Don’t forget the TPPA demonstration tomorrow 1 pm at Aotea Square in Auckland. Although if you are an American Citizen your consulate thinks you should be careful …
I found these details on a link in the above post :
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These details are subject to change and events may be added to this list, so make sure you check in on http://www.itsourfuture.org.nz for the latest updates ahead of TPPA Action Week. If you want to organise something in your area, please contact edwardcrmiller@gmail.com.
Kaitaia
15 August, gather at Memorial Park at 9.30am to create/share placards, then walk through market and main street.
Hokianga
15 August protest, 11am at Kohukohu Village Green.
Whangarei
15 August protest, 11am at the Tarewa Park.
Auckland
15 August protest, 1pm at Aotea Square to march down Queen Street, featuring speakers and music.
Hamilton
15 August protest, Meet @ 1pm outside Cock and Bull carpark on corner of Church and Maui.
Colville
15 August protest, 2pm outside the Colville Community Hall.
Tauranga
14th August – public meeting
15 August protest at 10.30am, Red Square.
Whakatane
15 August protest at 11am, location TBC.
Napier/Hastings
15 August protest, 1pm at Memorial Square.
Wanganui
8 August protest, 1pm, march from Silver Ball in the market to Majestic Square.
New Plymouth
15 August protest, 1pm at Puke Ariki.
Palmerston North
14 August will be a concert in the library at 5pm, then documentary maker and investigative journalist Bryan Bruce will speak at 6pm on Poverty, Inequality & the TPPA.
Many committed P North activists will also be heading to Wellington on 15 August.
Featherston
15 August Rally, 11am at TBC
Wellington
15 August – TPPA Walk Away! Protest action to stop the TPPA. Assemble at Midland Park at 1pm and march to Parliament for speakers and music. More details to come.
Golden Bay
14 August protest, 12pm at Golden Bay Village Green.
Nelson
15 August protest at 11:00am, top of Trafalgar St – 1903 Square.
Christchurch
14 August New Economics Seminar and Expo, 7pm at Horticultural Hall.
15 August protest at 12:30pm. Location: South Hagley Park (corner Deans Ave and Riccarton Rd) marching down Riccarton Rd.
Little River
15 August rally, 12pm at Little River Craft Station.
Timaru
15 August protest, 11am at Bay Piazza.
Dunedin
15 August protest at 1pm, marching from the Dental School to the Octagon.
TPP protest in New Zealand could turn ‘confrontational’ US citizens told by USA !
The United States is warning its citizens in Auckland that a TPP protest planned for Saturday could turn ugly, and they should stay away.
In an email, the US Consulate General in Auckland urged any US citizens to avoid the march as “even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational.”
“We remind citizens to always exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.”
Up to 8000 protesters are expected to gather on Auckland’s Queen St, to march against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free-trade agreement.
The 12-nation agreement is in the final throes of negotiation, but has been controversial due to the level of secrecy surrounding it.
————-
Green Party national intelligence and security spokesman Russel Norman said US consular staff needed to “relax”.
“This is democracy in action and it’s not Ferguson. The police won’t be shooting people, it’s not scary.
“They should just come along and they might learn something.”
True, may be they have an inkling that a lot of local Americans opposed to the TPP provisions are actually planning to join the protest, for all we know!
To me, if New Zealand signs this secret deal with all the expected hooks and controls, it will be the biggest mistake that our nation will ever do, when there are easier and safer options of bilateral treaties. May not be as big as the TPPA, but at least we will not be enslaved and lose our freedom and dignity in the bargain.
The large corporates, working for their shareholders and their profits, already have a lot of power around the world. Why give them more control by perpetually enslaving ourselves as a consequence? Once in, we are dead as an independent people.
At least in bilateral agreements, we retain mutually agreed fairness, benefits and more independence. If over time, it turns to custard, it would be easy to renegotiate the terms or terminate the deal more easily. Not so with a multi nation deal, especially for a smaller country like New Zealand.
Reject TPPA. Don’t jump and regret at leisure. Will be too late.
Paranoia is always rife when the Americans become involved.
I am reminded of an occasion when a similar warning went out to American citizens living in NZ. It was January 1991, around the start of the first Gulf War. I was working as a citizen on an Air Force base and one of my superiors was a former American marine officer. (Interesting story there.)
Having once taken part in a peaceful anti-nuclear march up Queen St., that was apparently enough to designate me a dangerous individual. I found myself under intense scrutiny both on and off that base and it eventually turned very nasty. I remember lying in bed at night… my heart thumping with fear.
The Public Service hierarchy closed ranks when I later tried to get some answers for the bizarre behaviour, and as a result nobody was ever brought to account.
This is the first time the Americans I know received one, and the astonishment being expressed on twitter by others indicates that they have never had a warning about demonstrations before.
Yeah. As I read the last one from them I wondered, do they realise they’re actually just doing a nice job of publicising it?
Kinda like reports of their guys in Vietnam clomping through the jungle with their strong smelling soap and toothpaste, and all the rattling of the kit hanging off their bags.
It is almost like they are looking for trouble and that it is being talked up
People are getting desperate
I hope we have thousands outside that embassy and we will make our voices heard
we do not want their TPPA
Yes Draco – NZ did initiate a free trade agreement with Pacific nations. BUT then the USA muscled in on it and turned into a monster ready to take over entire nations! so I think we can blame the USians for what the TPPA has turned out to be – a nightmare for the future of our country.
The American millitary haven’t been training our police force in the latest riot control methods for nothing. And the timing of the roll out of new tasers to all officers, along with this propaganda alert by the American Embassy suggests the cops will be taser happy to zap anyone getting carried away. Take it easy at the rallies and don’t turn it into a shocking experience 🙂
but all the rules and regulations, certification, TISA have not come from NZ. The patent, food labelling, intellectual property regs are largely being driven by corporations via USA.
I don’t think anyone is against the American people. The protest is against the secret TPPA deal that is being driven by the big multinational corporations and some stupid politicians who are about to sell our country’s freedom and sovereignty.
Forget large TPP agreements with all its hooks and shit and instead, let is just stick to bilateral trade agreements between nations where we have better control of our own destiny, independence and democracy.
Walk away from TPPA now, before it is too late.
I hope there are at least a few cabinet ministers and National MPs with enough sense, patriotism and conscience who will revolt against this dangerous TPPA.
U.S. warns nationals away from New Zealand anti-TPP demonstration
English.news.cn 2015-08-14 11:46:31
WELLINGTON, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) — United States diplomats in New Zealand have warned U.S. nationals to avoid going near a march in Auckland to protest against the controversial 12-nation Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal on Saturday.
The U.S. Consulate in Auckland put a notice on its website and reportedly e-mailed U.S. nationals in New Zealand on Friday that New Zealand police expected about 8,000 people would attend the march in central Auckland at 1 p.m. local time.
“We urge citizens to avoid the protest march route as even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational. We remind citizens to always exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations,” said the notice on the website.
“The Department of State remains concerned about the threat of violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance, to be aware of their surroundings and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.”
The Auckland march is expected to be the biggest of a series of protests against the TPP scheduled for many of New Zealand’s main centers on Saturday.
Trade spokesperson for the opposition Green Party, Russel Norman, told Radio New Zealand that he would be joining the protests, and U.S. citizens had nothing to fear.
“I’d just say to the U.S. Embassy, Auckland isn’t Ferguson and the police won’t be shooting people,” Norman said.
“It’ll be a peaceful demonstration, they should just relax and maybe they should come along — they might learn something.”
Opponents have objected to the secrecy surrounding the TPP talks and claim many of the provisions will undermine New Zealand’ s sovereignty and allow transnational corporations undue influence over the country’s laws and regulations.
…… ”
____________________________________________________________________________________
However – there are actually a LOT of Americans who are ALSO opposed to the TPPA?
Over 2,000 USA groups Urge Opposition to Fast Track April 27, 2015
Looking forward to as many American citizens who are equally opposed to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) joining New Zealanders all over the country in our national TPPA – WALK AWAY! day of action Saturday 15 August 2015.
Events planned for all over New Zealand are listed HERE:
I do hope that there are not going to be any saboteurs / provocateurs who attempt to disrupt the planned PEACEFUL protests which are being held all over New Zealand tomorrow?
Loved the huge banner in the photo – I hope it leads the march. Also loved Russel Norman’s response to the Consulate reminder – about it not being Ferguson and nobody will be getting shot. Please be careful everyone as tasers will be out in force and I personally know somebody who has been tasered and it’s nasty. Paranoia isn’t the word for it but I think there are other reasons for the Consulate message and they’re not for their citizen’s safety. A sort of subtle warning “we are watching you” . I bet there will be drones hovering overhead taking shots of the crowds – the dossier of mug shots will be enlarging even more – oh happy days.
Good luck with the protest march, I would be there but I am crook with asthma and I am getting on in years – I have marched in the past so my heart is with everybody doing their bit.
Pouring with rain in Auckland currently, which will affect numbers because there is no shelter in Aotea Square. I will still go as one of “the usual faces” but the numbers attending protests never represent the degree of opposition to an issue.
The comparison with the rugby is pathetic. Eden Park is under cover, but more to the point, those going have already spent a fortune on tickets. Of course they will go.
Gutted to not be able to attend today in Wellington. A serious foot injury and a lingering respiratory infection isn’t ideal for chanting, shouting and marching.
No matter where you are in the country today, go hard, have fun!
PS: Re these comments about tasers. It was only announced fairly recently that all front line Police would be issued with tasers. Is it likely they would already have the large stocks of tasers they need available to them? And if so, is the issuing of tasers immediate?
I can’t think of anything more chilling than attending a rally seeing cops with tasers on their hips.
Clown masks? Pretty shabby assessment of the great work the Police do to protect us from criminals. I do hope you have a viable alternative? Or is it just your delusional paranoia kicking it? It’s quite legendary I hear.
That’s from Chris Trotter who is very experienced at counting people at protest marches. Chris counted the blocks of marchers. He didn’t guess by looking at the square.
Having had many decades of marching in Queen Street, my estimate would be over 10,000. The Herald is claiming 5000 and Stuff 2000, but both figures seemed to be based on Aotea Square. A lot of people were sheltering from the rain in nearby buildings while waiting for the march to start, so the Aotea Square number is not accurate.
The march itself was wide and very, very long. I saw people I hadn’t seen on a march since the Springbok tour.
I am sure the Government security helicopters, GCSB, CIA, SIS, the Police, the satellites, some foreign press etc would be able to give us a more accurate estimate. Waiting to hear Key or Groser reveal this secret number in the house on Tuesday during question time!
where as I heard on RNZ that there were 3000 in wgtn and 2,500 in akld.
Friend texted from the akld rally and told me there were “thousands”. Not sure if meant 15,000 – 20,000 though………….I got the sense that she meant the lower thousands.
Royal NZ Herald says an “estimated 5000” marched in Auckland. Stuff & Nonsense says it was “around 2000” and “around a thousand” marched in Wellington.
An estimated 300-400 of us (estimated by me) marched in Napier from Memorial Square to the Sound Shell chanting lustily as we went and sometimes even at the same time. (Everyone did well really but just got out of sync at times).
Very good turnout for our neck of the woods and I was pleased to be part of it and the opposition across the country..
Auckland was well above 5000, somewhere between 7000 and 10000. And probably closer to the latter. The problem is that you can only really count from above.
I’d concur with that 7-10.000 estimate. Spent many years organising major public events and exhibitions (Earls Court, London and other places where attendances frequently exceeded 60,000 people a day – also Auckland showgrounds 15-20,000 on a very busy day). You get an eye for crowd numbers.
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As most of the world tries to suppress the coronavirus spread, some countries are going it alone – trying to manage the pandemic through so-called “herd immunity”. Herd immunity means letting a large number of people catch a disease, and hence develop immunity to it, to stop the virus spreading. ...
So, as I sit at home with a very, very slight headache (i.e. not at work when I would otherwise be so), the now familiar figure of Ashley Bloomfield reports eight new confirmed cases of COVID-19 including two in Waikato. A surprise, given that we had just twelve yesterday? No. ...
Many who advocated for, and voted for, the current Coalition – particularly those who voted Labour and the Green Party – expected to see a sea change in the reality of social services. A real, deep change of attitude, approach of process through which the system negotiates the difficult and ...
All 45 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel are either on their way back to New Zealand, or already in the country, according to Defence Minister Ron Mark."Twenty-eight personnel arrived back in New Zealand last week and are in isolation at the Royal New Zealand Air Force base in ...
The COVID-19 situation in New Zealand is moving fast - and to avoid what we've seen overseas - the Government's response must be to move fast too. We're committed to keeping New Zealanders safe and well-informed every step of the way. ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is encouraging New Zealanders overseas to stay where they are amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "We are reaching a point where the best option for most New Zealanders offshore is to shelter in place, by preparing to safely stay where they are.” "This includes following the instructions ...
Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Foreign Minister Winston Peters is encouraging the tens of thousands of New Zealanders travelling overseas to consider sheltering in place, in light of COVID-19. “Since 18 March, we have been warning New Zealanders offshore that the window for flying ...
Ground-breaking law has passed that will decriminalise abortion and ensure women and pregnant people seeking abortions have compassionate healthcare. ...
The Green Party says that the measures announced by the Government today will help families and businesses to prioritise our collective health and wellbeing in the response to COVID-19. ...
As New Zealanders brace for a global downturn due to Covid-19, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says his Coalition Government’s rescue package "more significant" than any other he's seen around the world. The Coalition is to reveal a multi-billion-dollar stimulus plan on Tuesday afternoon designed to cushion the economic blow ...
We know some people are feeling anxious about COVID-19. While the situation is serious, New Zealand has a world-class health system and we’re well-prepared to keep New Zealanders safe. ...
Darroch Ball MP, Spokesperson for Law and Order A New Zealand First member’s bill drawn from the ballot today seeks to overhaul the youth justice system by instigating a system of demerit points for offences committed by young offenders. “The ‘Youth Justice Demerit Point System’ will put an end to ...
Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign AffairsHonourable Ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished guests and official delegates, ladies and gentlemen – Welcome to you all.We are also privileged to have with us here today Ms Izumi Nakamitsu, the United Nations ...
Fletcher Tabuteau MP, Under-Secretary for Disarmament and Arms ControlThe Public Advisory Committee for Disarmament and Arms Control (PACDAC) is holding a Parliamentary Symposium on Tuesday to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) hosted by PACDAC Chair and Under-Secretary for Disarmament and ...
Hon. Shane Jones, Minister for Regional Economic DevelopmentThe Provincial Growth Fund is investing $6 million in a land-based aquaculture pilot to see whether yellowtail kingfish can be commercially farmed in Northland, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced today.A recirculating land-based aquaculture system will be built and operated ...
Hon. Shane Jones, Minister for ForestryForestry Minister Shane Jones has announced two One Billion Trees programme grants of more than $1.18 million to help hapu and iwi in Northland restore whenua and moana.“Many communities around Aotearoa have benefited from One Billion Trees funding since the programme was launched ...
Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign AffairsAhead of the start of the criminal trial in the Netherlands on 9 March, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has reaffirmed the need to establish truth, accountability and justice for the downing of Flight MH17 ...
Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, Deputy Prime MinisterThe Government is investing $19.9 million through the Provincial Growth Fund in a game-changing hydrogen energy facility in South Taranaki, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters announced today.“The development of alternative energy initiatives like this one is vital for the Taranaki region’s economy. ...
Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, Minister for Foreign AffairsForeign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand is partnering with countries in the Pacific to ensure they are prepared for, and able to respond to the global threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19).“There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the ...
Health Minister Dr David Clark says 36 new intensive care beds at Christchurch Hospital’s new Hagley building are being fast tracked so they are available for treatment of COVID-19 patients. The Ministry of Health is working with contractor CPB and Canterbury DHB to enable access to the hospital’s ICU, ...
The Government has fast-tracked up to $1 million to help Air New Zealand move urgent freight to and from New Zealand, with the first flight to Shanghai leaving tonight, Transport Minister Phil Twyford announced today. Phil Twyford says it’s crucial that trade in vital goods such as medical supplies and ...
New Zealand will temporarily remove tariffs on all medical and hygiene imports needed for the COVID-19 response. Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi said today that the New Zealand Customs Service will apply tariff concessions to all diagnostic reagents and testing ...
Minister of Finance Grant Robertson has clarified that the changes to the wage subsidy scheme announced yesterday mean that employers should be passing on the full subsidy to workers, except in the case where the person’s normal income is less than the level of the subsidy. “We still want employers ...
Medical face masks from the national reserve supply are now being distributed to District Health Boards, while at the same time local production is being ramped up. Yesterday more than 640,000 masks were sent to DHBS – that is an immediate two week supply, with more to follow in coming ...
The Government has made modifications to the wage subsidy scheme to ensure people don’t lose their jobs during the national lockdown. These changes will soften the impact of COVID-19 on workers, families and businesses, and position them to exit the lockdown and look to recovery, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. ...
Farmers whose herds were culled in response to the outbreak of Mycoplasma bovis will be able to minimise the tax treatment of their income in some circumstances. Revenue Minister Stuart Nash says Cabinet has agreed to change the law. It means farmers may be eligible to spread their income over ...
A $27 million dollar package, effective immediately, is being provided to social sector services and community groups to ensure they can continue to provide essential support to communities as we stay at home as a nation to stop the spread of COVID-19, Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni announced. “At ...
“The guilty plea today will provide some relief to the many people whose lives were shattered by what happened on March 15,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. “These guilty pleas and conviction bring accountability for what happened and also save the families who lost loved ones, those who were injured, ...
The Prime Minister is holding daily press conferences to update New Zealanders on the Government's response to COVID-19. Links to videos and transcripts of these updates below. These transcripts also include All of Government press conferences led by Director Ministry of Health's Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield. 25 March: Live update from the Prime ...
Frontline Police numbers have broken through the 10,000 mark for the first time in history as officers step forward to keep the community safe during the COVID19 lockdown. “Two Police graduations in Auckland and Wellington in the past week have been conducted in unprecedented circumstances,” Police Minister Stuart Nash said. ...
Urgent legislation has been passed to support the package of economic and social measures needed to recover from the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. “The COVID-19 Response (Taxation and Social Assistance Urgent Measures) Bill will cushion New Zealanders from the worst economic impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Revenue Minister ...
From tomorrow, Government support for farmers and growers affected by drought will be expanded and extended across the country, with access to Rural Assistance Payments (RAPS) available throughout the North Island, parts of the South Island and the Chatham Islands, Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced. “These challenging conditions have ...
Parliament has passed amendments to legislation that give the Secretary of Education stronger powers to act in the fight to limit the spread of COVID-19, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “They are part of a suite of changes passed under the COVID-19 Response (Urgent Management Measures) Legislation Bill,” Chris ...
Canada, Australia, Chile, Brunei and Myanmar have joined forces with New Zealand and Singapore by committing to keep supply chains open and remove any existing trade restrictive measures on essential goods, especially medical supplies, in the face of the Covid-19 crisis. Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker today welcomed ...
Immediate freeze on rent increases Tenancies will not be terminated during the lock-down period, unless the parties agree, or in limited circumstances Tenants who had previously given notice can stay in their if they need to stay in the tenancy during the lock-down period Tenants will still be able to ...
As New Zealand unites to lock-down in the fight against COVID-19, the Finance Minister is urging all businesses and workers to stay connected over the next four weeks. “We understand the extreme pressure many businesses are under right now. I know most business owners think of their workers as family ...
A State of National Emergency has been declared across the country as the Government pulls out all the stops to curtail the spread of COVID-19. “Today we put in place our country’s second ever State of National Emergency as we fight a global pandemic, save New Zealanders’ lives and prevent ...
Mr Speaker I wish to make a Ministerial Statement under Standing Order 347 in relation to the recent declaration of a State of National Emergency. Having considered the advice of the Director Civil Defence Emergency Management, the Minister of Civil Defence declared a State of National Emergency for the whole of ...
People needing to travel on domestic flights, trains and Cook Strait ferries to get home before the country moves into level 4 lock-down tomorrow night will be able to continue using the passenger services until midnight on Friday, Transport Minister Phil Twyford said today. Domestic passenger services, particularly ferries, have ...
The Government, retail banks and the Reserve Bank are today announcing a major financial support package for home owners and businesses affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19. The package will include a six month principal and interest payment holiday for mortgage holders and SME customers whose incomes have been ...
Minister of Transport Phil Twyford has today announced details of the Government’s support package to keep key air freight moving and ensure New Zealanders retain access to essential goods during the four-week level 4 lockdown. “The Government is working with airlines and air freight operators to ensure New Zealand’s key ...
New Zealand moved up to COVID-19 Alert Level 3 – Restrict New Zealand to move up to COVID-19 Alert Level 4 – Eliminate, in 48 hours Two-staged approach to give people and businesses time to prepare Level 3, from tomorrow Non-essential businesses must close All events and gatherings must be ...
Good afternoon The Cabinet met this morning to discuss our next actions in the fight against COVID-19. Like the rest of the world, we are facing the potential for devastating impacts from this virus. But, through decisive action, and through working together, do we have a small window to get ...
The Government is announcing significant further support for the economy, workers and businesses as the country unites to prepare for Alert Level 4 in the fight against COVID-19. Cabinet today agreed to remove the cap on the Government’s wage subsidy scheme, which will inject a further $4 billion into the ...
The Government is backing the Reserve Bank’s latest action to support the economy by reducing longer-term interest rates, meaning lower costs for businesses and mortgage holders, and a lower currency to help our exporters. The Minister of Finance has signed a memorandum of understanding and a letter of indemnity with ...
The Government has asked the Commerce Commission to take account of the exceptional circumstances created by COVID-19 when monitoring business behaviour in coming weeks. “The purpose of my request to the Commerce Commission is to make sure businesses can work together in ways that will allow them to provide ...
The New Zealand Government has temporarily closed its High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados and its Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Due to the increasing scarcity of air links in and out of Bridgetown and Yangon, and the pressure COVID-19 is placing ...
Associate Health and Whānau Ora Minister Peeni Henare has today announced the Government’s plan to support Māori communities and businesses in the face of COVID-19. “Our Government’s $12.1 billion economic package will help many Māori whānau, workers and businesses, whether it’s through wage subsidies, income support and worker redeployment, or ...
The Government and the hospitality industry have worked together to produce guidelines to assist with managing and reducing transmission of COVID-19, Health Minister David Clark announced today. The guidelines developed between the Government, Hospitality New Zealand and SkyCity Entertainment Group, set out how the new restrictions on physical distancing and ...
Four stage Alert System for COVID-19 announced New Zealand moved up to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 – Reduce Contact New Zealanders over 70 and those with certain medical conditions told to stay at home as much as they can to reduce risk of contact with the virus Workplaces to implement ...
Kia ora koutou katoa I’m speaking directly to all New Zealanders today to give you as much certainty and clarity as we can as we fight Covid-19. Over the past few weeks, the world has changed. And it has changed very quickly. In February it would have seemed unimaginable to ...
New Zealand and Singapore have jointly committed to keep supply chains open and to remove any existing trade restrictive measures on essential goods, especially medical supplies, in the face of the Covid-19 crisis. Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker welcomed the commitment. “This is an important collective response, and ...
JOINT MINISTERIAL STATEMENT BY SINGAPORE AND NEW ZEALAND AFFIRMING COMMITMENT TO ENSURING SUPPLY CHAIN CONNECTIVITY AMIDST THE COVID-19 SITUATION The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious global crisis. As part of our collective response to combat COVID-19, Singapore and New Zealand are committed to maintaining open and connected supply chains. We ...
Travel restrictions, closing our border to almost all travelers came into force from 23:59 on Thursday 19 March 2020 (NZDT). All airlines were informed of these restrictions before they came into force. Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway says “The transit of passengers between Australia and New Zealand has been agreed upon and ...
The Government has allocated $100 million to help redeploy workers affected by the economic impact of COVID-19, with the hard-hit region of Gisborne-Tairāwhiti to be the first helped, Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford, Forestry and Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones and Employment Minister Willie Jackson announced today. Phil Twyford ...
The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is ramping up support for Tairāwhiti’s wood processing sector to bolster the region’s economy at a time of heightened uncertainty, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced today. Following earlier announcements today of a regional support package for Tairāwhiti, Minister Jones has also announced a ...
The Coalition Government has stepped in to protect Air New Zealand with a significant financial deal that protects essential routes and allows the company to keep operating. The Government and Air New Zealand have agreed a debt funding agreement through commercial 24-month loan facilities of up to $900 million*. The ...
The Government has taken further measures to protect New Zealanders from the COVID-19 virus, effectively stopping all people from boarding a plane to New Zealand from 11:59pm today, except for returning New Zealanders, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today. New Zealanders’ partners, legal guardians or any dependent children travelling with ...
The Government has reinforced its commitment to protecting the health of New Zealanders from COVID-19 through the cancellation of indoor events with more than 100 people. “Protecting the health of New Zealanders is our number one priority, and that means we need to reduce the risks associated with large gatherings,” ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Irving, Adjunct Professor, University of Technology Sydney Blood is like milk, not toilet paper. You can’t just buy a lot of it and save it for later – you need to have a regular, fresh supply for patients who need it. ...
Newsroom Pro’s Bernard Hickey and Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr zoom out to lunch to talk about the Reserve Bank’s latest move to help banks lend to corporates. The Reserve Bank announced on Monday it would lend to banks dealing with distressed corporate borrowers, opening a new weekly Open ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacinta Carroll, Senior Research Fellow, Counter Terrorism and Social Cohesion, National Security College, Australian National University There are now nearly 300 cases of COVID-19 linked to passengers who disembarked from the Ruby Princess cruise ship without any health checks from authorities. Amid ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emily Brayshaw, Lecturer, Fashion and Design History, Theory, and Thinking, University of Technology Sydney Once again, global crafting communities are stepping up to help in a crisis, sewing face masks desperately needed in American hospitals to help stop the spread of COVID-19. ...
Retailer Smiths City has reached an agreement with ASB Bank to delay a $1.5 million dollar repayment of a loan due tomorrow. It also said it is starting talks with potential investors to support the business. The company said Covid-19 has caused an unforeseen and unprecedented shock to the business, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Quentin Grafton, Director of the Centre for Water Economics, Environment and Policy, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University In 1997, a bestselling book by Jared Diamond purported to explain how the West “won” world dominance based on the good luck ...
Figures from around the world show that Covid-19, while vicious and contagious, does behave like other infections, rampaging quickly through a community, hospitalising a small percentage and causing death in an even smaller percentage. The World Health ...
Video of PM Ardern’s Post Cabinet Press Conference is available here: New Zealand Labour Party - #LIVE: Post-Cabinet Press Conference 2 March 2020 Today Cabinet was focused on the response to protect NZers from COVID-19. Ardern outlined ...
Analysis by Keith Rankin To get a correct picture, we need regional data – indeed sub-regional statistics – because the virus does not respect political boundaries. Unfortunately, it is very hard to get regional data from European countries. The Johns Hopkins data – most widely used by the media (and ...
An extract from Jacinda Ardern: A New Kind of Leader, the brand new biography of the prime minister by Madeleine Chapman, formerly of this parish.Out today, Madeleine’s biography of the prime minister is magnificent. We cracked up. We had a wee cry. We’ve never read a political biography like it. Tomorrow ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Misha Ketchell, Editor & Executive Director, The Conversation You might have seen recent mediareports in various outlets of a paper, commissioned by the federal government, reporting the coronavirus advice of a group of experts from Group Of Eight universities. Dated March ...
Analysis: On the face of it, New Zealand's epidemic curve is going exponential. But are case numbers really rising for the same reasons as overseas? If you've been following any news about Covid-19 over the past three months, you've heard of The Curve. It looks, variously, like a sky-high pillar ...
MediaRoom column: A decision to block publication of community newspapers under the State of Emergency could be changed tomorrow. Tim Murphy reports. A decision to stop community newspapers from circulating in the country's suburbs, towns and settlements appears to have been an example of officials scratching their regulatory itch. On Friday, ...
A Waikato berry grower has been ordered to pay over $76,000 for employment law breaches. Olde Berry Farm has been fined $50,000 and forced to pay over $16,000 in unpaid wages and holiday pay. Its managing director, Andrew Molly, has been made personally responsible fo an additional $10,000 in penalties. ...
The Government has set up a dedicated service for reporting fears of price gouging, as Jacinda Ardern flags the expansion of "essential services" Kiwis concerned about potential price gouging at supermarkets during the coronavirus lockdown can now report the issue directly to government officials, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced. Ardern ...
A new report by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment into the ban on new petroleum exploration permits outside onshore Taranaki has been welcomed by the Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand (PEPANZ). "This ...
The takeover offer for Abano Healthcare is off the table - a casualty of the Covid-19 pandemic. The company said the $150-million takeover scheme agreement with Adams NZ Bidco Ltd. was terminated, with no fees payable by either party, as a result as the material adverse change to the company's ...
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contribution to the successful mission to train members of the Iraqi Security Forces to combat ISIS is at an end and the first troops from the final contingent have arrived home. Since December the NZDF has had 45 personnel ...
On Sunday it was reported there is a high demand for New Zealand Police's online form to report lockdown breaches. This news should act as a red flag, signalling the potentially corrosive effects on public trust within Aotearoa that may occur in these troubled times. Concerns have already been expressed ...
The Prime Minister is giving the latest updates on the government's fight against the impact of Covid-19 at her weekly post-Cabinet media conference. Watch live here. ...
Watch the replay of our fourth live Q&A session with Dr Ayesha Verrall, a senior lecturer at Otago University who specialises in infectious diseases. Ayesha Verrall is an infectious diseases physician and senior lecturer at Otago University's Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine (Wellington). Dr Verrall has been monitoring the spread and impact ...
Recognising how much of the burden women are carrying in this crisis - and how much they always carry - may take us closer to a society in which caring work is seen and valued for the essential work it is, writes Jess Berentson-Shaw COVID-19 has thrown a window wide ...
You’ve lost your job and your income has reduced due to the Covid-19 crisis, so how do you hold onto your home? Mortgage adviser Cameron Marcroft talks to Bonnie Sumner.Tell us about the changes you’ve seen since the lockdown began. We’ve had many enquiries coming through from both existing ...
When officials – including police themselves – don’t seem clear on the rules around movement, it makes it harder for everyone to do the right thing, writes Andrew Geddis.Aotearoa New Zealand has committed to trying to eradicate the virus that causes Covid-19 from its shores. To do that, as a ...
The EMA is urging the Government to postpone the planned significant increase to the minimum wage on Wednesday, as employers grapple with keeping their doors open amid COVID-19. Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says that while it may be politically ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Wark, Conjoint Professor, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle As the number of COVID-19 cases around the world continues to climb, hospitals are under increased pressure to provide emergency care for the most severely ill patients. What does ...
Philanthropy New Zealand will release a weekly update to share philanthropic and grantmaking activity and insight as the sector seeks to support communities in the wake of COVID-19. This update is a general public document, provided to Ministers, ...
By Elias Nanau in Port Moresby Indonesia has issued a stern warning over illegal border crossers from Papua New Guinea. This follows Indonesia stepping up its security measures at the border in response to the global Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. The First Secretary to the governor for West Sepik, Adam ...
As two staff members test positive for Covid-19, police are grappling with ways to keep their workforce safe while still enforcing the rules of the lockdown, Marc Daalder reports Two police staff have tested positive for Covid-19, Police Commissioner Mike Bush said Monday, while nearly 400 others are now in self-isolation ...
The Covid-19 crisis in media has claimed New Zealand’s last surviving radio station solely dedicated to sport. Amid a wider crisis in media funding right now, the first outlet has been forced to close the doors – and it isn’t likely to return.Staff at Radio Sport have been told that the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Coates, Program Director, Household Finances, Grattan Institute New Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development estimates paint a grim picture of the direct economic costs of public health measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, and the need for more government support ...
Tips on how television can help educate your kids, for parents who have to keep working.It feels as if a great many parents are simply flourishing during this lockdown with fairy gardens, bird song and mason jars, daily bongo drum dancing and essays written by three-year-old prodigies about how satisfying ...
How is Covid-19 spreading within the country? Newsroom is collating information as it's available to paint a picture of what's happening. There were 76 new cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand, up from the previous day's 63 new cases. Details of how many tests have been completed are now being ...
Supermarkets and some publishers are favoured by the government’s imposition of severe restrictions on what we can do and from whom we can buy during the Covid-19 lock-down. But one consumer watchdog is challenging the legality of an edict by Commerce Minister Kris Faafoi which favours supermarkets while Act leader ...
Robyn Hunt writes on the challenges facing disabled people and what needs to be done to support them as we go into lockdown, and beyond.Disabled people at higher risk need more help. Many of the almost one quarter of New Zealanders who are disabled are doing it hard as the ...
An online focus is coming back to bite newspaper companies, the Otago Daily Times’ editor says. David Williams reports. Despite advertising falling off a cliff, and its community papers dormant, the group editor of the country’s third-biggest publisher says there haven’t been layoffs and it’s unlikely any of its newspapers ...
Cabinet ministers will patch into a video conference this afternoon to discuss the Covid-19 lockdown, including complaints about high prices at supermarkets. ...
Talks will be ongoing between local leaders and Government in an effort to have them deploy both personnel and other resources to Tairāwhiti to support regional measures to contain COVID-19. Mayor Rehette Stoltz, Gisborne District Council ...
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is joining calls for the Government to extend submission deadlines for Select Committees during the immediate fallout of the COVID-19 crisis. New Zealand Taxpayers' Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, "Old political ...
FIRST Union welcomes the announcements made by supermarket chains Foodstuffs and Progressive Enterprises that workers will receive lockdown pay increases but is cautioning that the details of these promises matter and all essential workers should be earning ...
By Imelda V. Abano in Manila The novel coronavirus now sweeping the globe has left many countries struggling to cope with rising numbers of infections and journalists grappling with how to best cover this evolving public health crisis. In addition to questions about how governments, health care systems and ...
The government has fast-tracked up to $1 million to help Air New Zealand move urgent freight in and out of the country - with the first flight to Shanghai leaving tonight. ...
Join Leonie Hayden as she works through the first four weeks of Scotty Morrison’s Māori Made Easy.Kia ora e te whānau, welcome to MME with me! I know a lot of us have this little green book on our shelves. Maybe you bought it and never got round to opening ...
The Free Speech Coalition is preparing to launch an urgent judicial review of the Ministry of Culture and Heritage’s decision to deem non-daily newspapers and publications not an essential service for the purposes of the COVID-19 Level-4 nationwide shutdown. ...
Increasingly concerned home support workers are worried that without adequate personal protective equipment and mandatory protocols for risk assessments, they may end up spreading COVID-19 around the homes and communities they work in. The news that 21 ...
The kiwifruit industry is fighting for survival as it tries to pick and pack the season's crop while enforcing Covid-19 restrictions. The apple industry is also predicting problems with at least 10 percent of the crop not likely to be picked. The nationwide lockdown has come right in the middle ...
The Reserve Bank is ramping up support for businesses and banks by accepting corporate debt and other assets as security for loans to banks. The latest measure is designed to pump more money into the economy through the banking system. Assistant governor Christian Hawkesby said the aim is to encourage ...
The first days of national lockdown have truly brought out the best in our social media stars. Alex Casey counts down the classics. Yesterday I got served with the Instagram notification that normally only pops up around Christmas-time. “You’re all caught up!” it chirps, “you’ve seen every post from the last ...
In our new series The Lockdown Letters, some of New Zealand’s best writers tell us what they’ve been up to in the days of Covid-19 alert level four. Today, writer and doctor Glenn Colquhoun goes full epistolary, with a letter to Hone Tūwhare – and his Travelling Band of Constant Companions.Kia ...
By John Gerritsen of RNZ News The $5 billion foreign student industry is facing a massive downturn with as many as half of this year’s enrolments now in doubt. Immigration New Zealand figures show that of 76,203 valid study visas at 15 March, 60,348 were in New Zealand, and ...
As New Zealand looks toward an uncertain future in all areas of life, Auckland school principal Claire Amos sees an opportunity to change high school education for the better. The last week has been an interesting one for school leaders. Monday arrived, it was all on – schools were closing the ...
The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told Morning Report, she’s expecting the country to be restricted to visitors for some time after the lockdown period ends. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Albert Van Dijk, Professor, Water and Landscape Dynamics, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University 2019 was the year Australians confronted the fact that a healthy environment is more than just a pretty waterfall in a national park; a nice ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yale Z Wong, Research Associate, Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, University of Sydney ZMinimising health risks has rightly been the focus of discussion during the coronavirus outbreak. This includes efforts to protect both frontline public transport employees and the travelling public. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tyler Riordan, PhD Candidate, The University of Queensland Along with home delivery of groceries, pharmaceuticals and alcohol, demand for food delivery is booming. Services such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo have become essential to cafes and restaurants that can now only sell ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nishanathe Dahanayake, PhD Candidate, Ethics/Philosophy, University of New England The coronavirus pandemic is challenging our health, work, family, food and fun. It’s also disturbing our peace of mind and forcing us to question our own existence. We are each asking our own ...
ASB sees 6 percent GDP fall in 2020; Chorus, King Salmon and Stride reassure their profits are still on track; Augusta withdraws fund on rent relief fears; US stocks slide again; US jobs data looms ...
Good morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Conditions for leaving lockdown explored, nation’s first death from Covid-19 reported, and Australian govt continues to discriminate against NZers.When will the Covid-19 lockdown across New Zealand end? Short answer – when it’s actually safe to do so. Officially, the current state ...
For all The Spinoff’s latest coverage of Covid-19 see here. Read Siouxsie Wiles’s work here. New Zealand is currently in alert level four. The country is shut down, apart from essential services. For updated official government advice, see here.The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is funded by The Spinoff Members. To support this work, join The ...
People over 70 and those with underlying health conditions faced the lockdown four days before the rest of the country - but some of the elderly still aren't taking any notice. ...
Steve Braunias presents a photo essay of the one thing that New Zealanders are holding close to their hearts during the Lockdown: their bookshelves. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's bookcase at Premier House in Wellington. The photograph which she posted this weekend on her Instagram page reveals two novels by Elizabeth ...
Police start “initial” investigation into abuse at a notorious psychiatric hospital. David Williams reports The Government has missed a 90-day deadline for responding to a United Nations committee over torture at Lake Alice’s child and adolescent unit in the 1970s. However, in a move that might represent a glimmer of ...
Emma Espiner makes a slow and deliberate trip to the supermarket yesterday, where she finds we are approaching social distancing in a very New Zealand way It took me three attempts to go to the supermarket. Two days ago I saw the cheerless conga line snaking around the car park ...
Dr Neal Curtis looks at all the points of implicit trust within society, and how Covid-19 is revealing how important this trust is As I stood in the queue to get into our local supermarket it was encouraging to see how carefully people were engaging in social distancing to minimise ...
From growing up on the remote East Cape to becoming a Black Fern and a lawyer, Ruahei Demant wants to show young Māori that anything is possible. In the long run, Ruahei Demant wants to be a sports lawyer. But in the short term, the Black Ferns first-five is juggling her ...
Having toughed it out alone with Covid-19 and survived, one Kiwi man learned the hard way how self-isolation really can save lives, writes Jill Herron Choosing to self-isolate early with only Sophie the spaniel as company led to a lonesome, rough ride through Covid-19 for a Christchurch asthmatic – but ...
As we begin what could become a long period of self-isolation, we encounter a dilemma. On the one hand, epidemiological research and recent global events show us the dangers of not responding swiftly to Covid-19. With community spread now within our shores, it is critical that we follow government orders ...
Community health and care workers talk of their fear of infection - for themselves, their vulnerable clients and New Zealand Over the last few days, Newsroom has written several articles about the fact that thousands of home and community health care workers, who care for elderly, disabled and sick people, have ...
Calls are growing for extra payment for those who continue to head out to work every day, including many on very low wages.The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is funded by The Spinoff Members. To support this work, join The Spinoff Members here.Two petitions have been circulating over the weekend ...
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I found these details on a link in the above post :
————–
These details are subject to change and events may be added to this list, so make sure you check in on http://www.itsourfuture.org.nz for the latest updates ahead of TPPA Action Week. If you want to organise something in your area, please contact edwardcrmiller@gmail.com.
Kaitaia
15 August, gather at Memorial Park at 9.30am to create/share placards, then walk through market and main street.
Hokianga
15 August protest, 11am at Kohukohu Village Green.
Whangarei
15 August protest, 11am at the Tarewa Park.
Auckland
15 August protest, 1pm at Aotea Square to march down Queen Street, featuring speakers and music.
Hamilton
15 August protest, Meet @ 1pm outside Cock and Bull carpark on corner of Church and Maui.
Colville
15 August protest, 2pm outside the Colville Community Hall.
Tauranga
14th August – public meeting
15 August protest at 10.30am, Red Square.
Whakatane
15 August protest at 11am, location TBC.
Napier/Hastings
15 August protest, 1pm at Memorial Square.
Wanganui
8 August protest, 1pm, march from Silver Ball in the market to Majestic Square.
New Plymouth
15 August protest, 1pm at Puke Ariki.
Palmerston North
14 August will be a concert in the library at 5pm, then documentary maker and investigative journalist Bryan Bruce will speak at 6pm on Poverty, Inequality & the TPPA.
Many committed P North activists will also be heading to Wellington on 15 August.
Featherston
15 August Rally, 11am at TBC
Wellington
15 August – TPPA Walk Away! Protest action to stop the TPPA. Assemble at Midland Park at 1pm and march to Parliament for speakers and music. More details to come.
Golden Bay
14 August protest, 12pm at Golden Bay Village Green.
Nelson
15 August protest at 11:00am, top of Trafalgar St – 1903 Square.
Christchurch
14 August New Economics Seminar and Expo, 7pm at Horticultural Hall.
15 August protest at 12:30pm. Location: South Hagley Park (corner Deans Ave and Riccarton Rd) marching down Riccarton Rd.
Little River
15 August rally, 12pm at Little River Craft Station.
Timaru
15 August protest, 11am at Bay Piazza.
Dunedin
15 August protest at 1pm, marching from the Dental School to the Octagon.
Invercargill
15 August protest, 12pm at Wachner Place.
Cheers Clemgeopin.
Thanks. My pleasure! Please change the title of post from ‘TOMORROW’ to ‘TODAY’
TPP protest in New Zealand could turn ‘confrontational’ US citizens told by USA !
The United States is warning its citizens in Auckland that a TPP protest planned for Saturday could turn ugly, and they should stay away.
In an email, the US Consulate General in Auckland urged any US citizens to avoid the march as “even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational.”
“We remind citizens to always exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.”
Up to 8000 protesters are expected to gather on Auckland’s Queen St, to march against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free-trade agreement.
The 12-nation agreement is in the final throes of negotiation, but has been controversial due to the level of secrecy surrounding it.
————-
Green Party national intelligence and security spokesman Russel Norman said US consular staff needed to “relax”.
“This is democracy in action and it’s not Ferguson. The police won’t be shooting people, it’s not scary.
“They should just come along and they might learn something.”
Norman said it was unlikely the warning had anything to do with bargaining positions on the TPP.
—————–
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/71128096/tpp-protest-could-turn-confrontational-us-citizens-told:
This is ludicrous ! just shows how paranoid American officials can be .
True, may be they have an inkling that a lot of local Americans opposed to the TPP provisions are actually planning to join the protest, for all we know!
To me, if New Zealand signs this secret deal with all the expected hooks and controls, it will be the biggest mistake that our nation will ever do, when there are easier and safer options of bilateral treaties. May not be as big as the TPPA, but at least we will not be enslaved and lose our freedom and dignity in the bargain.
The large corporates, working for their shareholders and their profits, already have a lot of power around the world. Why give them more control by perpetually enslaving ourselves as a consequence? Once in, we are dead as an independent people.
At least in bilateral agreements, we retain mutually agreed fairness, benefits and more independence. If over time, it turns to custard, it would be easy to renegotiate the terms or terminate the deal more easily. Not so with a multi nation deal, especially for a smaller country like New Zealand.
Reject TPPA. Don’t jump and regret at leisure. Will be too late.
Paranoia is always rife when the Americans become involved.
I am reminded of an occasion when a similar warning went out to American citizens living in NZ. It was January 1991, around the start of the first Gulf War. I was working as a citizen on an Air Force base and one of my superiors was a former American marine officer. (Interesting story there.)
Having once taken part in a peaceful anti-nuclear march up Queen St., that was apparently enough to designate me a dangerous individual. I found myself under intense scrutiny both on and off that base and it eventually turned very nasty. I remember lying in bed at night… my heart thumping with fear.
The Public Service hierarchy closed ranks when I later tried to get some answers for the bizarre behaviour, and as a result nobody was ever brought to account.
The US embassy tend to email their citizens here in NZ when protests are planned.
Apparently they’re quite dangerous. To those attending anyway. Apparently.
And this. From the country which purports to bring us “freedom and democracy”.
I guess they miss the irony.
Or that they understand the way our police force operates.
It’s not the protestors who will kick off.
They’re just the ones who will get blamed in the press.
The US consulate sends these out for every demonstration. Sometimes it’s the first indication I get that there’s a demonstration going on.
This is the first time the Americans I know received one, and the astonishment being expressed on twitter by others indicates that they have never had a warning about demonstrations before.
wonder why this one got a press release then. i have been on all prior auckland tpp marches and there has never been a sign of trouble…
Yeah. As I read the last one from them I wondered, do they realise they’re actually just doing a nice job of publicising it?
Kinda like reports of their guys in Vietnam clomping through the jungle with their strong smelling soap and toothpaste, and all the rattling of the kit hanging off their bags.
They do tend to be good at advertising.
It is almost like they are looking for trouble and that it is being talked up
People are getting desperate
I hope we have thousands outside that embassy and we will make our voices heard
we do not want their TPPA
We really can’t blame the USians for the TPPA entirely as NZ was one of the initiating countries.
Yes Draco – NZ did initiate a free trade agreement with Pacific nations. BUT then the USA muscled in on it and turned into a monster ready to take over entire nations! so I think we can blame the USians for what the TPPA has turned out to be – a nightmare for the future of our country.
The American millitary haven’t been training our police force in the latest riot control methods for nothing. And the timing of the roll out of new tasers to all officers, along with this propaganda alert by the American Embassy suggests the cops will be taser happy to zap anyone getting carried away. Take it easy at the rallies and don’t turn it into a shocking experience 🙂
but all the rules and regulations, certification, TISA have not come from NZ. The patent, food labelling, intellectual property regs are largely being driven by corporations via USA.
I don’t think anyone is against the American people. The protest is against the secret TPPA deal that is being driven by the big multinational corporations and some stupid politicians who are about to sell our country’s freedom and sovereignty.
Forget large TPP agreements with all its hooks and shit and instead, let is just stick to bilateral trade agreements between nations where we have better control of our own destiny, independence and democracy.
Walk away from TPPA now, before it is too late.
I hope there are at least a few cabinet ministers and National MPs with enough sense, patriotism and conscience who will revolt against this dangerous TPPA.
seems this warning by the US Consulate has gone far and wide?
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-08/14/c_134516072.htm
U.S. warns nationals away from New Zealand anti-TPP demonstration
English.news.cn 2015-08-14 11:46:31
WELLINGTON, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) — United States diplomats in New Zealand have warned U.S. nationals to avoid going near a march in Auckland to protest against the controversial 12-nation Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal on Saturday.
The U.S. Consulate in Auckland put a notice on its website and reportedly e-mailed U.S. nationals in New Zealand on Friday that New Zealand police expected about 8,000 people would attend the march in central Auckland at 1 p.m. local time.
“We urge citizens to avoid the protest march route as even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational. We remind citizens to always exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations,” said the notice on the website.
“The Department of State remains concerned about the threat of violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance, to be aware of their surroundings and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.”
The Auckland march is expected to be the biggest of a series of protests against the TPP scheduled for many of New Zealand’s main centers on Saturday.
Trade spokesperson for the opposition Green Party, Russel Norman, told Radio New Zealand that he would be joining the protests, and U.S. citizens had nothing to fear.
“I’d just say to the U.S. Embassy, Auckland isn’t Ferguson and the police won’t be shooting people,” Norman said.
“It’ll be a peaceful demonstration, they should just relax and maybe they should come along — they might learn something.”
Opponents have objected to the secrecy surrounding the TPP talks and claim many of the provisions will undermine New Zealand’ s sovereignty and allow transnational corporations undue influence over the country’s laws and regulations.
…… ”
____________________________________________________________________________________
However – there are actually a LOT of Americans who are ALSO opposed to the TPPA?
Over 2,000 USA groups Urge Opposition to Fast Track April 27, 2015
http://www.citizenstrade.org/ctc/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/FastTrackOppositionLtr_042715.pdf
Looking forward to as many American citizens who are equally opposed to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) joining New Zealanders all over the country in our national TPPA – WALK AWAY! day of action Saturday 15 August 2015.
Events planned for all over New Zealand are listed HERE:
http://itsourfuture.org.nz/campaigns/tppa-action-week-8-15-august/
I do hope that there are not going to be any saboteurs / provocateurs who attempt to disrupt the planned PEACEFUL protests which are being held all over New Zealand tomorrow?
Penny Bright
+1
All clear.
No danger of confrontation.
The president of “Kiwis for TPPA” is in Hawaii and the other member is skiing in Queenstown.
Hello most American citizens are against the TPP too, they’ll be joining us!!
And we welcome them!
Come USA consulate and join us! Isn’t the USA for freedom of Speech?
Q. – How can you tell the American university students holidaying in Europe?
A. – Their backpacks have Canadian flags on them.
The only Americans you know for sure are war criminals are the ones who live in the White House.
Up your inTIMidation Keygrocer
Loved the huge banner in the photo – I hope it leads the march. Also loved Russel Norman’s response to the Consulate reminder – about it not being Ferguson and nobody will be getting shot. Please be careful everyone as tasers will be out in force and I personally know somebody who has been tasered and it’s nasty. Paranoia isn’t the word for it but I think there are other reasons for the Consulate message and they’re not for their citizen’s safety. A sort of subtle warning “we are watching you” . I bet there will be drones hovering overhead taking shots of the crowds – the dossier of mug shots will be enlarging even more – oh happy days.
Good luck with the protest march, I would be there but I am crook with asthma and I am getting on in years – I have marched in the past so my heart is with everybody doing their bit.
+1. Russel Norman’s response was gold.
DEAR MODS:
Can someone please update the header for the TPPA Protest post ? Thank you
I predict that there will be a lot more people facing the rain to go to Eden Park to watch the rugby that will turn out for this.
You will see the usual faces that protest everything. A few mana and unite union flags.
It always the same, which is why it makes no difference and will be ignored.
and you are so disinterested you had to post.
I predict that there will be a lot more people facing the rain to go to Eden Park to watch the rugby that will turn out for this.
You will see the usual faces that protest everything. A few mana and unite union flags.
It always the same, which is why it makes no difference and will be ignored.
James – I can hear Bomber saying you are a juvenile with the maturity of a can of coke. I agree with him.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
the ’36 Olympics in Berlin were really popular too
Yeah, these protests are always the same and never achieve anything.
Oh wait: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3647465/Thousands-march-against-mining
Or this http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/3999399/Thousands-in-Dunedin-neurosurgery-march
Pouring with rain in Auckland currently, which will affect numbers because there is no shelter in Aotea Square. I will still go as one of “the usual faces” but the numbers attending protests never represent the degree of opposition to an issue.
The comparison with the rugby is pathetic. Eden Park is under cover, but more to the point, those going have already spent a fortune on tickets. Of course they will go.
Bomber is an irrevolancy desperately looking for attention.
At least Bomber can spell “irrelevancy.” 😉
Gutted to not be able to attend today in Wellington. A serious foot injury and a lingering respiratory infection isn’t ideal for chanting, shouting and marching.
No matter where you are in the country today, go hard, have fun!
PS: Re these comments about tasers. It was only announced fairly recently that all front line Police would be issued with tasers. Is it likely they would already have the large stocks of tasers they need available to them? And if so, is the issuing of tasers immediate?
I can’t think of anything more chilling than attending a rally seeing cops with tasers on their hips.
Cops with guns on their hips ?
Cops in clown masks?
If Greg O Connor had his way, they would be armed with guns.
Clown masks? Pretty shabby assessment of the great work the Police do to protect us from criminals. I do hope you have a viable alternative? Or is it just your delusional paranoia kicking it? It’s quite legendary I hear.
Let’s see… unarmed cops…. what could they do?
15,000 to 20,000 marched in Auckland.
That’s from Chris Trotter who is very experienced at counting people at protest marches. Chris counted the blocks of marchers. He didn’t guess by looking at the square.
Chris must have gone to a different march to the one that I attended.
it’s possible… he’s not the man he was… 😉
will be 2 to 4000 on the news
Having had many decades of marching in Queen Street, my estimate would be over 10,000. The Herald is claiming 5000 and Stuff 2000, but both figures seemed to be based on Aotea Square. A lot of people were sheltering from the rain in nearby buildings while waiting for the march to start, so the Aotea Square number is not accurate.
The march itself was wide and very, very long. I saw people I hadn’t seen on a march since the Springbok tour.
Over 10 000
Easy
I joined in down Queen Street as did many others. The speeches I have heard before.
I would’ve said around 5-6 thousand definitely shy of 10 thousand.
+1
I am sure the Government security helicopters, GCSB, CIA, SIS, the Police, the satellites, some foreign press etc would be able to give us a more accurate estimate. Waiting to hear Key or Groser reveal this secret number in the house on Tuesday during question time!
Interesting how varied assessments of crowd sizes can be. Fairfax says 2000 in akld, 1000 in wgtn
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/71152277/thousands-march-against-tpp-trade-agreement
where as I heard on RNZ that there were 3000 in wgtn and 2,500 in akld.
Friend texted from the akld rally and told me there were “thousands”. Not sure if meant 15,000 – 20,000 though………….I got the sense that she meant the lower thousands.
where did Trotter say that?
Radio NZ at 4 pm news said the estimate for Auckland was 10,000 and for Wellington, 8,000.
RNZ Latest says, 5,000 for Aukland!
However, Stuff estimated it at 2,000 each, but now have revised it to 5,000 for Auckland and 1,000 for Wellington!
What strange, stupid and shonky reporting!
http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201766645
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/71152277/thousands-march-against-tpp-trade-agreement
We need some songs.
The anti-TPPA chants were OK, but marching while singing is fantastic.
I hope some of you out there are talented enough to revive or re-write some songs for future protest marches.
Saying the same to a couple of the other protestors today.
We need to revamp some of those old songs…
I also wondered why this caution got so much coverage, as I’ve had so many in recent years.
“But let’s get real. For 2015 so far:
8000+ US gun deaths
700+ US people killed by police
And they’re sending us a warning?”
http://minimalistmum.blogspot.co.nz/2015/08/public-protest-may-be-hazardous-to-your.html
Royal NZ Herald says an “estimated 5000” marched in Auckland. Stuff & Nonsense says it was “around 2000” and “around a thousand” marched in Wellington.
An estimated 300-400 of us (estimated by me) marched in Napier from Memorial Square to the Sound Shell chanting lustily as we went and sometimes even at the same time. (Everyone did well really but just got out of sync at times).
Very good turnout for our neck of the woods and I was pleased to be part of it and the opposition across the country..
Auckland was well above 5000, somewhere between 7000 and 10000. And probably closer to the latter. The problem is that you can only really count from above.
Are there overhead pictures somewhere?
I’d concur with that 7-10.000 estimate. Spent many years organising major public events and exhibitions (Earls Court, London and other places where attendances frequently exceeded 60,000 people a day – also Auckland showgrounds 15-20,000 on a very busy day). You get an eye for crowd numbers.