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?

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); research@students.org.nz

Saturday March 26

Seminar, St Johns Presbyterian Church, cnr. of Willis and Dixon Streets.

9:30 a.m - Registration.

10 a.m. Three speakers will talk about the spybases; the whole gamut of Intelligence and security laws; and the global context, specifically the notorious electronic spying project codenamed Echelon.

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

I want to take part in the weekend of protest

Name ________________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________

Phone/Fax/E-mail ______________________________________________

I enclose $30 ($15 unwaged) per person registration to cover costs ____

I want to make a donation to the Easter campaign __________________

I can help with publicity in my area or network Yes/No _______________

I want to join the Anti-Bases Campaign. Annual membership is $20, and includes a sub to ABC’s newsletter, Peace Researcher _______________

Organised by the Anti-Bases Campaign, Box 2258, Christchurch.

E-mail cafca@chch.planet.org.nz Website http://www.converge.org.nz/abc

Make all cheques to ABC.

Super-Wards: Commission Proposes New Boundaries For Auckland

The Local Government Commission presented its proposals on the boundaries and representation arrangements for the new Auckland Council today.

Under the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009, the Commission is required to determine boundaries for the new Auckland Council, wards and local boards, ward and board names and the number of members per local board. More>>