National - what’s on where listings

*** INTERNATIONAL ***

~ New listing - Humanitarian Emergency in Iraq: Christian World Service, together with its partners in Iraq and the Middle East, has launched an appeal for the millions of Iraqi people suffering in the wake of the US led invasion - 'The impact on Iraqis and other people in the region is potentially devastating. The people of Iraq are already vulnerable from 12 years of harsh sanctions and as they are made to flee bombing and attacks they will put a huge burden on host communities in Iraq and neighbouring countries. This appeal assists with the distribution of food, medicines, water and water purification equipment, first aid kits, stoves/heaters, blankets, tents, sanitation packs, and school kits for children. Churches and Mosques in Iraq give shelter and basic supplies to the people in their areas, whether Christian or Muslim, and CWS partners support refugee camps in neighbouring countries. The first priority is to help those most immediately affected by the war to sustain life, reduce suffering and prevent disease and where they have to leave their homes, make sure the communities they go to are not overburdened. We also need to offer long term development support as the people and country try to recover and rebuild from the devastation of this war". CWS works with partner groups in Iraq, and funds raised go directly to the people who need it quickly and effectively. Donations can be made by ringing 0800 74 73 72

~ New resource - launched in Wellington on 3 April, 'Small Arms in the Pacific' is the result of a year-long, 20-nation study which reveals surprising new information about the scale and origins of small arm proliferation in the Pacific. It provides the first comparison of the number of firearms in each Pacific country, both legal and illegal, state-owned and civilian. Imports and exports of small arms are tracked from one nation to another, documenting both sellers and buyers. Firearms used in crime, conflict and coups are traced to their source, revealing a single prominent pattern of origin. The study includes an exhaustive comparison of each country's gun laws and their loopholes, plus up-to-date analyses of gun-running in the Pacific, discussion of regional initiatives and evaluation of current disarmament processes. Detailed case histories document the impact of small arm-related violence on the region's worst-affected communities. The report was written by Philip Alpers and Conor Twyford, commissioned by the Small Arms Survey and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in Geneva, and funded by the governments of Australia and New Zealand. It can be downloaded from http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/OccasionalPapers.html If you would like to get a hard copy of the report for your local library, please contact the Small Arms Survey fax + 41 22 732 2738 or email smallarm@hei.unige.ch and ask them to send you a copy for that purpose.

~ International Days of Action Against War - * 5 and 6 April - Reclaim the Bases http://www.reclaimthebases.org.uk/ are calling for a weekend of protest, nonviolent action and civil disobedience at military bases throughout Britain; and War Resisters International http://wri-irg.org have extended this to a call for non-violent action at military bases around the world; for local events, see Hamilton, Lower Hutt and Timaru in listings below; * 11 and 12 April - International Women's Peace Action: Womens' Worldwide Wailing and Silent Vigils - “be creative, dress in black and collectively mourn and wail against the war on Iraq and injustices worldwide - there is a long tradition of women wailing for peace. Bring empty prams, signs, photos of Iraqi people ...” for more info check out http://www.rainforestinfo.org.au/Peace/women * 12 April - the ANSWER Coalition (US) http://www.internationalanswer.org/ the Stop the War Coalition (Britain) http://www.stopwar.org.uk and others are calling for an International Day of Action; for local events see Auckland, Wellington, Takaka and Christchurch in listings below; * 15 April - International Day of Boycott the War Actions http://www.motherearth.org/USboycott/ No money for the war: boycott the US! a call to organise non-violent anti-war consumers actions on this day around the world, picket a petrol station, have restaurant owners announce they withdraw US products, get your school to close any Coke machines and replace them with local or organic products, e-mail avalanches calling for boycott ...

~ Ongoing - Wear a white ribbon for peace - originating with the Campaign Against Violence Against Women, a number of overseas and local groups are now promoting the wearing of a white ribbon, arm band or poppy on your clothing, wrist, car aerial, briefcase or whatever to show your grief for the people of Iraq and opposition to the invasion.

~ Ongoing - Medical Supplies for Iraq - Quaker Peace and Service Aotearoa/NZ are once more raising money to buy medical supplies for Iraq. These will be used to support the US-based NGO, LIFE for Relief and Development, mainly in their cancer relief projects, and the Rome-based NGO, Bridge to Baghdad's Sindbad Primary Health Care Clinic in Basra. Cheques can be made out to Quaker Peace and Service and sent to QPS, 7 Moncrieff Street, Wellington. Credit card donations can processed by email. To arrange a credit card donation or for more information, contact Tony Maturin and Sandra Jones email hoggard@top.net.nz or tel (04) 389-4715. * New! help raise funds for Medical Supplies for Iraq by purchasing a W.A.R. t-shirt, you can order yours at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/warpost.htm

~ Ongoing - Cities for Peace Campaign - Cities for Peace is a rapidly growing coalition of local elected officials and concerned citizens overseas working to get their City Councils and other civic bodies to pass resolutions against a war on Iraq. For more info check out the Cities for Peace web site at http://www.citiesforpeace.org/ Here in Aotearoa, Waitakere City Council passed anti-war resolutions on 26 February; and the Kapiti Coast District Council on 13 March.

*** NATIONAL ***

~ Sat, 5 April - Rob Green, former British Naval Commander, now of the Peace Foundation's Disarmament and Security Centre, is interviewed by Kim Hill about new nuclear dangers, depleted uranium weapons and his conversion into a peace and anti-nuclear campaigner; 9-30am on National radio. Plus see listing for Wellington, 25 April, in local listings below.

~ 30 April - Green Ribbon Award nominations deadline - "the awards, given by Environment Minister Marian Hobbs, celebrate people leading the way in environmental action." Awards will be made for: caring for the urban environment; caring for the rural environment; caring for our biodiversity; raising awareness of environmental issues; business caring for our environment; kids who care - youth award; state of the environment reporting; and caring for our lakes, rivers and streams, a special award marking the International Year of Freshwater. For more info check out http://www.mfe.govt.nz/withyou/awards/green-ribbon.html

~ 9 to 11 May - National Peace Workshops 2003 - book this date in your diary now! After a two year absence, the annual gathering of peace and anti-war people is back ... organised by Peace Action Network Otautahi, in association with Peace Movement Aotearoa, the National Peace Workshops will take place in Christchurch. They will be non-residential this year, but there will be some billets available. More details about the programme and registration next week.

~ Ongoing - Not in Our Name (Aotearoa / New Zealand) - War without end? not in our name ... at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/nionnz.htm

~ Ongoing - Buy USA? No Way! Boycott US brands, we can help peace every time we go into a shop and we can choose where to spend our money. We can send a message to Bush and his band of bullies that is strong and clear and effective. For more info check out Spend for Peace Boycott at http://www.spendforpeace.co.nz

***** LOCAL *****

*** AUCKLAND

~ SAT, 5 April - Palestine/Israel Rally for Peace, supporting peace and justice based on Removal of Israeli Occupation, Right of Return for Refugees, Sharing Jerusalem and Cessation of Jewish only Settlements in occupied Palestine, 2pm to 3pm, Aotea Square, Queen Street. Contact David Wakim tel (09) 520 0201.

~ SAT, 5 April - 'Children and Youth in Aotearoa', launch of the Second NGO report on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in Aotearoa / New Zealand; and an opportunity to mark the tenth anniversary of the ratification of the Convention by the NZ Government. From 3pm to 4-30pm, at Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn. Report published by Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa, with support from the Hostel of the Holy Name Trust, the JR McKenzie Trust, Christchurch City Council Youth Advocate Office, UNICEF New Zealand and 6th Early Childhood Convention Committee. Please RSVP if you're planning on going to tel (09) 846 4723, or (09) 410 6918 or email elaineandpeter@clear.net.nz

~ SAT, 5 April - public meeting to hear the views of people being bombarded from above in the painted apple moth spray campaign, with Green Party Health Spokesperson Sue Kedgley MP and Biosecurity Spokesperson Ian Ewen-Street MP; 5-30pm, at the Titirangi War Memorial Hall, Titirangi, West Auckland. For more info contact Auckland Green Office tel (09) 361 5925 or email blair.crafar@parliament.govt.nz

~ SUN, 6 April - Seminar with speakers Munjid Umara, from Iraq; Rana Sobh, from Palestine; and Mike Treen, from the AllianceAlliance, followed by a screening of the video 'Not in my name', a powerful new documentary film which tells the story of the US led war on terrorism you didn't see on TV. From 3pm, video at 6pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn. Sponsored by the Alliance, for more info tel (09) 376 3780 or email bobvanruyssevelt@yahoo.com

~ SUN, 6 April - 40 minutes for Peace, a time to light candles and pray for peace in the world - part of Contextual Liturgies, creative and contemporary feminist liturgies for women and men in response to specific events in our context of Aotearoa / New Zealand; 7pm in the Crypt, St Benedict's Catholic Church, Newton Rd. For more info contact the Women's Resource Centre tel (09) 571 9158 or email info@womanspirit.org.nz

~ MON, 7 April - Planning Meeting for Human Rights Network GATS Forum, from 5-45 pm to 7pm in the Staffroom, Centre for Language and Languages, 2nd floor, A block, Auckland College of Education, Epsom (entrance via Gate 3 at 74 Epsom Avenue - car parks are readily available as staff leave around 5-30pm). For more info or to add items to the agenda, contact Nola Harvey tel (09) 623 8899 x8455 email n.harvey@ace.ac.nz

~ MON, 7 April - GPJA forum with special guest Sue Rhodes who has spent the last six months in Hebron, Palestine, as part of the Christian Peacemakers Team; 7-30pm at Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn. For more information contact Global Peace and Justice Auckland, John Minto email jbminto@xtra.co.nz or Mike Treen email miket@pl.net

~ SAT, 12 April - Foreign troops out now - stop the war on Iraq! protest march that will take in the TVNZ studios and the US-UK-Australian consulates, 12 noon from Western Park (corner Ponsonby and Karangahape Rds). Part of the International Day of Action; organised by Global Peace and Justice Auckland. For more information contact John Minto email jbminto@xtra.co.nz or Mike Treen email miket@pl.net

~ MON, 14 April - Save Ngawha: stop the prison! protest - picket from 4-30pm to 6pm, outside Helen Clark's electoral office, 65 Sandringham Rd. After decades of Government policy leading to closure of industries, rising unemployment, and the benefit cuts of the '90s leaving struggling communities with resulting rises in crime, the prison is the 'bottom of the cliff' solution offered. On top of this, the site being used is sacred taonga, wahi tapu. Of the 6000 registered historic places in New Zealand only 63 are wahi tapu, less than 10% of the number for churches, chapels and graveyards. Ngawha is a unique geothermal area, with pools whose healing qualities have been used for centuries. Already the geothermal plant (recently built) drains this precious and sacred resource, and the prison is being built at the access to one of the springs, not a mile from the public baths. The picket is to support the ongoing occupation at Ngawha. The occupiers are taking non-violent direct action to stop a prison being build on wahi-tapu, sacred, Nga Puhi land. The prison development is environmentally, spiritually, economically, and socially unsound. Come to the picket on Monday and help to stop the prison at Ngawha. Build communities not prisons! For more info contact email amoorenz@yahoo.com

~ MON, 14 April - Human Rights Network (Auckland) meeting, 5-45pm to 7pm, in the Staffroom, Centre for Language and Languages, 2nd floor, A block, Auckland College of Education, Epsom (entrance via Gate 3 at 74 Epsom Avenue - car parks are readily available as staff leave around 5-30pm). For more info or to add items to the agenda, contact Bev Turner tel (09) 418 0700 or email BeverleyTurner@nznet.gen.nz

~ THURS, 17 April - Jeremy Elwood and Daniel Loughnan present 'Which side are you on? An aural history of protest music', a mix of music, storytelling, humour and good old fashioned rock and roll. Performed by Daniel Loughnan (The Unusuals) and Jeremy Elwood (Pulp Comedy), and featuring appearances by Michele A'Court and guest musicians. Bar open from 7pm, show starts 8pm at The Classic, 321 Queen St. $10 / $8 concession, door sales only, a fundraiser for Global Peace and Justice Auckland, for more info contact email jmelwood@hotmail.com

~ FRI, 2 May - the 2002 Roger Award Event! The two Christchurch-based groups (CAFCA and GATT Watchdog) which organise the annual Roger Award say that TNCs are the real "government" of New Zealand; the public were invited to nominate the worst of 2002. The criteria for judging are by assessing the transnational that has the most negative impact in New Zealand in each or all of the following fields: unemployment, monopoly, profiteering, abuse of workers/conditions, political interference/running an ideological crusade, environmental damage, cultural imperialism, impact on tangata whenua, impact on women, health and safety of workers and the public. The six finalists are: Tranz Rail; Novartis; Carter Holt Harvey; Shell; Telecom and Sky City. The judges: Sukhi Turner, Mayor of Dunedin; Dr Ranginui Walker, Emeritus Professor at Auckland University, Prue Hyman, academic and feminist, of Victoria University; and John Minto, National Chairperson of QPEC (Quality Public Education Coalition) and community activist. Music and revelry preceding the announcement of the winner begins at 5-30pm, in Freyberg Square, High St. For more information on the awards ceremony, contact email g.baxter@auckland.ac.nz

~ Every day - picket at the US Consulate, Citibank Building, Customs St East; from 7am to 9am, 12 noon to 2pm, and 5pm to 7pm; bring your friends, come every day you can. Organised by Direct Anti War Action, for more info contact email euphemiak@yahoo.com

~ Every week day - anti-war vigil / service with Rev Craig Forbes, 12 noon to 1pm, at the Pitt Street Methodist Church, Newton.

~ Every Wednesday - Direct Anti War Action meeting, supper provided, all welcome! 7-30pm, at Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn. Organised by Direct Anti War Action, for more info contact email euphemiak@yahoo.com

~ Every Sunday - Silent Peace Vigil, every Sunday from 9-15am to 9-45am, outside the Quaker Meeting House, 115 Mt Eden Rd. All welcome, for more info tel Friends Centre (09) 630 6834.

*** HAMILTON

~ SAT, 5 April - Peace March - from Founders Theatre to the Plaza, Garden Place; with speakers including Keith Locke, Green MP, and prayers, an Interfaith Gathering; gather 1pm at Founders Theatre. For more info contact Hamilton Peace Movement, tel (07) 856 1001 or email davetricia@hnpl.net

*** THAMES

~ Every Saturday - silent vigil for peace, 9-15am to 9-45am, outside St James Church. For more info contact tel (07) 868 9914, email bellbird@wave.co.nz

*** GISBORNE

~ Every Thursday - peace vigil, while the aggression continues, from 5pm to 6pm, at Heipipi park by the waka, while the aggression continues. For more info contact tel (06) 868 1905 or email cdelahunty@clear.net.nz

*** NAPIER

~ SUN, 13 April - the Hawkes Bay branch of the Alliance Party invites you to come and hear investigative writer Nicky Hager speak on 'The War, The Bush Administration, and the future of the NZ-US relationship'; 2pm at Clive Square Hall. Gold coin donation admission, afternoon tea to follow. For more information contact Maxine tel (06) 835 6495.

~ Every Wednesday - Peace vigil, a time of silent meditation, from 5pm to 6pm in the Sunken Garden, Marine Parade. Organised by Hawke's Bay Peace Movement, for more info contact Margaret Gwynn, tel (06) 835 2122, email gwynn@paradise.net.nz

*** WHANGANUI

~ Every Friday - vigil for peace, 12 noon to 1-30pm, Majestic Square. For more info contact Peter tel (06) 345 0634 or email pbiet@clear.net.nz

*** DANNEVIRKE

Every Sunday - candlelight vigil for peace, from 7pm to 7-30pm in Copenhagen Square; bring your candle, and wish for peace. Organised by Peace For Iraq - Tararua, for more information contact Tanya tel (06) 374 7267.

*** MASTERTON

~ Every Sunday - Peace Vigil: silent meditation and prayers for world peace, from 5pm to 5-30pm at the Cenotaph, Masterton Park, until the invasion ends. Bring a cushion, candles and flowers if you wish. For more information contact Guusje tel (06) 379 5047

*** LOWER HUTT

~ SAT, 5 April - You can not bomb the world to peace! march and rally against the invasion of Iraq, gather 11am at the Melling Bridge end of the river bank car park, the march will proceed through central Lower Hutt down Queens Drive, to the US ambassador's residence and Town Hall, then to a rally in the park outside the Lower Hutt public library where there will be short speeches and music, including Brass Razoo. Organised by Hutt Peace Action and Peace Action Wellington, for more info tel (04) 382 8129 or email peacewellington@hotmail.com

~ TUES, 8 April - Living Streets Aotearoa public meeting, includes 'Living Streets', 'Cycle Aware', 'Green Bikes' and Transport 2000+', with Trevor Mallard (a commuter cyclist), Cr Celia Wade-Brown, John Poppleton and Brent Efford, from 7-30pm to 9-30pm, Screaming Turtle Café, 274 Jackson Street, opp Elizabeth Street, Petone. For more info contact Neil Newman tel (04) 939 1133.

*** WELLINGTON

~ SAT, 5 April - Justice and Peace in the Middle East information stall, 11-30am to 1pm every Saturday in Cuba Mall (usually near Trade Aid), look for the banners. For more info contact Peace Action Wellington tel (04) 382 8129 or email peacewellington@hotmail.com

~ SUN, 6 April - 'In a Land of Plenty' - the story of the New Right revolution in New Zealand which brings together a collection of speeches and interviews from political leaders and ordinary New Zealanders, much of which was retrieved from TV news archives. The documentary charts the rise of unemployment amidst the 'new right' policies in the 80s and 90s and the political and bureaucratic response that followed, directed by Alister Barry. 1-30pm at the Paramount Theatre, $2 unwaged / $5 waged. Organised by the Left Wing Film Initiative, for more info email john@eclectic.org.nz

~ WEDS, 9 April - Anti War Rally, 12 noon to 1pm in the Victoria University Quad; followed by the planting of white crosses on the Hunter Lawn (main lawn outside main University building). All welcome, organised by Students Against the War as part of the international student day of action against the war on Iraq. For more info contact email Nick.Kelly@vuw.ac.nz

~ THURS, 10 April - vigil for peace, 5pm to 6pm at the Cenotaph, for more info contact Peace Movement Aotearoa, tel (04) 382 8129 or email pma@xtra.co.nz

~ THURS, 10 April - public meeting with Sue Rhodes who has been part of the Christian Peacemaker Team in Palestine, an initiative of Mennonite, Church of the Brethren Congregations and Friends' Meetings. Sue describes her work thus: "Here in Hebron our days consist of firstly getting the children safely to school, avoiding the hassle and possible attacks from both Israeli settlers and the Israeli soldiers. There are so many children and so few teachers able to get to the schools that most do a double shift, enabling children to have three lessons each day. Under the curfew, the soldiers try to oppose the teachers and children getting to school. We, in our red baseball hats, try even harder to make sure they do get there. Our motto is 'getting in the way' and this is not only a religious reference, but we do physically put our bodies between people in conflict to reduce the violence. Other things we do throughout the day are looking after people under curfew, standing with people whose homes are under threat of demolition (and this often means sleeping in their homes to be ready for attack during the night), accompanying people to and from hospital, standing alongside people being detained at checkpoints and trying to get them through and generally opposing the humiliation and degradation inflicted by the Israeli army of occupation." Sue speaks from 6pm to 7-30pm in the Mezannine meeting room, Wellington Central Library. Supported by The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and Wellington Palestine Group, for more info contact email hoggard@top.net.nz or helen.nadra@xtra.co.nz

~ FRI, 11 April - public meeting with Sue Rhodes who has been part of the Christian Peacemaker Team in Palestine, an initiative of Mennonite, Church of the Brethren Congregations and Friends' Meetings. (see description in 10 April listing above); from 12-15pm to 1pm, at St Andrews on the Terrace. Supported by The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and Wellington Palestine Group, for more info contact email hoggard@top.net.nz or helen.nadra@xtra.co.nz

~ FRI, 11 April - 'The invasion of Iraq is immoral and illegal' - with Dr Ramon Das, Lecturer in Philosophy, Victoria University, and Merav Datan, International Lawyer and Principal Drafter of the Model Nuclear Weapons Convention, with time for questions and discussion. From 6pm to 7-30pm at St Andrews on the Terrace, 30 The Terrace. Organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa, in conjunction with St Andrews on the Terrace, for more info contact Peace Movement Aotearoa tel (04) 382 8129 or email pma@xtra.co.nz

~ SAT, 12 April - Stop NZ support for the war! NZ may not be sending combat troops to Iraq, but there's more than one way to support a war, the government expresses ‘regret’ about the war, but maintains involvement with the US military. The NZ navy frigate Te Mana is currently deployed in the Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz, supposedly to oppose ‘terrorism’; there are NZ armed forces personnel at the US Central Command HQ in Tampa, Florida; and the US led Coalition Joint Task Force in Bagram, Afghanistan. The government is actively providing intelligence to the United States through the Waihopai spybase near Blenheim, and assisting the US air force through the USAF base at Harewood ... and Helen Clark refuses to categorically deny the involvement of NZ SAS troops in the current crisis. Gather at 12 noon in Civic Square, march to surround the Defence Headquarters (Stout Street), then a rally at Parliament. Part of the International Day of Action, this protest continues the wave of actions that have been happening all over New Zealand and the world in opposition to the imperialist invasion of Iraq by United States, British and Australian forces. Organised by Peace Action Wellington, for more info contact tel (04) 382 8129 or email peacewellington@hotmail.com

~ THURS, 17 April - vigil for peace, 5pm to 6pm at the Cenotaph, for more info contact Peace Movement Aotearoa, tel (04) 382 8129 or email pma@xtra.co.nz

~ THURS, 17 April - Peace Concert with Tyree Robertson MC and performers including Nick Grandville with guest female vocalist, Carol Henry band, Tj with songs from new album, Deja Blue, Songwriters Set, Hannnah, Cherry and the Jemstones, Acting Natural, Rainbow Country. From 8pm to 2-30am, at the Bluenote, corner Vivian and Taranaki Streets. A fundraising event for Peace Movement Aotearoa, organised by the Bluenote.

~ SAT, 19 April - Justice and Peace in the Middle East information stall, 11-30am to 1pm every Saturday in Cuba Mall (usually near Trade Aid), look for the banners. For more info contact Peace Action Wellington tel (04) 382 8129 or email peacewellington@hotmail.com

~ THURS, 24 April - vigil for peace, 5pm to 6pm at the Cenotaph, for more info contact Peace Movement Aotearoa, tel (04) 382 8129 or email pma@xtra.co.nz

~ FRI, 25 April, ANZAC Day - 'Reflections on War: the Immediate and Long-Term Effects of Modern Weapons', with Rob Green, former British Naval Commander, now of the Peace Foundation's Disarmament and Security Centre, with time for questions and discussion. From 6pm to 7.30pm at St Andrews on the Terrace, 30 The Terrace. Organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa, in conjunction with St Andrews on the Terrace. For more info contact Peace Movement Aotearoa tel (04) 382 8129 or email pma@xtra.co.nz

~ Every week day - St Andrew's on The Terrace is offering a quiet space for anyone to participate in offering ecumenical peace vigil. Everyone is invited to share in a quiet meditative time, offering prayers for peace before going to work; from 8am to 8-30am, Monday - Friday. For more info contact email office@standrews.org.nz

~ Every Saturday - 'Behind the News' on Wellington Access Radio (783 AM), broadcast at 12-30pm, presented by Don Franks, Victoria Quade and Jim Delahunty. If you have something you'd like them to cover, or a comment on the programme, please contact Jim Delahunty tel (04)938 6943.

~ Every Sunday - Te Aro Heritage guided walks, courtesy of Campaign for a Better City, take place each Sunday for the foreseeable future. Meet at 1pm at the junction of Cuba Street and Tonks Avenue, opposite Arthur Street; entry by koha. Contact Karen MacIntyre tel (04) 973 5355 for more information or to volunteer your time.

~ Every Sunday, ‘Peace Report’ on Wellington Access Radio (783 AM), broadcast at 11-45am, brought to you by the Peace Council, funded by PADET. If you or your group wish to make a free programme to be broadcast in this slot, please contact Des Brough tel/fax (04) 388 3173.

*** MOTUEKA

~ Every Wednesday - Toot For Peace, from 4-30pm to 5-30pm, in front of Happy Apple Backpackers (east edge of town). Bring a sign and a friend, for more info contact Alison tel (03) 528 8864.

*** NELSON

~ Every day - a candle lit vigil will be held at 5pm, on the Cathedral steps at the top of Trafalgar Street, each night until the war stops. For more info contact Briar Maaroufi email brelma@clear.net.nz or Anne email anne.f@clear.net.nz

~ Every Friday - Peace Talk on Fresh FM (99.4), at approx 7-20am with Matt Lawry and guest. For more info contact email anne.f@clear.net.nz

~ Every Friday - 'Toot for Peace' peace action, 5pm to 6pm on Haven Rd, holding signs encouraging motorists to toot for peace. For more information contact Bob Jones tel (03) 546 8546 or email bobjonesinnz@yahoo.com

*** TAKAKA

~ Every Saturday (from 12 April) - Peace vigil, 10-30am to 12 noon, at the Village Green, bring song or instrument or speak if you wish. Not In Our Name pledge forms are available at the vigils, in the Takaka Library (near the CDs) and on the noticeboard in Wholemeal corridor. Organised by Golden Bay Peace Group and Golden Bay Quakers, for more information contact tel (03) 525 9576 or email helenk@paradise.net.nz

*** CHRISTCHURCH

~ SAT, 5 April - Future Faith: A symposium for imaginative explorers - to explore the social and political context of faith today, analyse the changing nature of institutional church, and seek theological thinking around faith relevant to contemporary society; with speakers David Thorns, Susan Jones and Kevin Ward; and facilitation by Rodney Routledge, Jenny Dawson and Graeme Nicholas. From 9am to 3-30pm, at St Mary's Church, Merivale. Please register by 23 March - $25 / $15 (includes lunch). Organised by College House Institute of Theology, tel (03) 355 9145, fax (03) 355 6140 or email admin@chit.ac.nz

~ WEDS, 9 April - Peace Action Network Direct Action meeting, 7pm at the WEA, 59 Gloucester Street. For more info contact email yuda@caverock.net.nz

~ THURS, 10 April - 'Serving Up The Nation: GATS and the Environment - what it means for you!' a public meeting with Dr Jane Kelsey. "Back in 1994 the National Government signed onto an international agreement that aims to lock open all New Zealand’s services ­ including education, health, broadcasting, tourism, environment, waste management, postal services and more - to foreign companies. No one, including Parliament, had any say in how far the Government committed our services to those rules. The Agreement is known as the General Agreement on Trade in Services or GATS and it is run by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva. Now the Labour Government is involved in new negotiations to bring more of our services under those rules. These began in 2000. On 31 March 2003 the Government will tell other WTO members in Geneva what new services NZ is prepared to ‘offer’. Yet few people know this Agreement exists, let alone that these new talks are happening and what their effect could be." 7-30pm, at Knox Hall (corner Bealey Ave and Victoria Street), organised by ARENA, Action, Research and Education Network of Aotearoa with support from North Canterbury Forest and Bird. For more info contact ARENA tel (03) 366 2803 or email arena.nz@clear.net.nz

~ SAT, 12 April - Avon river 'Bring back the frigate' flotilla, meet 11am, corner of Montreal St and Oxford Tce, to set sail to the Town Hall. Boats, rafts, kayaks as well as shore support is needed! Part of the International Day of Action, organised by Peace Action Network Direct Action, for more info contact email yuda@caverock.net.nz

~ Every day - people of faith and no faith are invited to join us for a half hour prayer service for peace, with prayers from Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities from around the world; 12 noon at St Marks Methodist Church in Somerfield (corner Barrington and Somerfield Streets). For more info contact tel (03) 332 5202 or email ChChSthMeth@xtra.co.nz

~ Every week day - Peace Sanctuary, all are welcome to pray for peace, be still and quiet, or light a candle, from 12 noon to 2pm, at St Luke’s in the City, Anglican Church, corner Manchester and Kilmore Streets. For more info tel (03) 366 2253.

~ Every Friday - Christchurch Catholic Worker invite you to join their vigil at the US Air Force base at Harewood, flights from the base serve the vast US military/intelligence bases at Pine Gap and Nurrungar. Meet at 5pm, at the Airport Roundabout (where the totem pole is). For more info contact Christchurch Catholic Worker email mmc62@student.canterbury.ac.nz

~ Every Saturday - Peace vigil, 12-30pm to 1pm at the Chalice in the Square. For more info contact email heatherthrasher@hotmail.com or tel (03) 981 2825.

*** TIMARU

~ SAT, 5 April - 'Say NO to war in Iraq' Peace March - starting at 1pm outside Information Centre, George Street and proceeding to the Piazza. A silent and visuals only march to display our opposition, wear black armbands and bring your personal banner. For more info contact tel (03) 693 9811 or email debsmartin@paradise.net.nz

~ Every Friday - prayers for peace, 12 noon at the stone cross outside St Mary's Church, Church St. For more info please contact Nance Hammond tel (03) 684 4608 or email nancehammond@hotmail.com

*** DUNEDIN

~ Every day - Candle-light vigil in the Octagon. Gather at 7pm, light candles and catch up then stand in silence between 7-10pm and 7-30pm. Anyone who wants to demonstrate opposition to war in this way is welcome. For more info contact email marie@corso.org.nz

~ Every Tuesday - Students Against War meetings, 5pm at Clubs and Socs. For more info contact Katie email klt_grace@yahoo.com

~ Every Tuesday - Coalition Against War meetings, 5-30pm at Quaker Hall. For more info contact Fiona email fionabowker@hotmail.com

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