Messages of support
Messages of support from individuals, whanau or organisations will be sent to a/all prisoner(s) and can also be made public/private on the website.
NB: All message of support to individual prisoners will not be listed here due to name suppression
| Date | Name | Message of support |
|---|---|---|
| 13/11/2007 | Elizabeth Collins | Never give up! We support you! We love you! We will get you out of there! Peace and Love Elizabeth |
| 09/11/2007 | hinerangi erstich | i sent a message yesterday after reading an article in the sunday newspaper, that was actually pretty old, and then i watched te karere last night,and it was a relief to hear the good news that some people have been released but, there are still some people in there. i am all for the rights of the people, too long have we been sucked in to the politicians and banks and co orporations of this world, almost everything is a form of a scam or a brainwash right down to the treatment of the races of the world, im sure most people on this website know this, but not enough people are aware of the true facts of the government, of the american co orporations and leaders as such, we are all been sucked in with different things. and different systems. like i said in my last message i come from a family of activists and politicians, and i started a search for my own truth about this world. i have found my answers mostly in the library, and this is only for the material world. i discuss and study these issues with different people,and some have no idea how severe and how real the true reality of this world is. there is alot of greed and alot of money that does not exist involved and, little things like terrorism and the police making mistakes and u know the media its all too much sometimes and when people get put to jail for no reason there must be a call for a different way to deal with things. so i tautoko all the people that are fighting for our people and other races that are being suppressed, beacuse we are all involved in this not just the so called terrorists. one day we will all walk in a world of peace but until that day.,mewhaiwhai tonu matou.ake ake ake. kia ora. |
| 08/11/2007 | hinerangi erstich | well im just sedning a message of support to all the people out there that need it. i see stuff on the news and in the paper and it sickens me, especially wen i know the people, or i know sum1 who knows that person. i dont watch the news on a regualr basis or read the paper because of this. i know there is an answer to all our issues, maori issues, but we are stil struggling never the less. so hopefully there will be changes. i come from a line of politicians and activists and i have lived the struggle and seen and heard about the different issues and things we face. and we are fighting for. i do my little bit everyday to become more aware and help others see the real story behind all the indegeniuos peoples struggles. i used to be against it because i saw alot of hate and anger towards people that will do nothing to make change for the future. all we need is more awareness and more people standing for the cause and uniting as a people to take the world on. i remember when there was a little stint in the media about a , bakery that made up little gingerbread men to do the haka on an ad on their tv in the bakery. i was so disgusted by this that i went to another website to voice my opinion. its little things like this that the other races dont get and that we need to educate them about, because they dont know, they have no idea, ive lived with people like this and i know what they like. surely you have to. so anyway, putting that aside, i thank the people who are making a stand and one day we will get all that we want. |
| 05/11/2007 | Hine | He mihinui kia koutou, he mihi aroha kia koutou katoa, ahakoa he mea iti nga kupu, koia nei te pono i te whatu manawa...kia kaha tonu i te aroha o te Atua... Much love & respect to you all, stay strong. Our thoughts & hearts are with you always...Tinorangatiratanga! |
| 05/11/2007 | David Hernandez-Palmar | Hegemonic Post-Colonial Discourse (Contemporary Colonization) What is terrorism? What does it mean to act in the name of peace, or to find arms in places where they dont exist? Are they copying hegemonic discourse? All of these questions are valid and apply to violations that many people of the world suffer, above all indigenous people. In my opinion, when culture is managed irresponsibly, and we see others judged in an irresponsible way, with no evidence, with comments that are racist and which are placed in a context as if they were made by wise elders, claiming things such as I decide if you are worthy of your culture or not, you are violent and vengeful, these people are hypocrites, because they say they are working for our people and are offering recognition to those men and women who iron our clothes, watch over us, wash our cars, and make our handicrafts. They do not see that this is not the way, not the right path. We as indigenous are not only those things. We are the ones who, through our ancestors, have kept society together to the present, we are the ones who have diverse ways of expressing ourselves as daily witnesses to the idea that it is possible to live in peace with others and with mother earth, we champion the responsible use of culture, which does away with preconceptions and ideas promoted by ignorance and lack of understanding by others. We are the ones as a people who have given up so much at such a high and unfortunate cost, such as our most valued legacy, the greatness of the past, our faith, our culture, our food. What kind of sin is it to have self-determination? What kind of sin is it to protest? What sin have we committed when we accept the new nationality of peoples living on our soil? What sin have indigenous committed when we recognise each other as human beings? Why do they mistreat us when we state that something does not look right to us? In other words, people who practice what they criticise, who judge you in the name of democracy, who say they are offering tribute, are just like the colonisers, they keep exchanging gold for trinkets and want us to give away our wealth for shiny mirrors. Amparo Ochoa has a song that expresses this very well: And we open our homes and call them friends But if an Indian comes back tired from working in the highlands We humiliate him and see him as a stranger throughout his land. You hypocrite acting like a humble person in front of a foreigner You become arrogant with your own poor brothers Oh, Malinches curse, illness of our age, When will you leave my land .when will you free my people. I dedicate this to all the indigenous peoples of the world, especially to my Maori brothers and sisters in Aotearoa New Zealand, my Wayuu people and to the Wichi people. I want to share information about what is happening to our Maori brothers and sisters in Aotearoa. Please read this letter and send it on, for once make the voice heard of THOSE WHO HAVE NO VOICE. David Hernández Palmar. Indígena Wayuu. Clan IIPUANA 0414 632 1312 0416 370 3539 + 58 414 632 1312 + 58 416 370 3539 shiaakua@gmail.com Tradition is like a wise elder, as she sits on the road of days, she tells future generations what she has lived. RAMON PAZ IIPUANA 1938 "La tradición es como una anciana que sentada en el camino de los días, cuenta a las generaciones venideras lo que ha vivido". RAMON PAZ IIPUANA 1.938 La tradition, c'est comme une vieille dame qui, assise sur le chemin des jours qui passent, raconte aux générations à venir ce qui lui a été donné de vivre. RAMON PAZ IIPUANA, 1938 |
| 04/11/2007 | Irish Finn | To all who remain behind bars still, a simple message of solidarity and support. I won't lie and tell you that the whole world is watching but some of us are and we're trying to spread the word and open some minds/eyes to the hidden agendas behind this state terrorism. I hope you all can keep the heads up while in 'there', i don't know how i would cope. Sending strength and love to all of you...Irish Finn |
| 03/11/2007 | Marinus Paul (Rien) Achterberg | Kia ora Tama Iti, Haven't been in touch for a long time, since '95 on the "Rainbow Warrior". You may remember me, working for Greenpeace on the ship as action-logistics coordinator. We met before as well on the "RW" in '91 & after the "RW" bombing in '85. Maureen (my wife) & I also visit you briefly in Ruatoki in '92. Anyway, long time no see..., but you have been, for a long time, an inspiration to both of us & the latest outragious event, accusations and injustices only strenghtened that feeling. Know that we, besides your many -many- other Maori AND Pakeha supporters stand by you in these trying times. We send you and your Whanau our love, friendship and strenghts and know that in the end the good will prevail. Kia Kaha my dear friend and fellow Rainbow Warrrior. |
| 03/11/2007 | Welsh Andy - Glasgow Anarchists | Just a quick message of solidarity from Scotland, these bastards can not suppress the fires of freedom that burn within us all. Stand tall, stand proud! |
| 01/11/2007 | stan squires | I was reading in the militant newspaper about the maori peoples struggle against the new zealand gov. It seems like the new zealand gov. is using antiterrorism legislation to attack the maori peoples rights. Here in canada the canadian gov. is using similar legislation to imprison political activicts.The unions and other working class organizations should organize protests against this injustice against the maori people. It has been proven through out history that the working class in all countries are the ones that are going to make the important changes that are necessary so that all people are free of opression and work for the good of the people instead of for wage slavery.I supports your struggle and wish you luck. In Solidarity Stan Squires |
| 01/11/2007 | stan squires | I was reading in the militant newspaper about the maori peoples struggle against the new zealand gov. It seems like the new zealand gov. is using antiterrorism legislation to attack the maori peoples rights. Here in canada the canadian gov. is using similar legislation to imprison political activicts.The unions and other working class organizations should organize protests against this injustice against the maori people. It has been proven through out history that the working class in all countries are the ones that are going to make the important changes that are necessary so that all people are free of opression and work for the good of the people instead of for wage slavery.I supports your struggle and wish you luck. In Solidarity Stan Squires |
| 01/11/2007 | Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council | Hau mitaukuyapi, cante' waste' nape ca'uzapi! Hello my relatives, we greet you with a heartfelt handshake. I write this letter with a heavy heart. We are disheartened that our indigenous brothers and sisters of the Maori Nation are being oppressed and persecuted on their homeland. We demand that the New Zealand government dismiss all charges against Tame Iti and freedom fighters and free them to be reunited with their extended families once again! They are exercising their indigenous rights to hunt and live in the way of their ancestors. The Maori are the landlords of New Zealand, not the white immigrants squatting on that island. We, of the Oglala Lakota Nation, support our Maori relatives and request that the Crown recognize their independence as a Nation! We must all learn to live together and respect each other's cultures in these modern times. Aho, hetcetu yelo! Mitaukuye Oyasin! (That is all I have to say. We are all related.) Respectfully, Floyd L. Hand Buffalo Chief, Oglala Lakota Delegate & Interpreter, Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council, USA |
| 31/10/2007 | Ryan O'Connell | Kia Ora, Keep standing up for what you believe in. The eyes of the people are upon those who oppress. You have been treated unfairly and have my support and love. Kia Kaha, Ryan |
| 31/10/2007 | Anna Thompson | Your arrest has brought me out of political hibernation. Now is the time to speak out. There are many people supporting you, we will work together to help in any way we can. This injustice must not be tolerated, and no New Zealander with a conscience can remain silent. |
| 31/10/2007 | Ógra Shinn Féin condemn New Zealand authorities crackdown on Maori activists | Speaking following the news of a wave of serious activity against Maori rights and trade union activists in New Zealand, Barry McColgan, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin, condemned the actions conducted by the New Zealand authorities calling them “unwarranted and unjustifiable”. “This month the authorities of New Zealand showed their true colours – raiding the homes of dozens of trade unionists, Maori-rights activists and political activists in act of severe state repression. The criminalisation of dissent and political activism must not be allowed to continue. “Not only have they targeted a wide range of activists and arrested many on trumped up charges, as part of their crack down this week they raided the home of Jimmy O’Dea – a 72 year old life long activist on Irish and Maori rights. “These raids are a blatant attack on activism in general and are unwarranted and unjustifiable. Oppressive governments the world over are renowned for this kind of technique; from the British in the six counties to the Spanish government in the Basque country and now the New Zealand authorities against the Maori movement. “Ógra Shinn Féin is calling on the international community to engage with the authorities of New Zealand and push them to drop these spurious charges immediately. “ “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” Martin Luther King |
| 30/10/2007 | Dolores Flynn-Edge | here I am an Irish almost Kiwi visiting my grandchildren in London and thank God I am keeping in touch with what is happening in my adopted country. I send my support to you and please please remember remain peace loving. Violence solves nothing only prolongs trouble and remember as an Irish Woman I should know |
| 30/10/2007 | Alex Taylor | To all those persecuted by police and government: New Zealand does care. And it is only by speaking out about this and continuing to dissent that we can make any difference in stopping our country's progress towards becoming a totalitarian state. New Zealand needs you activists, who are willing to question the status quo and open up debate, while the silent majority of complacent conservatives sit back and let ideas pass them by. When will the mainstream media begin to question the label "terrorist"? The American definition increasingly seems to be anything and everything anti-establishment, and this is where we seem to be headed too. This whole debacle will not go quietly, as the police and government want it to. |
| 29/10/2007 | Stephen Sachs | The Police raid and arrests, claiming to act under the post-9/11 Suppression of Terrorism Act, October 15, was unconscionable. New Zealand is not a terrorist target, and Maori activists are not terrorists. The raid was a violation of the rights of individuals and of the Maori people. By taking such unwarranted, extreme action, the police created insecurity, by setting back internal relations in Aotearoa/New Zealand by a century, and undermining confidence in the police and government. The government and police should immediately apologize, release all prisoners, and take initiatives to begin a reconciliation process with those directly involved, and with the Maori more generally. |
| 29/10/2007 | APIYN | PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION CALLING FOR THE RELEASE OF ARRESTED MAORI LEADERS AND INDIVIDUALS. Go to www.ipetitions.com/petition/Free-the-Maoris/ Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network |
| 29/10/2007 | Asia-Pacific Indigenous Youth Network | No to political persecutions! Free all those arrested! Respect Human Rights! The Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network denounces with much indignation the Gestapo-like arrests of Maori individuals who are active in the movement for social justice in New Zealand. It is very unfortunate that only few weeks after the adoption of the Declaration of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights by the UN General Assembly, New Zealand is taking the lead in violating the rights of Maori indigenous population. It is also very unfortunate that New Zealand, which claims to have a democratic tradition, has to adopt and implement undemocratic and anti-civil rights processes such as the Terrorism Suppression Act and using these processes to curtail those rights it purportedly seeks to protect. The harsh methods and means the police had used in these unwarranted and unjustified arrests including the “raids of Aotearoa homes, storming of children’s buses by police elements, confiscations of properties and children’s clothes” are indicators of rising cases of repulsive actions in contrary to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its adoption in 1948 clearly demonstrated the recognition by humanity that the rights, dignity, and persons are indispensable and nothing would justify their violations including in the name of anti-terrorism. We believe that repressions, persecutions, and human rights violations do not have any place in a civilized world. Henceforth, We demand the unconditional release of all those arrested, We call on the New Zealand government to investigate these violations committed against the Maori people, and, We further urge the New Zealand policy makers and public officials to review and repeal the Terrorism Suppression Act. The APIYN expresses its solidarity with the Maori people and calls for the immediate stop of all these persecutions. We are one with the Maori and we declare: “No arrests, no harassments, no killings, no deaths will ever stop us. We will never be cowed, for our struggle is right and just.” Enough with these violations of Indigenous Peoples! The Maori people and all indigenous peoples worldwide deserve justice! Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION CALLING FOR THE RELEASE OF ARRESTED MAORI LEADERS AND INDIVIDUALS.Go to www.ipetitions.com/petition/Free-the-Maoris/ |
| 29/10/2007 | He uri no Taranaki | Tena koutou katoa, Nga mihi aroha ki a koutou kua riro i te ringa kaha o aitua. Kia kaha, kia maia, kai u. Tokomaha nga tanagta e tautoko ana i a koutou. Naku noa He uri no Taranaki |
| 29/10/2007 | Helen Lehndorf | Hello- I feel sick to the stomach to think of you all in jail. It just isn't right and while there has been huge support for you all (protests around the country and overseas) I can't believe more NZers aren't outraged and in the streets daily about it. Nonetheless, thousands of people are thinking of you, fund raising for you, talking about you positively, arguing for you, praying for you, singing to you, writing poems and songs and stories about you. Please don't feel alone in there, feel supported, feel understood, feel cared for. We will not rest until justice is achieved! Love, love and more love, Helen |
| 29/10/2007 | Kristopher Johnson | I just wanted to offer my support for you who are being persecuted. All the way in the heartland of the United States of America, your story is being told. I hope that this little note--a demonstration of the fact that you are not alone and there are many around the world crying for your release--at least some comfort in this time of trial. Do not give up hope, all is not lost- Kris |
| 28/10/2007 | Ian | Hello people, i just came accros an article on indy paris dealing with what happened in NZ and was quite surprised by the reaction and the sheer force the state used to arrest some of you. More so by the use of anti terrorrism laws in a country which over here is viewed as a haven of peace on the opposite side of the globe...What can i say except that i hope you can get your freedom back as soon as possible and that this state sponsored oppression and vulgar display of power and injustice will have rallied more people to your struggle. one love people :) ian |
| 27/10/2007 | Nicole Mathewson | Just wanting to send a message of support to everyone involved in this - stay strong, and keep fighting the good fight. There are so many people on your side, this situation is definately not being ignored! Good luck, and all the best! |
| 27/10/2007 | Kleat Nepe | Tino Rangatiratanga inaianei mo ake tonu atu |
| 27/10/2007 | Terry Nicholas | Where too after today, tomorrow and next week... what to do to keep the momentom. United we stand. |
| 27/10/2007 | Jania Galletly | This is a message for all the political prisoners , whatever your affiliation or fight: I send my aroha and want you to know that many of us are fired up about the despicable treatment of individuals, their families and communities under the guise of the terrorist suppression act. I am disgusted at the attempts to manipulate the kiwi public through the use of the word terrorist and at how the drama strategically coincided with the possible ammendments to the terrorist suppression act!! In droves we are marching to demand you all be released, we are asking that the police be held accountable for their appalling behaviour, and that the terrorist suppression act be abolished!! The Tuhoe people are obviously a strong and proud people who has survived great atrocities at the hands of colonialists and it pains me to see this continue. Be strong and keep fighting for your rights! |
| 27/10/2007 | Dylan Braithwaite | On behalf of myself and my family I'd like to lend my support to all those detained in the raids of October 15th 2007. We are concerned that dissenting voices are not silenced in Aotearoa New Zealand and that the intended use of the Terrorism Suppression Act is to do just this. We are thinking of you. |
| 26/10/2007 | Reihana and Geoffrey Robinson, organic farmers | Arohanui ki a koutou. A big message of support from the Upper Coromandel. We will do our bit to help protect everyone's civil rights. Kia ora na Reihana and Geoffrey Robinson |
| 26/10/2007 | Reibiliun | Solidarity Greetings From Ireland! Until All Are Free - We Are All Imprisoned! |
| 26/10/2007 | Vilhelm Vilhelmsson | Just a quick message to express solidarity with all the prisoners of the recent NZ police state roundup of activists. You are not alone. All over the world people are aware of your plight and support you in any way they can. Don't give up the struggle, resist the fascist state. Peace and solidarity, Vilhelm |
| 25/10/2007 | Paul Benedek, Socialist Alliance Qld state convenor, Australia | As a campaigner for wrongly charged "terrorism suspect" Dr Mohamed Haneef here in Brisbane Australia - charges which were dropped after his being held for many days in prison, before having his visa withdrawn - I am aware of the injustice of the undemocratic "anti-terrorism" laws. Like Dr Haneef, I'm confident those arrested in Aotearoa will gain the support of many people who are ever more seeing through the lies of a so called "war on terror", which is actually terrorising people - in Iraq, Afghanistan, in the Muslim community, the Maori community and beyond. We stand with you across the ditch, in solidarity against these repressive laws, in support of your rights, freedom and justice, and for the real criminals and terrorists to be held to account - those that impoverish us and take us to war. An injury to one is an injury to all |
| 25/10/2007 | Alex | Hi Em and Tim, Man this is the craziest thing ever. I feel really sickened to think of you in prison. You're such great people. My heart is with you, like those of thousands of people round the country. I hope you'll be able to draw strength from the whole experience. Kia kaha. Arohanui. I look forward to seeing you on the other side, and soon! Alex |
| 24/10/2007 | Hine @ te Whenua | Tena koutou, kia kaha!!! You are in our thoughts every day & we are letting the whole world know. America is having maja protests for peace on the 27th too & know of your plight. This will be to the governments detriment in the end, thank you all again for your courage & strength!! Arohanunui xxxx |
| 24/10/2007 | Dayle @ MUNT FM | Stay strong peeps!! Your've got all the best support and love going on outside the front doors. Kia Kaha!! Much Aroha!! Dayle and the Djs at MUNT!! |
| 24/10/2007 | Marciana | tena koutou katoa, He mihi tino nui ki nga tangata katoa i roto i nga whareherehere!!!!! A tino big UPZ to all people who e tu and korero!!!!!!!! As the the anniversary of the Declaration of independance approaches, the governement and the police force are STILL hurting people...and History is STILL repeating itself.....seems like not much has changed after all wasn't Rua Kenana subjected to the same actions many years ago? anyway....kia kaha, be strong and don't give up the fight.......I'm bringing my tamariki up to stand up, be proud, fight for what they believe and hikoi for their country....You guys and those who have gone before, among others are who they look up to. HE AHA TE MEA NUI O TE AO?...HE TANGATA, HE TANGATA, HE TANGATA tena koutou, tena koutou, tena tatou katoa |
| 24/10/2007 | Rose Hollins, Citizens Against Privatisation, fwding from Cape Town Anti-War Coalition | Following their message of solidarity, our issue is on the agenda for action in Cape Town, South Africa: From: "Cape Town Anti War Coalition" <capetownantiwar@gmail.com> Date: 24 October 2007 3:32:30 AM Subject: Invitation to Anti-War meeting this Saturday - Joe Slovo leader to speak Dear Friends The Cape Town Anti-War Coalition hereby invites you to a meeting this Saturday, 27th October at Community House, Salt River at 12h30. We have invited Comrade Mzwanele Zulu from the Joe Slovo Task Team to address the meeting about the kind of support we can offer to their struggle. Other items on the proposed agenda: (Please feel free to bring your own items) 1. Supporting the Anti-Eviction Campaign march to FNB Bank and Thubelisha Homes 2. Preparation for the international day of 60 years since the Palestinian Nakba (catastrophe of 1948 when the Palestinians lost most of their country) 3. Preparation for an event to mark 40 years since the youth taking Paris (in 1968) 4. Fundraising 5. Solidarity with the indigenous people of New Zealand, who are currently in prison facing bogus charges of "terrorism" 6. Next meeting Please call - - - or - - - for more info. Taxi fares will be refunded if needed. |
| 24/10/2007 | Lyn Claridge | I am angry and ashamed that I live in a country that can treat people the way you have been treated by our Police, government and media. I wish that there was something I could do that would help. Unfortunately all I have is words of sympathy and regret to share with you and words of outrage for 'them'. |
| 24/10/2007 | George Darroch | Dear Arrestees. You have my love and support. Stay strong. George |
| 23/10/2007 | Canadian Union of Postal workers | On behalf of the 55,000 members of the Canadian Union of Postal workers I am writing to condemn the criminalization and attempted silencing of activists in Aotearoa. We are fully aware of the recent wave of repression. In keeping with the tradition of repressive regimes, this has included manufactured pretexts for home invasions, raids, confiscation of possessions and interrogations alleging terrorist activities against the state. It is obvious that your government has chosen a transparently artificial justification to repress the social justice movement. Your attempt to charge activists under the Terrorist Suppression Act, which carries with it sentencing for life, is an affront to justice and reveals the deep insecurities and dishonesty of your colonial government. Many of those being implicated in this investigation are young people trying to do good things for their communities. Currently, many are being held unjustly in jail and being denied bail. Communities, families and children are reportedly traumatized by these events. We have difficulty understanding the timing for these invasions directed against personal liberty and rights. It is an insult to the indigenous movement for self - determination and their allies to be blamed for instigating terrorism. The Maori have a historical, cultural, moral, and social right to self determination. If anything, it is the successive colonialist governments that should be indicted for "terrorism". .../2 We call on you to stop violating human rights in Aotearoa immediately. Release all prisoners immediately and hold accountable those officials that have abused your system of justice to commit these obviously trumped up crimes that make a mockery of justice. Sincerely, Deborah Bourque, National President, CUPW |
| 23/10/2007 | Unbelievable | I pledge to you that I will rally, lobby, and contribute financially towards publicising and if possible righting this wrong. NZ society has been damaged by this terrible action, and you are paying the highest price. My sympathies, and my support. You have had the courage, and made the sacrifices, to speak out and act on my behalf on so many occasions. I will speak out and act in your support now. |
| 23/10/2007 | Jasmine | kia ora, It’s hard to know what to say in such situations other than we are all thinking of you - to be honest you occupy pretty much all of my thoughts. The last week has been crazy to put it mildly and it seems as though this is only the beginning of a long fight. The support for all of you is enormous and is growing stronger everyday! Be assured that we are standing along side you for the long haul. Much love and respect Jasmine xoxoxoxo |
| 23/10/2007 | Damian Clarke | This message is to the human rights activists from Wellington and Auckland. Keep your chins up. Anyone who knows you also knows you are innocent. What has happened is an absolute outrage. We'll be seeing you soon. Kia kaha |
| 23/10/2007 | Conference on People's Sovereignty on Natural Resources | Resolution from the Conference on People's Sovereignty on Natural Resources, 23-25 October 2007 in Bangkok, Thailand. As social justice activists from over 50 organizations across 15 countries in Asia and the Pacific we know from our own experience that governments manipulate the label "terrorism" to suppress national movements for social justice and self-determination. We Express solidarity with the people of Tuhoe and other communities in Aotearoa that are being terrorized by the New Zealand state in the name of ?anti-terrorism?; Denounce the labeling of Maori sovereignty activists as "terrorists", and the New Zealand government's refusal to support the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as the actions of an illegitimate colonial power; Condemn the New Zealand government?s use of the Terrorism Suppression law to justify blockades, searches, arrests and detention without any attempt to show due cause; Call for the immediate release on bail of those who have been arrested and an end to the current abuses of police powers of search, seizure, arrest and detention; Resolve to campaign against the New Zealand government's candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council. |
| 23/10/2007 | Darren Kemp | Kia kaha kia mana tino rangatiratanga! You are in our thoughts and prayers down here in Te Whanganui A Tara. "I believe that there will ultimately be a clash between the oppressed and those that do the oppressing. I believe that there will be a clash between those who want freedom, justice and equality for everyone and those who want to continue the systems of exploitation." - Malcolm X. Kotahitanga & arohanui, Darren. |
| 23/10/2007 | Danyl Strype | Kia ora koutou To all those who have been arrested in the now infamous dawn raids, my best wishes are with you all. We are doing everything we can to challenge this sinister police spying and suppression of activists. As the Palestinian solidarity groups put it, peace the flower, justice the seed. Kia kaha Danyl Strype |
| 23/10/2007 | Arikitanga | Kotou katoa ra nga tangata i roto i nga wharehere me koutou ma nga tangata mai Ruatoki, me nga tangata o nga ropu e pa ana ki te oranga o te whenua nga mihi mahana nga mihi aroha ki a koutou mai te ropu mana maori o Arikitanga. Kia kaha koutou, kia maia, kia manawa nui. Naku Noa, Chris Huriwai me te ropu o Arikitanga. |
| 23/10/2007 | Sarcastiko MAPU CHE | Brothers and Sisters The past days have been hard to swallow, in particular for the nature and the manner in which the systemns is trying to silence you . I am calmer now after listening to the elder reasoning the deep causes that run through your veins. The mountains will be speaking for you and the army of disposses and the marginalised will join the ranks in their thousands. You have opened a new road, have raised the flag higher and we are humble at your situation but be sure, the world is watching and the fury of the oppresed will answer back. AROHA NUI KIA KAHA |
| 22/10/2007 | Jim Meyer | The recent actions of Police have disgusted me to say the least. I left "the land of the free" over 5 years ago after the terror attacks of 9/11 and the successful government exploitation of citizens fears to give up their civil rights in the months to follow. I have come to love New Zealand and now consider it my home. When I hear from my family about what is going on back in the states I always told them to come to New Zealand and get a touch of real freedom...now this has happened. No one seems to know why you are being imprisoned. I've heard gun charges, or attending camps in the Urewera's, I don't see how this can be linked to terriorism. I don't support ordinary people holding or selling firearms, but this doesn't blind me and I don't see how someone who is dealing with firearms legally or illegally should be arrested, held without bail, considered a terriorist threat especially when no real evidence or charges have been released to the public. If this is legit, why has nothing been released to the public? Why are you being held without bail? Why aren't they allowing you to make public statements? Whether or not the law has been broken not the case here, this is about civil rights. Is everyone who is arrested on gun charges locked up without bail? I don't think so! The very fact that nothing has been released other than red herrings tells me that there is no concrete information or solid charges against you. Regardless of the actions of those involved, decisions should be made on past actions and not future "risks". I know one of the accused, to call him a terriorist is laughable - except for the fact that he is in prison right now. We will keep support on the ground going until this matter is resolved. In Solidarity, Jim Meyer |
| 22/10/2007 | Hineraukura | He mihinui, he mihi aroha kia koutou katoa i nga whareherehere o te kawanatanga... kia kaha whanaunga i te Kotahitanga! Words of much love & support to you all in the prisons of the government... Stay strong our relations in Unity! Say nothing, keep ;em guessing, & know that Aotearoa is with you. In fact we owe you much gratitutde. It's beautiful to see the many shades of our Nation unified in this protest against the oppression of our civil rights. The protests are strong, and being circulated worldwide, via kumara-vines, blog, e-mails, & news coverage. Its blatantly obvious they have next to nothing, and to the governments detriment, it has woken many up from their complacent slumber. So thank you & again stay strong, & we'll see you on the outside again very soon!! Arohanunui kia koutou katoa! |
| 22/10/2007 | Matt Archer | I was deeply troubled to read about the violence and intimidation you, your organization and people were recently subjected to at the hands of the New Zeland government. Upon reading just a few details of the incident and your general plight I delved into the historical details a bit further and of course discovered that the recent incident is just one in a long serious of attempts to erradicate the hope of justice, equality and autonomy from the minds of you and your people. I know very little, but do know that they are fools to think your spirit can be broken. Your courage and committment to your culture and your community make me proud of humanity, a pride I feel increasingly infrequently these days. The story of what you have endured, the horrific injustice you have countered, the shameless attempts to snuff out your spirit you have staved off, are a part of the deep shame I feel in humanity, in particular that western, white, colonial "humanity" to which I owe some measure of my personal priviledge, and thus feel doubly ashamed. It should be shocking to the world that you face the ridiculously obvious violation of your rights that you do, period. But it should be more shocking, or perhaps revealing, that this particular instance occurs in the wake of the UN General Assembly's long awaited adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. I suppose it shouldn't be shocking to the world, however, that the government which claims to represent you was one of only four which did not sign the obviously necessary and just declaration. Mine, the United States, was another. It wouldn't suprise me to learn that your so-called leaders had you and your legitimate struggle in mind when they displayed such heinous unwillingness to admit and redress a long history of theft, exploitation, supression, murder and all other manner of outright villany in the selfish service of wealth and privilege. I want you to know, if it is relevant to you and if you will allow it, that you are an inspiration to me personally, to continue to struggle against injustice in the forms in which it becomes manifest here. I'd like you to know that so long as it is agreeable to you I will use your story to educate whoever will listen to me about the atrocities and inequities inherent in the post-colonial world. To speak with respect and admiration of, but never for, you and your people is a meagre repayment, to be sure, for what you continue to give this backwards world. |
| 22/10/2007 | KT Julian | It's odd, hearing about this from the Thai-Burma border. Like the our police have been getting a few ideas from the Burmese... Good luck folks - wish I was there to do more. Kia kaha, KT |
| 22/10/2007 | Martha M. Allen Torrez (Martita) | kia kaha nga hoa toa - lots of aroha and support from Chicago............see u all soon!!! |
| 22/10/2007 | Joe Carolan, Socialist Worker | First they came for the Maori, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Maori. Then they came for the Anarchists, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Anarchist. Then they came for the Ecologists, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't an Ecologist. Then they came for me, and by then there was no one left to speak up for me. - SW Auckland. Love to "Comrade Sharif" and all the political prisoners. Kia Kaha, Beir bua! Joe Carolan National Executive, Socialist Worker www.unityaotearoa.blogspot.com |
| 21/10/2007 | Simon and Ingrid | Kia kaha everyone! The amount of support you have been receiving at court, on the street and even in chat rooms has been enormous! Everyone is thinking of you and wishing you well. Simon has put up a website for the Auckland Civil Rights Defence Committee and for the other groups in Wellington and Christchurch and Ingrid is helping out with support in Auckland. Unfortunately some of the Auckland crew including Simon are unable to visit prisons due to protest related convictions in the past two years, so he'll be sending you letters in the mail. Ingrid will be visiting those in Auckland as well as sending mail and we both hope to get to some of the court dates outside of Auckland. Peace, Love and Anarchy from Simon and Ingrid. |
| 20/10/2007 | Socialist Party of Australia | Solidarity from the Socialist Party in Australia |