Protest! Asset Sales – TPPA
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- Date published:
8:00 am, December 8th, 2012 - 51 comments
Categories: activism, assets, greens, labour, mana, Privatisation, trade -
Tags: gareth hughes, Jane Kelsey, stop asset sales, tpp
Yesterday evening there was an Aotearoa is Not For Sale, anti-asset sales protest in Auckland city, that included an anti-TPPA element. It was a curtain raiser for a TPPA Day of Action today, with protests in Nelson and Auckland. Friday evening’s demonstration celebrated getting close to the target number of signatures required on the petition for a referendum on Asset Sales. It was also to encourage people to re-energise for the last push to reach the target number of signatures.
The anti-asset sales march began outside Britomart Station, central Auckland a little after 6pm, with a chill wind blowing and blustery showers. The march of several hundred people (I’m hopeless at estimating crowd sizes) walked noisily up Queen street and arrived in Aotea Square in the calm evening sunshine.
At the beginning, the guy on the megaphone welcomed the women from the on-going state housing protest in Glen Innes. He praised the women for being at the forefront of the fight against asset sales.The participants in the march included people from the Green, Mana and Labour Parties, Socialist Aotearoa, someone carrying a nurses banner, some people with climate change placards, one dressed as the climate change “elephant in the room“, and many others: a diverse and lively crowd. On the walk up Queen Street we often stopped to chant in front of passersby, sometimes blocking intersections – this seemed to annoy one of the car drivers who sat on their horn for a long time.
As we neared Wellesley Street a group of Hare Krishnas walked on the pavement beside us, singing their chorus with drums and hand cymbals. The competition with our chants was festive and energising.
At Aotea Square we gathered on the grass in front of the town hall for some short speeches. Russell from the Maritime Union spoke first.
Then the women from Glen Innes, leaders of the struggle against asset theft, took a stage call. They were introduced with reference to the introduction of state housing back in the 1930s. The Labour Party people responsible for that were largely working class men. Today the majority of those at the forefront of the struggle against the removal of state housing are women.
Gareth Hughes was commended on his big effort in enthusiastically leading the gathering of signatures for the referendum petition. He said they now had 350,000 signatures, and that the target of 410,000 should be reached pretty soon. Meanwhile Laila Harre continued to gather signatures at the edge of the crowd.
As well as speaking against asset sales, Phil Twyford called the government out for many of the unacceptable things it was doing, including the demonising of beneficiaries.
Sian from Aotearoa Is Not for Sale, and Socialist Aotearoa gave her first ever speech, saying that our assets shouldn’t be run for profit, but should be run for the people. Hone Harawira, who had a tangi to attend, sent a message of support, and John Minto spoke for Mana.
Jane Kelsey repeated some of the things she said in the last 2 Citizen A‘s. She said TPP would shut down the use of the Internet in an easy and affordable way. (See Geoff Cumming, NZH article this morning on Internet & copyright issues.) Kelsey also said that Key’s government wanted to sell off the assets so that TPP would lock them in. It would be almost impossible to get them back without multinational corporations suing the NZ government. Kelsey directed her accusing eyes at the Sky Tower needle that looms behind Aotea Square. The TPP negotiations are being conducted in secrecy in Sky City. It was there that she was looking when she lead the chant – Shame! Shame! Shame.
Kelsey said that the march today would be leaving Aotea Square promptly at 2.00 pm, because they needed to arrive at Sky City by 2.30 pm to deliver the Avaaz petition. Someone suggested people should aim to get to the Square around 1.30 pm. Kelsey announced there would be some street theatre at Sky City.
Some background on the TPPA in the latest edition of Werewolf (#36: 28 Nov 2012).
Actions – in the next few days in NZ (mostly Auckland):
Sat 8 Dec Nelson 12 Noon: March Millers Acre to the 1903 site.
Sat 8 Dec Auckland 2pm: Major rally and presentation of Avaaz petition on TPP …, meeting at Aotea Square at 1.30-2pm: leaving promptly at 2pm to march to entrance of Skycity casino, Federal St. ..
Sat 8 Dec Auckland 6-9pm. TPPA? No way! Awareness raising concert at St Kevin’s Arcade, K’Road.
Sat 8 Dec Auckland 6-8pm: Creative Freedom: Protecting NZ’s copyright Act. Toto Restaurant, public event on the TPP, featuring a number of flash talks, performances & displays (see information at the link)
Mon 10 Dec Auckland 5.30pm: “Trading away our future: TPPA and the Environment”, … Refreshments provided. 5.30 at Green Party offices, 17 Mercury Lane, Newton. http://www.facebook.com/events/562836617066132/
[I hope today’s protests go well. I am unable to go][Update] I have not seen one MSM report of last night’s peaceful and good humoured demonstration. Today’s demo makes headlines because there was violence. There is a little mention of the reasons for the protest buried at the bottom of the article. And of course, it’s the protesters who were being violent according to the MSM.
Reports from RNZ, 3 News (there was more focus on the violence in the 6pm TV news), NewstalkZB, Stuff. John Minto is critical of stupid and provocative policing. Video in support of allegations that a woman protester was punched in the face by a police officer. GPJA claims it was stupid and provocative policing that caused the violence. Bomber says the media only turned up after they heard there was violence happening.
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- Release: Labour will continue fight against destructive projects
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...5 days ago
- Green Government will revoke dodgy fast-track projects
The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...5 days ago
- Government for the wealthy keeps pushing austerity
The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...5 days ago
- Release: Visa changes let migrant workers be paid less
The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...5 days ago
- Release: Nightmare before Christmas for Nicola Willis
With more debt and a larger deficit, Nicola Willis’ reputation is in tatters after her failure to return the Government’s books to surplus. ...5 days ago
- Warning to Fast-Track Applicants – ‘Exploit the Whenua, Face the Consequences’
Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government. This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals ...5 days ago
- Release: Govt cuts wages for lowest paid NZers… again
For the second year running, the government has effectively cut wages for the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. ...5 days ago
- Govt’s miserly 1.5% minimum wage will take workers backwards
The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...5 days ago
- Release: Govt shirking responsibility for rate hikes
All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...5 days ago
- Luxon’s ‘localism’ strikes again
The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt breaks promise on EV chargers
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...6 days ago
- Greens call for end to subsidies for Methanex
The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...6 days ago
- Govt child poverty targets allow for increase in poverty
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...1 week ago
- Release: Four weeks annual leave under threat
The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
- Govt’s emissions plan for measly 1% reduction
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...1 week ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...9 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...2 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...2 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...2 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...2 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...2 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...2 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...2 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...2 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...3 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...3 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...3 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...3 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...3 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...3 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...3 days ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...3 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...3 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...3 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...4 days ago
- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...4 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...4 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...4 days ago
- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...4 days ago
- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...4 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...4 days ago
- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...4 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...4 days ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...4 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...4 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...4 days ago
- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...4 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...4 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...4 days ago
- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...4 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...4 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...5 days ago
- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...5 days ago
- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
Legislation to enable new water service delivery models that will drive critical investment in infrastructure has passed its first reading in Parliament, marking a significant step towards the delivery of Local Water Done Well, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly say.“Councils and voters ...5 days ago
- Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
New Zealand is one step closer to reaping the benefits of gene technology with the passing of the first reading of the Gene Technology Bill, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. "This legislation will end New Zealand's near 30-year ban on gene technology outside the lab and is ...5 days ago
- Signs of the hīkoi: More than just ‘words on cardboard’
The placards seen at the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti conveyed "huge kōrero with immediacy", expert says: "People know the power of the word." ...5 hours ago - A final Ode to .. King Luxon
Cosmic CatastropheThe year draws to a close.King Luxon has grown tired of the long eveningsListening to the dreary squabbling of his Triumvirate.He strolls up to the top floor of the PalaceTo consult with his Astronomer Royal.The Royal Telescope scans the skies,And King Luxon stares up into the heavensFrom the terrestrial ...13 hours ago - A hater and an enthusiast review The Royal Free by Carl Shuker
Spinoff editor Mad Chapman and books editor Claire Mabey debate Carl Shuker’s new novel about… an editor. Claire: Hello Mad, you just finished The Royal Free – overall impressions? Mad: Hi Claire, I literally just put the book down and I would have to say my immediate impression is ...14 hours ago - Survive to 25 (December, that is)
Christmas and its buildup are often lonely, hard and full of unreasonable expectations. Here’s how to make it to Jesus’s birthday and find the little bit of joy we all deserve. Have you found this year relentless? Has the latest Apple update “fucked up your life”? Have you lost two ...14 hours ago
- All I want for Christmas is modern day slavery legislation
Despite overwhelming public and corporate support, the government has stalled progress on a modern day slavery law. That puts us behind other countries – and makes Christmas a time of tragedy rather than joy, argues Shanti Mathias. Picture the scene on Christmas Day. Everyone replete with nice things to eat, ...14 hours ago
- Israeli-American historian describes attacks on Gaza as ‘war of annihilation’
Asia Pacific Report “It looks like Hiroshima. It looks like Germany at the end of World War Two,” says an Israeli-American historian and professor of holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University about the horrifying reality of Gaza. Professor Omer Bartov, has described Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza as an ...17 hours ago - NZ govt plans to make ‘heavy handed’ change to free speech rules for universities
The New Zealand government coalition is tweaking university regulations to curb what it says is an increasingly “risk-averse approach” to free speech. The proposed changes will set clear expectations on how universities should approach freedom of speech issues. Each university will then have to adopt a “freedom of speech statement” ...17 hours ago
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This report reflects that gap in our dealings overseas, and it shows that legislators, the public sector and businesses need to walk the talk. ...1 day ago - Government quietly scraps waste minimisation policies
The government has quietly cancelled plans to improve recycling and roll out a kerbside food scraps composting scheme. ...1 day ago
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Pacific Media Watch The union for Australian journalists has welcomed the delivery by the federal government of more than $150 million to support the sustainability of public interest journalism over the next four years. Combined with the announcement of the revamped News Bargaining Initiative, this could result in up to ...1 day ago
- Transmission Gully partnership breakdown will not hurt future public-private partnerships, Infrastru...
The roads partnership unravelled under a confidential settlement this week, meaning NZTA will now finish off what it had said was incomplete work. ...1 day ago
- Funding cuts to charity particularly felt over Christmas period
The number of people seeking help from Lifeline is expected to increase by 10 to 20 percent over Christmas. ...2 days ago
- Nelson Hospital conditions ‘unbearable’ – staff
One worker says the building is decrepit and falling down around them. ...2 days ago
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MONDAY“Merry Xmas, and praise the Lord,” said Sheriff Luxon, and smiled for the camera. There was a flash of smoke when the shutter pressed down on the magnesium powder. The sheriff had arranged for a photographer from the Dodge Gazette to attend a ceremony where he handed out food parcels to ...2 days ago
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- Early-onset dementia under the microscope
Comment: If we say the word ‘dementia’, many will picture an older person struggling to remember the names of their loved ones, maybe a grandparent living out their final years in an aged care facility. Dementia can also occur in people younger than 65, but it can take time before ...2 days ago
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Piracy is a reality of modern life – but copyright law has struggled to play catch-up for as long as the entertainment industry has existed. As far back as 1988, the House of Lords criticised copyright law’s conflict with the reality of human behaviour in the context of burning cassette ...2 days ago
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A handful of foreign diplomats have misbehaved during their time here - and not all of them have been brought to justice. ...2 days ago
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A West Coast IT worker is warning patients will die as Health New Zealand aims to slash its data and digital staff. ...2 days ago
- Polytech sales possible but unlikely when Te Pūkenga disestablished – minister
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Former Labour MP and mayor of Auckland's North Shore City Ann Hartley has died. ...2 days ago
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The Government announced the end of the programme that allowed Māori and Pacific people to acess bowel cancer screening at 50-years-old. ...2 days ago
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Top job Karol. To anyone with the minutest skerrick of optimism left for the future of this great country – watch Citizen A again, gather some cobbers and get down there this avo.
Remember mining. Not just a shot in the arm for your own soul, a real chance to be part of a ripening world.
Good real Kiwis. I’ve done my bit: I’ve signed the petition and made a submission, essentially selling off our assets is : “Daylight Robbery”. Well done Protesters let’s put a spanner in the works of Goldman Sachs John and keep our land for us not International Vulture Capitalists who want to pick over profit remains here. 🙂
Shit, better tell police about our 1% march. We need marshals and protection with so many protestors out. Auckland better look the fuck out.
TightyRighty
Regarding the value of protest, you might be interested to read this:
http://thearchdruidreport.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/consuming-democracy.html
Actually, I think the Glen Innes women’s protest points to part of the answer to productive activism. it’s localised, flax-roots, on a pressing issue that the MSM don’t want ot take much notice of.
And they are linking in with the wider campaigns like Aotearoa Not for Sale.
Networks of small groups working on specific local issues, linked into a broad movement of other local campaigners and takers of positive action.
Robert, are you trying to bore me into accepting your beliefs?
That article, as with most if the anti-America, world is ending rubbish completely ignores the abundance of entrepreneurship and innovation at the wests disposal. Far better of course to make everyone poorer fr ideological reasons than believe that we can be rich and awesome. A prime example of why the left always loses the minds of the voter, too negative.
The right don’t have minds to lose, just investment portfolios and a bunch of foul prejudices. Sadly, in the Aotearoa of today, this seems to go down well.
Another broken record, how do you think the wealthy get that way? It’s not by being stupid.
Murray Olsen = clod
Nah I’ve met plenty of stupid rich people and plenty of intelligent poor people. It”s not about intelligence. You already know that though.
No-one said they had a low IQ. It’s the amoral misuse of that intelligence that’s so striking to the rest of us.
And few have much problem with someone who gains wealth by creating something new or more effective; entrepreneurship has a very real and useful place.
But of course that’s not how most wealth has been accumulated. Is it?
very+1 Red Logix
Actually pork pie, considering what they’ve done and intend to do to our planet, I don’t mind calling most of the rich stupid at all. I’d guess you’re not one of them though, you just like lubing up your slug gun to Ted Nugent videos while you dream of your rightful place as John Key’s limousine driver.
I’d say at least 75% of the problems we face have come about because most of us believe people with smart suits and big wallets know what they’re talking about. One day we might evolve enough to consider content rather than form, but for many of us that day will never arrive.
I like the Glen Inness women’s expression, ‘Asset Theft ‘.
It’s much more powerful than the old ‘Asset Sales’ expression and tells what the issue really is about.
And, of course, last night’s totally peaceful protest got no news coverage, at all.
And now the main coverage today’s demo gets, is all about the violence, and little about the reasons for protesting!
Disgusting behavior from the usual 150 protestors that turned up.
You guys arent the 99%, your not even the 1%
Hey, do NOT accuse the 150 number of participants in the protest ALL of “bashing” and whatever you may like to call this!
It was likely more people than that who went to the march and before the convention centre, but you are applying “collective guilt” and imply justified “collective punishment”.
That disqualifies you for a start, to be taken serious.
Once again the left wing protest movement proved how
violent and disgusting they’re are.
Two police officers got assaulted, one female officer
was repeatedly kicked in the head, by a female
protestor.
The usual suspects were involved in this ugly protest,
Green party MP Catherine Delahunty, activist John
Minto, the other 148 protestors were from the usual
Socialist/communist parties and various anti Israel and
various union groups.
Jane Kelsey who (organized the protest)
like most socialists tried to blame the police.
The protest was against free trade, and as usual, they
tried to burn the American flag.
Well here is a message to all those protestors who
protested…
You guys aren’t the 99%, you guys arent even the 1%
your a handful of people who have an ideology that
99.9% of kiwis DISAGREE with.
How dare you, try to dictate to the country, how this
country should be run, and how dare you be violent
towards the police and members of the public.
YOU DON’T GET TO DO THAT!!!
Heres hoping justice will be done, and the people
who attacked the police will be bought to justice.
I anit holding my breath though.
Do you have evidence of what actually happened at the protest, Brett? A long rant, but short of evidence.
And how do you explain a week of peaceful protests? And I saw no reports of Delahunty or Minto being involved in any violence.
Hey carol, yep tv3 had some footage and arrests have now been made!
Brett, I saw it on the 6pm news, and watched it again online. It shows is a lot of people pushing and shoving, and no evidence of how it started. No evidence of Delahunty or Minto being involved in violence. So what evidence are you saying “yep” to?
I hope the policewoman apologizes for any damage done to the protestors foot
Seriously, you want violence against woman?
Talk to this guy:
https://twitter.com/AAMCommons/status/277277778661998592
What does that guy got to do with the person who kicked a female officer in the head?
I thought you were talking about “violence against woman”
I’ve just added a link to the bottom of my post: an article by John Minto saying the policing of the demo was stupid and provocative.
I do think if the authorities weren’t so set on keeping the TPP negotiations secret, and away from the media and public, tensions probably would not have escalated so much.
Seriously, you don’t get sarcasm?
Don’t waste your time, Viper. You’d get more sense out of a concrete post.
Poor old Brett Dale is at it again….
Once again the left wing protest movement proved…
Once again YOU have proved how little you know about anything, including politics.
Instead of boring everyone here with your foolish right-wing nonsense, why don’t you go back to your sad little blog and put up yet another anti-football rant?
Morrissey [deleted]
And you have been boring people ever since your days on usenet. Oh I love Football, i dont like rugby union.
Why not speak out about violence against woman, but then again that doesnt bother you.
And you have been boring people ever since your days on usenet.
Ha! Even from someone who was mildly competent, that would be a desperately inadequate attempt at a rejoinder. From you, though, it’s exactly what one would expect—limp, witless, and totally off the mark.
Oh I love Football, i dont like rugby union.
You really are bewildered. That moronic comment just confirms it. By the way, nobody, other than you and Murray Deaker, uses the term “rugby union”. It’s simply “rugby” or “football”. Are you actually Murray Deaker?
Why not speak out about violence against woman, but then again that doesnt bother you.
What a totally idiotic non-sequitur.
Morrisey:
Am I murray deaker????
Thats a bit low and uncalled for.
Agreed, Murray is an idiot, but there’s no call for that comparison.
“Violent” and “disgusting” accusations thrown at the “left” protestors here, what a load of bloody nonsense?
So you accuse Delahunty, Minto and others to be responsible for all this? How can they be responsible for every individual at a protest, who may or may not have acted outside the law?
Where then is the Prime Minister’s responsibility for the GCSB and some police thugs, who in some cases abuse the law and deal to NZ residents and citizens they dislike or find as being easy targets to “keep and eye” on, or spy on, in some cases also harass or beat up dissenting protestors.
Add the SIS perhaps.
Where is the PM’s responsibility for an MP accused of lying, supporting his fragile government in Parliament?
Maybe that is why there is not much “right wing” protest action in NZ, because a lot of “right wing” action is applied “legally” under the umbrella of the present “state”?
Maybe join your mates on Whaleoil’s blog, he must “love” your sort of one-eyed hater.
Yeah exactly! You ‘orrible lefties should leave that up to the Transnational Corporations, eh Brett.
Did see some cop smack out some wanker out on the news, Bang, that prick will be eating via a straw for the next couple of months.
Yep and that guy will still be more coherent than Mumbles Shearer!
Any concern for the woman police officer that got her head kicked in? or do peace activists like your self and minto turn a blind eye to that, as long as the person doing the kicking has the same ideology.
I don’t like any violence, and I hope the police officer recovers OK.
Ustream (BIG PUSH AGAINST #TPPA FULL) has a continuous video taken of the demo, but it’s not clear what happened. It looked peaceful outside Sky City at 1hr 30mins. Then at around 1 hr 33 mins the protesters set fire to the petition. There’s a scuffle, but it’s hard to see what happened.
The police officer currently in hospital because of the thugs, might be able to shed the light on the matter, im guessing it was members of socialist aotearoa.
Hey Brett, do you actually know anyone from S.A? Be a huge surprise to me if it was any of those people, maybe you can let us know what you base your “guessing” on? Or should we simply bow to your superior……..thing
As for provocation, just who was that guy walking around at the Nats conference protest a few years ago screaming “Shame” in everyone’s faces, you remember eh? Remember a nice calm Wharfie drawing a police woman’s attention to the poorly suited fool and having him escorted back to the lobby of the hotel frothing and trying to pull away. Needed a hand from another police man just to get him safely closeted away.
Oh BTW, TV One reporting this
“ANFS event organiser Miriam Pierard told ONE News, that “we’ve actually spoken to lots of National voters who have come out in support of us and have said they are ashamed of voting National.”
Wonder if what you saw was another chocolate soldier from the NACTs trying to reclaim his or her vigor without the aid of viagra…
Oh, and this from TV One as well;
“Police say that there had been no issues reported in Auckland’s CBD in relation to today’s march”.
Anyway Brett, Merry Christmas, hope the Christmas message softens your heart, and pray that your family never need more than they can afford.
How about a nation wide strike? I think we should instigate the final showdown!!!!! Like Spain, like Greece and all the other European countries that held the Europe wide strike!!!! Let’s kick these bastards out once and for all!!!!!
Good luck with your nationwide strike, with union membership at only a shade above 17% of the workforce it ain’t going to have much effect.
More LIES and bullshit from the NZ mainstream (misinforming) corporate media:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10852773
Just read the lines:
“A handful of police and SkyCity security staff were overwhelmed by more than 150 protesters, forcing the on-the-ground commander to call in reinforcements from around Auckland.
“Police staff moved in to prevent escalation and two officers were separated, attacked and kicked numerous times. Fire appliances were called to the scene to help,” police said in a statement. “Two arrests were made. One of these arrests was a female that stomped on a constables head.””
Added further down in the article a range of names of prominent protest participants, including Auckland Uni professor Kelsey, Auckland City councillor Casey, Green MP Delahunty are mentioned, almost suggesting, they participated ALL in a violent attack on “a handful” of police and security officers.
What a load of rubbish. There were on TV3 certainly many, many more than a handful of police and security officers to be seen, and given the location, the event and announced protest, police always make sure they have enough numbers there, especially with such high level, international meetings. Surely, not the whole protest group of 150 would have pushed to try to get into the convention centre at Sky City Casino.
Indeed, some scuffles appear to have broken out between a few protestors, who according to also present MP Hone Harawira appeared to have been provoked by excessive police force. One police officer that fell to the ground had a helmet on! Of the other one, not much could be seen. If someone actually kicked an officer, then they will naturally face charges and must stand before a court.
I would guess though, that the trouble started, because police objected to some boxes with refused petition papers being set on fire in the middle of the street. Instead of containing the incident, something must have happened to lead to scuffles, which could be seen on TV3 news. TV1 treated the incident with much less attention to detail, but more bias, as far as I would say.
Increasingly some of the MSM appear to be joining other forces to prepare for the further tightening of laws and suffocation of public dissent, yes bringing this country closer to a de-facto kind of elite ruled dictatorship. Protestors have already been stigmatised and intimidated frequently before, be this a protest at the Auckland region WINZ and MSD office not long ago, the filming of the protests against the benefit cuts in Henderson, West Auckland, by constantly associating protesters with antisocial and “beneficiary” elements, tending to create “disorder”.
It will serve NatACT and their tough law and order talk, same as the beneficiary bashing, serving as another opportunity to create a link between “rent a crowd” protesters living off benefits, and a justification for tightening criminal law and the benefit laws.
Get prepared for the next major law changes, more police powers, and better also prepare for the tight ship “Fuehrer Shearer” will run, should he ever win an election with his largely submissive caucus “committee”.
Shutting up dissent on blog-sites is just the beginning.
Times to be very, very afraid!
Agree, xtasy.
Police managing a pre-planned demonstration, and not a very large protest at that, should be well able to enable it to stay peaceful. There is a science to managing crowds, that is well-known to those in the crowd management business like the police. And yet, they engaged in provocative behaviour. Either yesterday they had an incompetent officer or two in their ranks, or they deliberately set out to provoke the crowd.
Sometimes police deliberately set out to provoke a protest in order to discredit it. There’s a well known term when the police, or other state agencies, employ agents to help with such provocation.
There was a second incident yesterday, when the police zoomed into a small group of protesters at Aotea Square and allegedly pushed protesters aside, then threw a woman to the ground. (video and description of the incident linked at the bottom of my post). A woman protester was allegedly punched in the face by an officer.
Whether it was incompetence or deliberate, such incidents enable to government to reinforce dramatic headlines by denouncing the cause the protesters support. In this case this will be an extra way, John Key will dismiss opposition to the TPP.
Once a crowd is provoked, some members will get angry and retaliate in a less than desirable way. In one of the reports, Kelsey was urging protesters to stand firm. Some clearly didn’t listen or hear. But that’s what happens when a crowd is provoked – any crowd.
Going by the 3news coverage, which was brief, but showed a bit, I had the impression that something got out of hand during a standoff between police (and security) on Federal Street, and it seemed that some of the protesters actually tried to intervene and calm things down.
Now why does this never gets mentioned.
Protesters in NZ are increasingly treated as the “marginal” “rent-a-crowd”, who are a bit “mad” and “aggressive”, and not just the Police, but even the mainstream media feeds on this, as it delivers instant “headlines” when something even little goes wrong.
I will wait and see what some will have to say, who may have been close to the incident and seen more than I could. Admittedly I could not make it to the protest, as due to time and financial restrictions my ability to participate is at times severely limited. I am sure many others are in similar situations. Hence the not so large turnouts (also due to some too afraid getting involved now).
Global Peace and Justice have issued a press release, claiming the violence started when police made the poor decision to intervene after protesters started the fire:
And Bomber has argued similarly. He also says the media only turned up after they heard there was some violence happening – shame on the MSM. Their thirst for drama, conflict and ratings skews the coverage of important matters.
As I said above, there are recognised methods of crowd management, and it is always best to defuse tensions rather than provoke them (I learned a little of this when I underwent a short training to be a marshall for the Sydney Mardi Gras procession a few years back – I’m sure police have more intensive and in-depth training on it).
I will add these links to the bottom of the post for future reference.
That is along the lines of what I had expected to have happened.
And where are the media reports now about the alleged “stomping” on a police officer’s head?
I heard no comments from Police, the MSM, nor any other person about this.
So all that appears to also have been VASTLY EXAGGERATED and possibly even been distorted again.
It is disgusting that they get away with this, without making any correcting statements in a follow up.
CRAP media is dominating the NZ media scene, and it is getting worse every year.