PMA what’s on where listings

Please note: we are rather time constrained this week, so these listings are for events in the next ten days or so, unless previously listed. Full listings will return next week.

*** INTERNATIONAL ***

~ 6 and 9 August - 58th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. If you are planning a commemorative event, please send the details to pma@xtra.co.nz for inclusion in the next PMA what’s on where listings (if you haven’t already done so).

*** NATIONAL ***

~ Now available - the nomination criteria and nomination form for the 2003 Roger Award for the Worst Transnational Corporation operating in Aotearoa/New Zealand; you can get yours on-line at http://canterbury.cyberplace.co.nz/community/CAFCA/publications/Roger/Rogernomination.pdf or from Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa, email cafca@chch.planet.org.nz The deadline for nominations for the 2003 Roger Award is 31 October 2003.

~ THURS, 17 July to MON, 21 July - ‘An eyewitness account of the invasion of Iraq’, Ruth Russell, who was a human shield in Iraq during the bombing, will be speaking in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch (see local listings below). More information about Ruth is available on-line at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/ruth.htm

~ WEDS, 23 July - Bob Rigg, who resigned in protest from his position at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (which monitors compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention) when the US administration forced the Director Jose Bustani out of office last year, is interviewed by Linda Clark, after the 11am news on National Radio.

~ FRI, 25 to SUN, 27 July - National GE Free hui, a conference for anti-GE activists from around the country, with the focus on developing strategies for campaigns to prevent the lifting of the moratorium in October. Sessions and workshops are planned on the following: current situation with GE in NZ, what effects will the lifting of the moratorium in October have; update on current campaigns (reports from anti-GE groups); strategies for campaigns; consumers, direct action, lobbying, GE-Free zone; coalition building skills; treaty issues; GE and GATS, WTO; GE and animal rights; and eugenics, human cloning, the new HART Bill. To he held at the Trade Union Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland. For more info, and to register, contact tel (09) 358 4105 or email gefreehui@yahoo.co.nz

***** LOCAL *****

*** AUCKLAND

~ THURS, 17 July - ‘An eyewitness account of the invasion of Iraq’ - Ruth Russell, from South Australia, was a human shield in Baghdad for eight weeks, including three weeks protecting a humanitarian site during the bombing which began in March 2003. She speaks about her experience there, what she and other human shields saw during the invasion; her talk is illustrated with photos taken at the time. "I decided to pack my bags and go to Baghdad because I believed this was the strongest statement I could make that this war was both illegal and morally wrong. So my first and most important effort was to speak out to try to prevent war. Right up until the last moment I thought the incredible world opinion and lack of any UN Resolution would work ­ the people of the world did not want it - only three out of 180 countries supported the US government. When war was declared, I chose to stay at the Taji Food Silo to prevent bombing of this UN designated humanitarian site." Hear Ruth’s story at 7-30pm, St Colomba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby. Organised by WILPF, for more information contact Joan tel (09) 360 8001 or email joanmac@pl.net

~ FRI, 18 July ­ 'Poets in Exile', a public performance at the Poetics of Exile Conference - writers attending the Conference from overseas will read their work, alongside poets from refugee and migrant communities now resident in New Zealand and other local poets who have reflected on the concept of exile; with Kapka Kassabova (born in Bulgaria), Bronislava Volkova (Czechoslovakia), Emad Jabbar (Iraq), Yang Lian (China), Yilma Tafere Tasew (Ethiopia), Nora Nadjarian (Cyprus), Basim Furat (Iraq), Sudesh Mishra (Fiji), and Chris Abani (born in Nigeria); the readings will be interspersed with music including drummers from Burundi, classical pianist Tamas Vesmas from Hungary and Rumania, hip-hop Pasifika musicians Mua Strickson-Pua, JP and Feleti, and jazz saxophonist Chris Abani; presented by Murray Edmond and Michele Leggott. From 8pm to 10pm, Hopetoun Alpha, Beresford St. Tickets $10 each, to get yours please send your cheque made out to 'University of Auckland', to Mike Hanne, Comparative Literature, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland. For more info contact Mike Hanne, Conference Coordinator, tel (09) 373 7599 x87106 or email m.hanne@auckland.ac.nz

~ MON, 21 July - ‘Peace: the sensible alternative to war’, an empowering community workshop run by Ruth Russell, human shield in Iraq, which provides opportunities for participants to work through the many outcomes of peace and war - personal, social, environmental, economic and political. From 7-30pm to 9-30pm, Flat 1, 5 Seymour Street, St Mary’s Bay; please RSVP if you are planning on attending so we have some idea of the number of people coming. Organised by WILPF, for more information, or to RSVP, contact Joan tel (09) 360 8001 or email joanmac@pl.net

~ TUES, 22 July - Mothers Against Genetic Engineering (MAdGE) meeting, 7pm, upstairs at Kocket Restaurant, 118 Ponsonby Road. Come along and get involved because there’s a lot to be done and we need everyone to be active as the lifting of the moratorium looms closer; for more info contact email madge@paradise.net.nz

~ WEDS, 23 July - 'On arrival' the opening of the exhibition which features forty artists from the refugee and migrant sector from throughout NZ, with guest speaker Joris de Bres, Race Relations Commissioner; 6pm, at the Bashford Gallery, 24 Williamson Avenue, Ponsonby. Please RSVP, if you're planning on going, to Arts Access Aotearoa tel (09) 916 4885 or email info@artsaccess.org.nz

~ FRI, 25 July - National GE Free hui public meeting; with speakers Jon Carapiet (GE Free NZ), John Clearwater (Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Genetics) and others; 7pm at the Trade Union Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn. For more info contact tel (09) 358 4105 or email gefreehui@yahoo.co.nz

~ SAT, 26 July - Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa (AYCA) Annual General Meeting, with update on AYCA activities and plans for the next 12 months; 3pm at Heritage Park, 8 Harrison Road, Panmure (St John Education Centre); afternoon tea will be served. Please RSVP (for catering) by 24th July to Bettina Schempf, tel (09) 271 3532 or email tina.sch@ihug.co.nz

~ SUN, 27 July - 'Indelible Memories', a remembrance event, marking the beginning of the civil war in Sri Lanka and celebrating the peace process, with a lively cultural show of dances and music connected to the conflict and the path for the peace negotiation; 4pm at Mt Roskill Intermediate School Hall, Denbigh Avenue, Mt Roskill. Organised by the Entrenched Federation of Tamil Associations in NZ, for more info contact george_nzts@hotmail.com

~ Ongoing to FRI, 1 August - 'On arrival', the exhibition which features forty artists from the refugee and migrant sector from throughout NZ, at the Bashford Gallery, 24 Williamson Avenue, Ponsonby. For exhibition open times, please contact Arts Access Aotearoa tel (09) 916 4885 or email info@artsaccess.org.nz

~ SAT, 2 August - Special Rally of Remembrance, for all those who have suffered or died because of the Israeli government's continued occupation of Palestine (West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem); gather at 3-30pm, at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Palestine Wall (west side) where a floral tribute will be laid to honour the memory of all those who died or suffered; we will then march to the olive grove at the rear of the museum where another tribute will be laid, prayers for peace from the Christian, Muslim and Jewish Faiths will be said. Your own floral contributions would be appreciated too. Organised by the Palestine Human Rights Campaign, for more info contact David Wakim tel (09) 520 0201 or Tuma Hazou (09) 473 8677.

~ 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 Saturday - picket at 12 noon, outside the US Consulate, Citibank Building, Customs St East, because the US is still occupying Iraq and killing Iraqis. 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.

*** 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

*** 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.

*** KAPITI COAST

~ SUN, 20 July - 'Euthanasia and the sanctity of life', with speakers David Brown MP, who is promoting the Death with Dignity Bill, and Marilyn Pryor, editor of the Catholic newspaper Wel-Com and long time campaigner to promote the dignity of the human person; from 5pm to 7pm, Kapiti Uniting Parish, 27 Raumati Road, Raumati. For more info contact email kapiti@paradise.net.nz

*** WELLINGTON REGION

~ THURS, 17 July - candle lit 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, 18 July - ‘An eyewitness account of the invasion of Iraq’ - Ruth Russell, from South Australia, was a human shield in Baghdad for eight weeks, including three weeks protecting a humanitarian site during the bombing which began in March 2003. She speaks about her experience there, what she and other human shields saw during the invasion; her talk is illustrated with photos taken at the time. "I decided to pack my bags and go to Baghdad because I believed this was the strongest statement I could make that this war was both illegal and morally wrong. So my first and most important effort was to speak out to try to prevent war. Right up until the last moment I thought the incredible world opinion and lack of any UN Resolution would work ­ the people of the world did not want it - only three out of 180 countries supported the US government. When war was declared, I chose to stay at the Taji Food Silo to prevent bombing of this UN designated humanitarian site." Hear Ruth’s story from 6pm to 7-30pm, at St Andrew's on The Terrace, 30 The Terrace. Organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa, for more information contact tel (04) 382 8129 or email pma@xtra.co.nz

~ FRI, 18 July - 'Happiness through Compassion' with Amnyi Trulchung Rinpoche, who is Wellington during July and August to share his knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism’s powerful and transformative teachings on peace, wisdom and compassion. 'Happiness Through Compassion' will include details of Rinpoche's life a cultural perspective on achieving a greater sense of happiness in one's life through a more conscious practice of compassion, and question and answer time; 7-30pm at Turnbull House, Bowen Street. For more info and for details of other events during Rinpoche's visit, check out http://www.thesacredsite.com

~ SAT, 19 July - March against the dropping of the moratorium on the release of GMO organisms - "We are calling for the moratorium to be made permanent, for safe, controlled, laboratory-based research and for the withdrawal of New Zealand support for the US case at the WTO which demands access to European markets for GE foodstuffs." March starts at 12 noon at Te Aro Park (aka Pigeon Park), then on to parliament; with banners, noise makers and costumes. Join the mums, dads, tangata whenua, students, kids, grannys, musicians, dancers, speakers, scientists, health professionals, farmers and other people converging from all over the country and let the government, ERMA, multinationals and everyone else know that NZers don't want GE in our environment and we don't want to eat it! Organised by the Harakeke Eco Collective, PO Box 11-964, Te Aro, Wellington; tel (04) 385 6728 or email harakeke@wildmail.com

~ SAT, 19 July - ‘Peace: the sensible alternative to war’, an empowering community workshop run by Ruth Russell, human shield in Iraq, which provides opportunities for participants to work through the many outcomes of peace and war - personal, social, environmental, economic and political. From 2-30pm to 4-30pm, Athena College, 203 Willis Street; please RSVP if you are planning on attending so we have some idea of the number of people coming. Organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa, for more information contact tel (04) 382 8129 or email pma@xtra.co.nz

~ SAT, 19 July - Fiesta Latina: experience the passion and excitement of Latin America; with Roberto Ureta, Tango Porteno, Salsa Tropical, Roberto Rodriguez, Cuartito Calle Cuba, Cuban music, Jonthon Harper, and Rumba Flamenca; starts 6-30pm at the Alay Community Centre for Migrants, Victoria Arcade Building Level 5, 44 Victoria Street. Tickets $10 (includes food); for reservations tel (04) 977 0923 or 934 4960.

~ MON, 21 July - public meeting on the situation in the Solomon Islands, with Dr Kabini Sanga. who is from the tribe of Guailao in East Malaita, Solomon Islands. Kabini has held leadership positions at all levels of institutional education, prior to joining VUW, his research interests are in educational policy, governance, international education and Pacific education; 7-00pm, Athena, 203 Willis Street; organised by Peace Action Wellington, for more info contact peacewellington@hotmail.com

~ WEDS, 23 July - 'Fighting Corruption in the Pacific: The Limitations of the Law' and the launch of an Anti-Corruption Tool Kit for Small Island States, a public lecture by Shane Cave, Executive Officer, Transparency International New Zealand. "Transparency International is the only international non-governmental organisation devoted to combating corruption, bringing civil society, business, and governments together in a powerful global coalition. "At a time of increasing political instability in the Pacific, with the rule of law threatened and inconsistent, civil society organisations in small island states are developing their own mechanisms to try and improve the governance of their countries. This is an opportunity to learn about the range of governance problems which worry citizens in small island states of the Pacific and the Caribbean and to discover what is being done to counter the governance failures which cause corruption, perpetuate poverty, erode the rule of law, and foster political and civil unrest." From 12-30pm to 1-30pm, Lecture Theatre 4, 1st Floor, Law School, Old Government Buildings, free entry. Organised by the NZ Centre for Public Law, for more info contact Renee Tibbs email Renee.Tibbs@vuw.ac.nz

~ WEDS, 23 July - Windymedia film night, this month screening 'Globalisation and the Media' and 'The Coconut Revolution', about the Bougainville struggle and resistance movement. Starts at 8pm, Newtown Community Centre, entry $5 at the door. For more info contact email mr.sterile@paradise.net.nz

~ THURS, 24 July - candle lit 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, 24 July - public screening of controversial British documentaries - Israel’s Secret Weapon (BBC) and The Killing Zone (Channel 4) - "Ariel Sharon has barred the BBC from his meeting with the British press during a visit to London next week amid accusations that the corporation made false allegations against Israel in a report on weapons of mass destruction. The decision to shun the BBC was made by the Israeli government's public relations forum, which includes representatives from Mr Sharon's office, the foreign ministry and the Israeli government's press office. As a result, Israeli officials will refuse to do interviews with the BBC and the corporation will find it difficult to obtain press cards, visas and work permits, effectively cutting off access to the Occupied Palestinian territories" (extracts from The Independent, 11 July 2003); 6pm, Mezzanine Floor Meeting Room, Wellington Central Library, Victoria Street. Organised by Wellington Palestine Group, for more info contact email khamoun@xtra.co.nz

~ FRI, 25 July - Help needed with the annual Peace and Environment Centre street appeal; the street appeal runs from 8am to 6pm, if you can collect for any period of time on the day, please contact Sam, Emily or Mark, tel (04) 385 6728 or email mark@tradeshall.org.nz without delay!

~ SAT, 26 July, SUN, 27 July and TUES 29 July - Te Whanau O Aotearoa ­ Caretakers of the Land, feature documentary premiere. Te Whanau O Aotearoa ­ Caretakers of the Land is a feature-length, self-funded and independently produced documentary by first time feature filmmakers Errol Wright and Abi King-Jones. It is "a story of the quest for peace, of a group of homeless and landless that go by the name Te Whanau O Aotearoa - Caretakers of the Land. A dread-locked Rastafarian who calls himself ‘Brother’ spearheads the group. Brother, having been expelled from Cuba Mall - his usual abode, relocates to the Cenotaph - the war memorial that flanks Parliament, to establish "a village of peace". In effort to gain an audience with the government and get the message out to the people, he and his street whanau enter into a waiting game, whilst being set upon by the police, the press and riled politicians. The film also features Rangiahua Peneha, Junior Pihema, Tama Benjamin, Kevin Shaw and Nandor Tanczos." Screening times: Sat, 2pm; Sun, 2pm' and Tues, 3pm; all at the City Gallery, part of the 32nd Wellington Film Festival. For more info contact email abi_jones77@hotmail.com

~ SUN, 27 July - vegetarian families' group gathering - come along, share afternoon tea, and meet other vegetarian parents while the kids have a chance to play, all vegetarian parents and children welcome; 3pm at Ngaio Playcentre, Silverstream Rd, Crofton Downs. Please bring a plate of vegan afternoon tea to share and $2 for the playcentre hire; for more info contact tel (04) 563 6610 or email nicky.owers@clear.net.nz

~ Ongoing to 15 August - art exhibitions and series of public programmes including: * 'Bombs Away ' - while the war on ‘terror’ is played out on the international stage, 'Bombs Away' explores the meaning and impact of nuclear power through commissioned works by six leading New Zealand artists (Fiona Jack, Jo Randerson, Tony de Lautour, Richard Reddaway and Megan Adams with Paul Redican). Responding to government, pro-nuclear films of atomic testing from the five original nuclear nations, the artists in 'Bombs Away' examine New Zealand's position in a global context * 'Remembering Toba Tek Singh', a significant new-media installation created by internationally acclaimed Indian artist Nalini Malani. Shown as part of the Asia-Pacific Triennial in 2002 at the Queensland Art Gallery, the work deals with the ongoing implications of the 1947 separation of India and Pakistan, and is a reaction, specifically, to nuclear testing in both countries. * 'Kainga Tahi Kainga Rua' which brings together, in collaboration, the artistic direction and work of Brett Graham and the research of Dr. Katerina Teaiwa. A major audio-visual installation, the exhibition centres on Banaba, a small island in the Republic of Kiribati, and explores the issue of phosphate mining undertaken by the Australian and New Zealand governments from 1900 to 1979. 'Kainga Tahi Kainga Rua' reveals the history of Banaba and its people and raises questions about the role New Zealand played in the fate of the island and the country’s place in the Pacific. All at the Adam Art Gallery Te Pataka Toi, for more info contact Danae Mossman tel (04) 463 5229 email Danae.Mossman@vuw.ac.nz or check out http://www.vuw.ac.nz/adamartgal

~ 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, ‘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.

*** NELSON

~ MON, 21 July - Video evening, screening of 'Israel's Secret Weapon' - which country in the Middle East has undeclared nuclear weapons? Which country in the Middle East has undeclared biological and chemical capabilities? Which country in the Middle East has no outside inspections? Which country jailed its nuclear whistleblower for 18 years? - and 'The Leech and the Earthworm’ - Indigenous peoples voice their views of the Western science vision of a genetically engineered future; stunning visuals and music from around the world, a provocative film that inspires us all to ask questions of the collective illusion we call 'progress'. Meals and refreshments available for purchase throughout the evening; starts 6pm, Yaza Cafe, koha entry. Organised by Nelson Peace Group, for more info contact Anne tel (03) 539 0527 or email anne.f@clear.net.nz or Ted (03) 548 8707.

~ WEDS, 23 July - 'Community Conversations on GE', implications for local ecology and economy and our food and health if the moratorium is lifted in October will be discussed, and local government actions, which may significantly impact the results following on from this policy change; 5pm to 6-30pm, Fairfield House. Organised by Nelson Environment Centre and GE Aware Nelson, for more info contact Nelson Environment Centre tel (03) 545 9176 or email nec@tasman.net

*** CHRISTCHURCH

~ SUN, 20 July - ‘An eyewitness account of the invasion of Iraq’ - Ruth Russell, from South Australia, was a human shield in Baghdad for eight weeks, including three weeks protecting a humanitarian site during the bombing which began in March 2003. She speaks about her experience there, what she and other human shields saw during the invasion; her talk is illustrated with photos taken at the time. "I decided to pack my bags and go to Baghdad because I believed this was the strongest statement I could make that this war was both illegal and morally wrong. So my first and most important effort was to speak out to try to prevent war. Right up until the last moment I thought the incredible world opinion and lack of any UN Resolution would work ­ the people of the world did not want it - only three out of 180 countries supported the US government. When war was declared, I chose to stay at the Taji Food Silo to prevent bombing of this UN designated humanitarian site." Hear Ruth’s story from 3pm till 5pm, WEA Centre, 59 Gloucester St. Organised by WILPF, Otautahi/Christchurch, for more information contact Janine or Adrienne tel (03) 348 1350, email janine@disarmsecure.org or adrienne@disarmsecure.org

~ 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 4-30pm, at the Airport Roundabout (where the totem pole is). For more info contact Christchurch Catholic Worker email mmc62@student.canterbury.ac.nz

*** TIMARU

~ 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

~ MON, 21 to SAT, 26 July - Palestinian Week of Action, focussing on what you need to know to evaluate the Road Map; with speakers, videos, stalls, and static displays. For more info about planning meetings, getting involved, or anything else contact email fionabowker@hotmail.com

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