wine left with just the grape skins http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10891732
Here’s our recent newsletter from Growing Confident Communities Together project. http://migrantactiontrust.org.nz/images/Docs/newsletters/Newsletter-Jun-2013-Growing-Confident-Communities-Together.pdf
VIDEO: Offensive online domain names target Māori http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/video-offensive-online-domain-names-target-m-ori-8341
New concerns about human rights in New Zealand prisons http://brookingblog.com/2013/06/23/new-concerns-about-human-rights-in-new-zealand-prisons/
Israel is the old South Africa By John Minto http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/06/23/israel-is-the-old-south-africa/
The Bill of Rights: entrench it, give it supreme law effect and add to it By Morgan Godfery – See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/06/24/the-bill-of-rights-entrench-it-give-it-supreme-law-effect-and-add-to-it/#sthash.fL0F40LP.dpuf
Anti-mining protests spread throughout New Zealand http://www.mining.com/anti-mining-protests-in-new-zealand-spread-87201/
Spying on NZ: More power to watch us http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10892436
Spying on NZ: Law widens net for snooping http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10892732
Hundreds in peaceful protest to council http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/news/hundreds-peaceful-protest-council/1918613/
Tu Tangata Maraenui to grill all candidates standing in Hawke’s Bay’s Ikaroa-Rawhiti by-election. http://www.hawkesbay.co.nz/general-stories-page:/53003-tu-tangata-maraenui-to-grill-all-candidates-standing-in-hawkes-bays-ikaroa-rawhiti-by-election-.html
Auckland High Court to rule on disability support Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/Auckland-High-Court-to-rule-on-disability-support/tabid/423/articleID/302571/Default.aspx#ixzz2XCEwSfcq
John Key lies about Iraq
Kiwi troops join US allies for joint exercise http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/kiwi-troops-join-us-allies-joint-exercise-5475012
Mandela’s legacy tainted by the ANCs corruption and brutality By John Minto – See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/06/26/mandelas-legacy-tainted-by-the-ancs-corruption-and-brutality/#sthash.VXhPj2mM.dpuf
Funding disparity must be resolved http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/opinion/8828051/Funding-disparity-must-be-resolved
Welly public transport cheaper for many http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/national/8846374/Welly-public-transport-cheaper-for-many
GCSB
Law Society slams spy agency bill http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10892498
Kim Dotcom rails against spy agency powers http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8828284/Kim-Dotcom-rails-against-spy-agency-powers
New Cold War being used to justify huge erosion of privacy http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/8828926/New-Cold-War-being-used-to-justify-huge-erosion-of-privacy
Spying on NZ: Law widens net for snooping http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10892732
Don’t worry, the GCSB is only spying on you “incidentally” By Keith Locke – See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/06/24/dont-worry-the-gcsb-is-only-spying-on-you-incidentally/#sthash.mvnS4EeY.dpuf
GCSB Bill – for shame http://thestandard.org.nz/gcsb-bill-for-shame/
If you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear http://thestandard.org.nz/if-you-have-nothing-to-hide-you-have-nothing-to-fear/
POVERTY AND INEQUALITY
Out protesting – home and away. Brazil rocks, Auckland’s doing its bit. By Sue Bradford – See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/06/19/out-protesting-home-and-away-brazil-rocks-aucklands-doing-its-bit/#sthash.IGd3obyS.dpuf
The Vote points to misunderstanding about children’s plight http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1306/S00253/the-vote-points-to-misunderstanding-about-childrens-plight.htm
State house tenants heckle Smith http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10891477
John Minto: Len Brown betrays Maori and Pacifika families in favour of a Remuera-by-the-Sea – See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/06/19/len-brown-betrays-maori-and-pacifika-families-in-favour-of-a-remuera-by-the-sea/#sthash.vy1BJz1G.dpuf
Poverty Watch 36 http://thestandard.org.nz/poverty-watch-36/
Paradise for a few By Simon Collins http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10892133
The wealthy pontificating to the poor… By Frank Macskasy – See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/06/24/the-wealthy-pontificating-to-the-poor/#sthash.svh9zUVt.dpuf
Poorer Special Needs Students Get The Least Exam Help http://saveourschoolsnz.wordpress.com/2013/06/23/poorer-special-needs-students-get-the-least-exam-help/
An unjust government http://thestandard.org.nz/an-unjust-government/
Historic pay equity case for carers http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1306/S00842/historic-pay-equity-case-for-carers.htm
Mum, carer: None of us want to live in a dictatorship http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10892534
Help the poor, don’t judge them http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/assignments/share-your-news-and-views/8838454/Help-the-poor-don-t-judge-them
For every child a healthy home http://www.everychildcounts.org.nz/_w/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/For-every-child-a-healthy-home-Housing2.pdf
NZ ECONOMY
CTU: Economic growth still benefiting only a few http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1306/S00279/economic-growth-still-benefiting-only-a-few.htm
TPPA NEWS BULLETIN #35 20 JUNE 2013 http://www.nznotforsale.org/2013/06/20/tppa-news-bulletin-35-20-june-2013/
Trans Pacific Partnership – what do free trade deals mean for our accountabilities to our people and our environmment http://tinyurl.com/lexahw2
MCD’S ON STRIKE
Workers: 1 – Georgie Pie: 0 http://unitenews.wordpress.com/2013/06/24/workers-1-georgie-pie-0/
The Picket Lines of Kelston http://unitenews.wordpress.com/2013/06/22/the-picket-lines-of-kelston/
The Stroppy Stripey Stocking Strike. http://unitenews.wordpress.com/2013/06/21/the-stroppy-stripey-stocking-strike/
Give Us A Break! McDonalds Lambton Quay Wellington New Zealand https://www.facebook.com/heleyni.unite/media_set?set=a.353506298109783.1073741832.100003512480470&type=1
WORKRIGHTS NZ
Why Indian restaurants pay their chefs $4 an hour http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/local-blogs/dark-matter/8839096/Why-Indian-restaurants-pay-their-chefs-4-an-hour
A lost generation – industry training is failing http://thestandard.org.nz/a-lost-generation-industry-training-is-failing/
Railworkers down their tools http://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/46838-railworkers-down-their-tools.html
Chain taken to ERA over alleged $4 an hour wages http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10891554
Is ACC cutting off people too early? http://www.3news.co.nz/Is-ACC-cutting-off-people-too-early/tabid/817/articleID/301917/Default.aspx
Helen Kelly: No traffic jam on the high road http://thestandard.org.nz/no-traffic-jam-on-the-high-road/
Case to higlight low wages in private sector aged care http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10892387
More enforcement around worker exploitation needed http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10892406
Crackdown on migrant exploitation welcomed http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/crackdown-migrant-exploitation-welcomed-5473431/video?vid=5473679
Harsher penalties for employers proposed http://www.3news.co.nz/Harsher-penalties-for-employers-proposed/tabid/421/articleID/302435/Default.aspx
Striking workers picket Jami-Lee Ross’ office today http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1306/S00304/striking-workers-picket-jami-lee-ross-office-today.htm
Landmark Equal Pay Case Opens http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1306/S00303/landmark-equal-pay-case-opens.htm
Action to Protect Migrant Workers Overdue http://union.org.nz/news/2013/action-protect-migrant-workers-overdue
Forestry safety focus of Ikaroa-Rawhiti election http://www.3news.co.nz/Forestry-safety-focus-of-Ikaroa-Rawhiti-election/tabid/1607/articleID/302581/Default.aspx
Migrant exploitation http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/migrantexploitation/default.htm
Caregivers in equal pay spotlight http://thestandard.org.nz/caregivers-in-equal-pay-spotlight/
NZ Post shuts mail processing centres http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/8843355/NZ-Post-shuts-mail-processing-centres
Jami Lee Ross – He doesn’t give a toss! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.670227306336335.1073741832.640170192675380&type=1
Campbell Live story on equal pay case http://payequity.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/campbell-live-story-on-equal-pay-case/
NZ Post shuts mail processing centres http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/8843355/NZ-Post-shuts-mail-processing-centres
GPJA 