#258: What's On Update / Sat Rallies - Mon Forum
GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER #258, October 30, 2008
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 mike@unite.org.nz; Web page - media@ndu.org.nz Donations can be sent to GPJA, P O Box 7175, Wellesley 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.
To access the newsletter online go to: http://gpja.org.nz/
If you find this news letter useful, kindly forward it to your friends and encourage them to join this mailing list. http://www.gpja.org.nz/
I’ve sent another newsletter just a day or so after the last as I got late notice of 4 rallies/activities on Saturday! See What’s On in Auckland below.
GPJA FORUM THIS MONDAY, Nov 3, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn
“CONFRONTING THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS: A DISCUSSSION OF LEFT ALTERNATIVES.” Left alternative political parties standing in the election have been invited to address this forum and the discuss the best approach to the global economic crisis. Groups invited are: Alliance; Communist League; Green Party ; Maori Party; RAM; Workers Party; Everyone welcome.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GREENPEACE: GENETIC ENGINEERING REARS ITS UGLY HEAD
I'm sure you'll remember the nationwide fight to keep New Zealand GE free. Tens of thousands of us marched, not once but three times, to stop GE crops and food from entering our food-chain. And even though the Government lifted the moratorium on GE release in 2003 New Zealand has been effectively GE Free ever since. This is now under threat from AgResearch, a Government research institute, which has applied to 'field test' GE organisms with "a range of genetic modifications and maintain these organisms in containment for research, breeding and for the production of products with potential commercial applications". If it gets approval AgResearch will be able to conduct broad-ranging genetic experiments on a vast range of animals including cows, goats, sheep, pigs, rats, rabbits, possums and chickens. They even want to alter milk composition and have the right to release GE milk onto the market and intend using cells taken from 'non-Maori humans' mixing genes from different species to make transgenic animals. The application is so broad it lists humans as "host organisms" to modify. It's really important that as many people as possible oppose this monstrous application. NZ's GE Free status, food, environment, economic wellbeing and clean green image are at stake. Please take a moment to make an online submission to help keep New Zealand GE free and forward this on to your friends and family.
http://mailer.greenpeace.org.nz/mail/LwT0wxdQ9EAXz3PRAF6M.link
It is a little complicated so I've included the submission I made with the help of our lawyer below.
You can find out more about the application here
http://mailer.greenpeace.org.nz/mail/LAT0wxdQ9EMXz3PRAF6M.link
and several other related applications here
http://mailer.greenpeace.org.nz/mail/LQT0wxdQ9EIXz3PRAF6M.link
We're most concerned with GMF07001 but GMC07012, GMD08012 and GMD07074 are also of concern so I've also mentioned them in my submission. You can read the Greenpeace submission here: http://mailer.greenpeace.org.nz/mail/MgT0wxdQ9F0Xz3PRAF6M.link
*Here's my submission:* In the 'Reason for submission' box I wrote …
*There is inadequate information on genetic constructs, location and disposal for ERMA to make a good decision, or for submitters to make an informed submission, and ERMA should not have notified this application until these matters were adequately specified.*
*Its inadequacy is seen in the apparent mistaken inclusion of humans as a host organism to be genetically modified.
There is insufficient information for ERMA to undertake an adequate risk assessment. This application should be declined for this reason alone.*
*Genetic modification of cows, buffalo, sheep, pigs, goats, llamas, alpacas, deer, and horses will endanger New Zealand's GE -free status and non-GM exports as well as New Zealand's dairy, sheep, deer, pig, goat, llama, alpaca and equine industries. It can also threaten New Zealand's natural environment, including flora and fauna, through escape of genetically species, including pigs, goats, rabbits and possums.*
*The application for unlimited duration must not be accepted.*
*Conditions on disposal of waste matter are inadequate.*
*The genetic modification of rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and possums as research models involve risk of escape and breeding. *
*The Appendix to application GMC07012 lists the following species as "The range of host organism to be genetically
modified": these species are listed in the following table."
The list of animals is:, cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, pig, deer, llama, alpaca, horse, rat (excluding kiore), mouse, rabbit, possum, chicken, hamster, guinea pig, monkey, and human. *
*I oppose the genetic modification of these species by AgResearch. *
*AgResearch said that is " not possible at the time of application to specify all the details of each field test which may be carried on under this approval (including the effects tested, the location or duration)" since "this application is for a generic approval (i.e. approval for any field test of organisms complying with the organism description for the purposes set out in this application) of unlimited duration." The application is so broad that "whatever the boundaries, any outdoor activity will be approved under one approval or the other". The breadth of this application, together with its lack of specifics of genetic constructs and locations, and its unlimited duration , means that it must not be approved. I also want no approval of commercial release of products approved.*
*I want these submissions also taken into account on applications GMC07012, GMD08012 and GMD07074 and hope that they will be taking in to consideration within those hearings.*
Then for the 'decision I seek' I simply said:
*The application declined.*
All the best, Nick Young, Greenpeace
ACT NOW TO SUPPORT THE UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
On 13 September 2007, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration provides minimum standards of protection for the rights and well-being of indigenous peoples around the world. Its adoption by the General Assembly was described by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights as "a triumph for justice and human dignity", and by the General Assembly President as a "major step forward towards the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all". One hundred and forty three UN member states voted in favour of the Declaration - the NZ government was one of only four that voted against it. It is now one of only three governments that continue to oppose it - extraordinary behaviour by a government that describes itself as "a firm and principled defender of human rights", and is currently portraying itself as a "credible and committed" candidate for election to the UN Human Rights Council. The full action alert - which includes sections with background information on the Declaration, comment on the government's position on the Declaration, and where you can get more information - is available online at
http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/decl0908.htm
with a formatted printable version at
http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/decl0908.pdf
WHAT’S ON IN AUCKLAND
Saturday, November 1, 5pm, outside Britomart then Marching to the Australian Consulate
FREE LEX WOTTON NOW "SOLIDARITY IN AUCKLAND" - AUSTRALIAN Aboriginal activist Sam Watson has called for major rallies in cities across Australia in response to Palm Island Aboriginal man Lex Wotton being found guilty on October 24 of “rioting with destruction”. This is an Auckland action called in solidarity.
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/772/39826
Free Lex Wotton Now on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=32952863226
Saturday, November 1, 2-5pm, Aotea Square, Queen St
AS CAPITALISM CRASHES - THE RESISTANCE GATHERS! Rally Against Low Pay- $15 per hour minimum wage now!
Socialist Aotearoa rally Against Low pay: The Gathering Storm. In recent months, low paid people have taken strike action in casinos, banks, fastfood outlets, supermarkets and on the busses. Low pay is crippling a generation of workers who are now expected to bear the brunt of a vicious global recession. It's time the resistance gathered.
We're not going to pay for their crisis. We're not going to endure low pay anymore. A new generation is going to resist the Global Recession and fight the greedy rich and their corporations. Join the Rally Against Low Pay, and if the numbers are there, join us on an anti capitalist tour of Auckland's meanest bosses and their lackeys. It's time to fight back as a class! solidarityjoe@yahoo.com
Saturday, November 1, 2pm, QEII Square, Customs Street and Queen St intersection, Downtown Shopping Centre
RALLY FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE IN PALESTINE On the First Saturday of Every Month. Come support JUSTICE and PEACE based on: 1. End 41 years of Israeli Occupation of the West Bank & Gaza Strip (including East Jerusalem) ;
2. Right of Return for Palestinian Refugees. 3. Share Jerusalem. 4. Vacate all settlement colonies in Israeli occupied Palestine. 5. Stop Israel's annexation / apartheid wall in occupied Palestine www.palestine.org.nz
Saturday, November 1, 7pm, Aotea Square, march to Basque park
We're writing to let you know about Take Back the Night, which will be held this year in Auckland on Saturday, November 1st. There will be a rally (with food and speakers) at Aotea Square in Auckland City at 7pm, followed by a march to Basque Park. Take Back the Night is a long-running international event that asserts women's right to feel safe at night and to live in a world without rape and violence. It is an event that raises awareness of and bears witness to the violent crimes perpetrated against women, children, transgendered, and intersexed persons everywhere. It is also an empowering opportunity for women to recognise their shared experiences and unite in the struggle for a world without violence. From the street to the home, in many spaces women, transgendered and intersexed persons are harassed and subject to many different forms of abuse. These include rape and physical violence, the pressure to conform to men's expectations, and in some cases, murder - on average a woman in Aotearoa is killed by her (ex-)partner every six weeks. By marching, we are powerfully standing together to let the world know that abuse against women, children, transgender, and intersex people is unacceptable, and that all should be allowed to live their lives without fear. All women, children, transgendered, takaatapui, fafafine, and intersexed persons are invited to join us in 'Taking Back the Night'. We ask men to support Take Back the Night by respecting our need to organise independently against violence and to use this time to ask how they can best fight rape and violence. To present a strong message it would be fantastic if we could get a big number of marchers. Please pass this email on to interested persons, tell your friends, whanau, colleagues and neighbours, and print out the attached poster. We look forward to seeing you at Aotea Square on November 1st.
Please email us if you require any further information.
- Standing united, Auckland Take Back the Night Working Group.
Sunday 2nd November, 4.30 p.m, Waiheke Cinema
Special Presentation: Films From Our Past –– Relevant To Our Future. You are invited to a very special presentation this Sunday, 4:30pm, of two short documentaries under the title of Films From Our Past -- Relevant To Our Future.
The first of the two films is SEEING RED, a documentary by director Annie Goldson which looks at the life & work of Cecil Holmes, a filmmaker for NZ's National Film Unit during the 1940's - an era where the influence of McCarthyism, and the "Red Threat", could still be felt as far away as NZ. Cecil Holmes later moved to Australia where he continued his work as a filmmaker championing people's causes, as well as being a mentor for Australian filmmakers during the 1970's film renaissance. He is honoured by the Australian Directors Guild with an Award in his name. The second film FIGHTING BACK was made by Cecil Holmes and details the Carpenter's Union struggle of 1949. Fighting Back screened recently as part of the Auckland Heritage Festival where Cecil's brother, well known island resident Basil Holmes, spoke to a large audience of attendees. Basil will be present at this Sunday's screening also to introduce the films. For anyone with an interest in the media, NZ politics & history these films will be invaluable viewing...
Both films resonate with contempory New Zealand audiences, for amidst the present world wide crisis all Goverments are showing nervousness. Such Goverments can easily slip into repressiveness and create mass opposition. We cannot avoid the future so every piece of history we can acquire, as from these two films, will help us face 21st century versions of the same old struggles. Introductions will be given to both films. Everyone welcome.
Entry is by koha.
Read more: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/war/news/article.cfm?c_id=359&objectid=1053213...
http://mic.org.nz/resources/publications/the-big-picture/issue-8/reviews...
Monday, November 3, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn
“CONFRONTING THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS: A DISCUSSSION OF LEFT ALTERNATIVES.” Left alternative political parties standing in the election have been invited to address this forum and the discuss the best approach to the global economic crisis. Groups invited are: Alliance; Communist League; Green Party ; Maori Party; RAM; Workers Party; Everyone welcome.
Wednesday, November 5, 7.30pm, Aotea Chapel, Methodist Central Mission, Queen St (Opposite Town Hall)
PUBLIC FORUM ON GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS: Sen. Bob Brown; Jeanette Fitzsimons (with commentary from Prof Tim Hazledene and Donna Wynd). Chair: John Minto. The Green Party has organised this event to inform the political debate on what will undoubtedly impact on the New Zealand economy and individuals. We hope people will be informed and have a forum which will deepen their understanding of the Global Crisis and possible solutions.
Saturday, November 15, 6.30pm, Ponsonby Community Centre
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION: Are you interested in freedom? It's a gift that must be shared. It's collaborative, reciprocal and mutual. Protecting the right to freely express ideas without fear of attack, arrest, or other persecution, has been at the heart of International PEN's work since it was formed in 1921. The sharing of ideas through music, poetry and personal stories builds bridges of understanding between peoples. These bridges cross political, geographical, ethnic, cultural, religious and other divides. The US and 'P-4' (NZ, Chile, Singapore and Brunei) are to begin negotiating a free trade agreement. The US strongly advocates the interests of its own entertainment industry in these deals. This will have serious implications for writers and publishers, libraries, TV and radio, film-makers, museums, booksellers. Come and hear Jane Kelsey spell out the implications for NZ's culture sector. Enjoy an Indian Tabla player, Chinese vocalists, Latino Sounds, ten poets, political speakers and personal stories woven together by MC Nicola Legat. You are invited to join the members of the NZ Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc) for an exciting evening of Music, Poetry & Politics. The programme will be preceeded by a free screening of An Individual Mind, a 90 min documentary by Rex Bloomfield. Refreshments available from 6.30pm. Commemorate Courage Day, 15th November at the Ponsonby Community Centre. Kind regards, Sue Gee, Organiser, tel 09 8363 099
Saturday, November 22, 9.00 am - 1.00 pm, Somervell Church Centre, 497 Remuera Rd, (corner Greenlane and Remuera Roads)
Pacific Women’s Watch [NZ]invites you to a Conference. Honouring the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; Promoting Peace and Justice in NZ; Overcoming Discrimination in Media, Health/Education, Community Violence. Keynote Speaker: Rosslyn Noonan, Chief Human Rights Commissioner
Other speakers: Judi Clements, CE Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand; Jane Drumm, Executive Director of Preventing Violence in the Home; Ruth Thomas, School of Communications, Auckland University of Technology
Morning tea will be provided; car parking is available – ALL WELCOME # Registration by 14 November would be appreciated – $20 – Please write cheque to PWW[NZ] & post to P.O. Box 99464, Newmarket, Auckland 1149. [There is some discretionary funding for unwaged]Inquiries: Jane 538 3727 or Christine 278 4373, mobile 0274 394 395 or Shakti 634 5426, 636 8514. 25 November is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and White Ribbon Day.
Saturday, November 29, 9.30am-4.30pm, Engineering School, 20 Symonds Street
GOING GREEN 2008 - GREEN “HOW TO’S” FOR EVERYDAY LIVING: Going Green is a day of free interactive seminars by leading environmental experts for green conscious but slightly confused consumers. This event has been organised by The University of Auckland. This free public event is designed to educate and promote green living practises and provide environmental insights for the way we work, play and live. Topics covered include ‘How to Buy Green’ and ‘How to Renovate Green’ through to ‘How to Travel Green’ and ‘How to Have a Green Funeral’. For more information and to register visit www.goinggreen2008.co.nz Going Green also have 28 exhibition spaces (2 sizes) for businesses to purchase. These spaces are available for ‘green conscious’ businesses who want to reach a cross section of green minded consumers. If you are interested in exhibiting please visit out website and/or contact :
Carlee Atkin Ph: (09) 3737599 ext: 89539 Email: conference-sec@auckland.ac.nz
Saturday, DECEMBER 6, 2pm, QEII Square, Customs Street and Queen St intersection, Downtown Shopping Centre
RALLY FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE IN PALESTINE On the First Saturday of Every Month. Come support JUSTICE and PEACE based on: 1. End 41 years of Israeli Occupation of the West Bank & Gaza Strip (including East Jerusalem) ;
2. Right of Return for Palestinian Refugees. 3. Share Jerusalem. 4. Vacate all settlement colonies in Israeli occupied Palestine. 5. Stop Israel's annexation / apartheid wall in occupied Palestine www.palestine.org.nz