E Tu! Free Concert and Information Forums

The E Tu ! Civil Rights Concert, to be held at Frank Kitts Park Wellington, on Saturday 1 December (Sun if wet) 2007, is an event for all. It will provide the space, time and resources for everyone to learn about the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002, its background, global context and implications, while enjoying kid's activities, outstanding music and our wonderful waterfront.

Various stage areas will simultaneously provide music performances and speakers' forums enabling the public to become better informed about the Act. Various NGO, peace, environment and other groups will have information stands, while the forums will provide an opportunity for the ;public to have their questions answered by informed speakers.

Speakers include Nandor Tanczos, Teanau Tuiono, and Nicky Hagar, author of the popular "The Hollow Men", recently adapted as a successful stage play. They will lead forum discussions on topics surrounding this legislation and its effects on and in New Zealand and globally.

Performance support from a variety of bands has been overwhelming and the event organisers have had a hard job selecting those who get to perform. The line-up is excellent, presenting a wide variety of styles, including nationally-renowned Emma Paki, the amazingly talented Ladi6 from Auckland, and local favourite Little Bushman, Warren Maxwell's latest band, who have their new album due for release the following Monday 3 December. The Klezmer Rebs will bring an historical East European flavour to the event, Olmecha Supreme bring universal world music, Spartacus R will journey through psychedelia, the roots, soul and reggae sounds of Hikoikoi and Homefire Burning will have the crowd consciously jiving, and perennial local stars Upper Hutt Posse will ensure the crowd remains engaged with the issues at hand.

E Tu! Event Manager Martin Wilson, on behalf of the organising committee, says, "Our focus for this event is creating an informed and intelligent debate about the effects of, and the need for, the Terrorism Suppression Act. We have recently experienced the first application of this Act by police, leaving the nation shocked and confused."

"We feel that action such as this is beyond what is required to keep the peace in New Zealand, and that allowing the police to have these powers under this Act will seriously damage New Zealand as a society and community. Furthermore we believe that there is no need for this Act at all as we already have laws that adequately cover the offences aimed at in this Act."

"Our intention is to provide a day where members of the public can freely attend and become better informed about the Act and its implications in a relaxed and peaceful environment. They can then decide for themselves whether such an Act is likely to be more damaging than protective for New Zealand; and whether it is needed at all."

The organisers would like to thank the many musicians and performers who have come forward to support this day and its intentions. Their performances will make this a fun family day for all, an environment where open discussion and exchanges of views will go hand-in-hand with enjoying our culture and our wonderful and diverse community.

Martin Wilson
E Tu! Event Manager

Details of Speakers:

Nicky Hager - BACKGROUND TO THE INTERNATIONAL WAR ON TERROR
Nicky Hager (born 1958) is an author and investigative journalist who lives in Wellington , New Zealand. Hager generally writes about issues involving intelligence networks, environmental issues and politics. He has degrees in physics and philosophy. He has been described as " New Zealand's leading investigative journalist".

Teanau Tuiono - DON"T BELIEVE THE HYPE!
*WHAT THE MEDIA CONTINUALLY FAILS TO TELL YOU ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS RIGHTS MOVEMENT
*THE RIGHT TO DISSENT AND INDIGENOUS SELF-DETERMINATION
Teanau is an indigenous rights advocate with an emphasis on indigenous self-determination (Tino Rangatiratanga). He has worked on numerous national campaigns earlier this year he was the spokesperson for Te Ata Tino Toa - who petitioned to have the Maori flag on the Harbour Bridge for Waitangi Day. Internationally Teanau has worked with indigenous crews, recently he worked on ' Solid Territory ' in Sydney an indigenous collaboration between Maori and Aborigines, he also has experience at the UN advocating on indigenous rights. When he is not being raided on bogus 'terrorist' claims Teanau works as one of the co-directors of Conscious Collaborations, a indigenous collective striving for a world that acknowledges Papatuanuku (Earthmother) by building synergies between indigenous, activist, and creative communities.

Nandor Tanczos MP - THE SIGNIFICANCE OF 'OPERATION 8' and the TERRORISM SUPPRESSION ACT 2002
Nandor is a high-profile campaigner for environmental issues, justice and constitutional reform. Nandor consistently challenges mainstream political perspectives and provides a voice in Parliament for those who have too often lacked political representation. With a background in grassroots activism and eight years in the beehive, Nandor is in a good position to comment on 'Operation 8', the Terrorism Suppression Act, and the significance of the recent events.

Links for further information:

Speakers (confirmed to date):
http://www.e-tu.org.nz/?q=node/9
Bands and performers:
http://www.e-tu.org.nz/?q=node/5

ENDS