Webmail: PlaNet www.pl.net
0800 752638
Planet Communications— delivering socially and environmentally conscious internet and media services since 1992.
PlaNet News & Views
|
|
|
Posted on 9-2-2005 Weekend Protest Against Spy Bases
SATURDAY MARCH 26, SUNDAY 27
The Anti-Bases Campaign (ABC) is doing something a little different after
many years of protests at the Waihopai spybase, in Marlborough. We have
decided to focus attention instead on Wellington. Why?
a.. Because it is home to the headquarters of the NZ Government
Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), New Zealand’s biggest and most
secret spy agency. The GCSB operates the Waihopai and Tangimoana
spybases on behalf of the foreign powers grouped together in the
super-secret UKUSA Agreement (which shares global electronic and signals
intelligence among the intelligence agencies of the US, UK, Canada,
Australia and NZ).
b.. Because Wellington is the diplomatic and political capital of New
Zealand. It is in Wellington, not the Waihopai Valley or Blenheim, where
you will find the "movers and shakers" who, nominally or in reality,
control New Zealand’s Intelligence agencies and foreign policy. There is
a whole "Secret Wellington" to be explored and exposed. It is a secret
world ranging from the HQ of the Security Intelligence Service, NZ’s
best known spy agency, to the embassies and high commissions of our Big
Brothers, such as the US, UK and Australia.
c.. Because it is the closest main city to the "forgotten" Tangimoana
spybase. Details about Tangimoana can be found on the ABC Website at
http://www.converge.org.nz/abc/otherbases.html If you don’t have
Internet access, contact us and we’ll send you a hard copy. Failing
that, read about Tangimoana in Nicky Hager’s definitive book, "Secret
Power: New Zealand’s Role In The International Spy Network" (Craig
Potton Publishing, 1996).
These are the main reasons why we’ve decided to go to Wellington, not
Waihopai, this year (don’t worry, we’ll be back at that spybase in the
future). And we’re holding our weekend of action over the middle two days
of Easter so that people from all around the country have the chance to
take part.
We invite the people of Wellington, and the rest of NZ, to join us for
this weekend of protest action against the spies and spybases. We will not
be providing accommodation or transport to Wellington. But, as with our
Waihopai actions, we are asking people to register and pay for the
weekend. There are costs – venue hire, publicity, some light food, a bus
for the Tangimoana trip and for the Tour of Secret Wellington. It’s vital
that we know in advance how many people will need a ride. So please book
and pay in advance, folks! The weekend will cost $30 waged (or $15
unwaged). Registration includes a seat on the bus for both trips.
If you’re a Wellingtonian, and want to get involved with organising this
weekend of action, contact Kane O’Connell, of the Anti-Bases Campaign. He
can be contacted at: 3852521 (h); or (04) 4982502 (w);
PROGRAMME
Saturday March 26
Seminar, St Johns Presbyterian Church, corner of Willis and Dixon Streets.
9:30 a.m - Registration.
10 a.m. Speakers to be announced later. They will speak on the whole issue
of spybases in New Zealand, and place that in the global context.
12.30 p.m. – Lunch, at St Johns.
Tour of Secret Wellington
1:45 p.m - Meet at bus stop outside Education House/NZEI, 178 Willis St
(which is next door to the St Johns car park).
2 p.m. – Tour of Secret Wellington, conducted by people trained by world
famous researcher, Nicky Hager, the Wellingtonian who originated the
tours.
5 p.m. – Tour finishes
Sunday March 27
Trip To Tangimoana Spybase. If you’re making your own way there and need
directions, contact the Anti-Bases Campaign. Bring placards, banners,
drinking water, and something for your lunch. We’ll be away for the day.
10 a.m. - Meet at bus stop outside Education House/NZEI, 178 Willis St
(which is next door to the St Johns car park).
10:30 a.m. - Depart for Tangimoana.
2 p.m. - Protest at Tangimoana Spybase
3 p.m. – Depart Tangimoana for Wellington
Organised by the Anti-Bases Campaign, Box 2258, Christchurch.
E-mail cafca@chch.planet.org.nz Website www.converge.org.nz/abc
|
