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Green MP hosts West Papuan independence leader
Green MP hosts West Papuan independence leader
What: West Papuan independence leader Benny Wenda is visiting Aotearoa New Zealand to build political support for a free West Papua
When: 8 May – 13 May
Where: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
Green Party MP Catherine Delahunty is hosting Benny Wenda, Nobel peace prize nominee and spokesperson for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, during a visit to Aotearoa this week. Wenda will speak at public meetings in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch and meet with unions, faith groups, and community organisations. He will also visit Māori communities in Te Tai Tokerau.
Delahunty is the founder and co-chair of the MPs for West Papua group, alongside Māori Party Co-leader Marama Fox and Labour MP Sua William Sio. She has championed the West Papua cause in her time as an MP.
Wenda will speak at Parliament on Wednesday, and MPs will sign the Westminster Declaration for an Internationally Supervised Vote in West Papua. Seven Pacific nations have supported a call for a referendum on self-determination.
“I’m really excited that Benny Wenda is visiting Aotearoa this week and that New Zealanders will have an opportunity to show their support for the West Papuan struggle,” said Ms Delahunty.
“Human rights abuses and attacks on press freedom continue in West Papua and New Zealand has a responsibility as a leader in the Asia-Pacific region to stand up for peace, human rights, and self-determination.
“It’s time for the National Government to do the right thing and challenge Indonesia on its continued abuse of human rights and political repression in West Papua.
“The New Zealand Government should also be supporting West Papua’s fight for independence and its campaign to be a member of the Pacific Island Forum,” said Ms Delahunty.
Benny Wenda visit to Aotearoa – schedule of public events
| 6.30pm, Mon 8 May | Public meeting
with Ngāti Whatua Ōrakei whānau and public
| Ōrakei Marae, Auckland |
| 6pm, Tue 9 May | Public meeting on the Free West Papua
Campaign
| WF 710, AUT Business Building, Auckland |
| 6pm, Wed 10 May | Speaking
to MPs and guests on the Westminster Declaration for an
Internationally Supervised Vote in West Papua (MPs will
sign the declaration)
| Select Committee Meeting Room 6, Parliament House, Wellington |
| 11am, Thu 11 May | March
to Indonesian Embassy
| Indonesian Embassy, Grant St, Wellington(leaving from Kelburn Campus, Victoria University) |
| 6pm, Thu 11 May | Public meeting on the Free West Papua Campaign | Rutherford House, 23 Lambton Quay,
Wellington
|
| 12.30pm, Fri 12 May | Public meeting on campus (hosted by WPAC, UC Pacific Studies, Ngai Tahu, Aotahi School of Maori and Indigenous Studies) | John Britten Conference room; cnr Creyke & Engineering Rds, Ilam, Christchurch |
| 10am, Sat 13 May | Public meeting on the Free West Papua Campaign | Workers Education Association, 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch |
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