Date: Friday, 18 November
From: Auckland Peace Action

A flotilla of peace boats will challenge the warships anchored in Waitematā Harbour during the International Naval Review on Saturday from 12:30-2:30.

“We are taking to the seas to challenge the glorification of war and militarism. Many of these navies involved in disaster relief this week have been involved in disaster creation in Iraq and Afghanistan. War is not a natural disaster,” said Virginia Lambert, spokesperson for Auckland Peace Action.

“The US Navy ship USS Sampson carries 96 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles. These weapons have been raining down on communities across the Middle East for more than a decade. These ships and their crews are highly skilled killing machines.”

We see the Navy review is essentially a showcase of military power. It is totally inappropriate in a peace-loving country like New Zealand.

“Other countries involved in the Navy review are committing very serious human rights abuses. This includes New Zealand’s close ally Australia. Their Navy has been rounding up people fleeing war and sending them to prison gulags in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with no possibility of escape.”

“Indonesia has sent a floating troop transport. The military there is involved in brutally repressing the people of West Papua.”

“We want a country working for peace and justice, not glorifying and preparing for war.”

ENDS

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