#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/ Contact details: Forums – John Minto, Work: (09) 845 2132, Home 09 846 3173 jbminto@xtra.co.nz; Newsletter Editor – Mike Treen 0295254744 / 09 845 4027 mike@unite.org.nz; Web page - media@ndu.org.nz Donations can be sent to GPJA, P O Box 7175, Welesley St, Auckland. To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter visit http://www.gpja.org.nz/ or click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email.

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...
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...
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
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
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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

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

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 and through Irrecuperable Press by post (download the order form from 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...
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-...

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...

UK
Big increases in attacks on gambling machines
http://www.tottenhamjournal.co.uk/content/haringey/tottenhamjournal/news...

BURMA
Burma: New Evidence Of Mass Detentions, Deaths
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0711/S00426.htm