Last week marked the thirtieth anniversary of the reoccupation of Takaparawha/Bastion Point in Orakei, Tamaki Makaurau. As Ana comments,

the occupation certainly cemented the momentum and Maori drive for self determination, Takaparawha also showed the strength of solidarity with union placing green bans in support of the protest and support of many non Maori.It was a very visible reassertion of identity, pride & collective power. For a haapu that had been made virtually landless by the colonial imposition of Auckland, Takaparawha demonstrated the importance of fighting for the ahi kaa in our whenua and ourselves [ Read More ]

More: Uriohau: Noho Whenua ki Takaparawha | TV Footage of Police Invasion | Radio NZ Archived Coverage | People's History of Auckland

New Zealand Open Rescue has conducted an undercover investigation into an intensive piggery in Auckland, uncovering gruesome evidence and rescuing two female piglets.

“Our investigation revealed death, cannibalism and immense suffering,” says New Zealand Open Rescue spokesperson Deirdre Sims.

“We witnessed sows in farrowing crates anguished in extreme confinement. These mother pigs were unable to walk or turn around, let alone able to interact with their babies. Our team also documented many dead piglets, one of which had been severely cannibalized."

More: Open Rescue | Meat Free Media | Video

The Human Rights Network of Aotearoa is proud to present the fourth annual New Zealand Human Rights Film Festival - a cinematic event celebrating extraordinary people striving for success and achievement amidst the most difficult circumstances and conditions.

2008 is a particularly special year for the Human Rights movement as it’s the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the films shown during the festival not only celebrate how far we have come since the signing but also where work is still needed if the promise of the first Article - All human beings are born free and equal - is to be realised.

• Wellington 8 - 16 May | Paramount Theatre
• Auckland 15 - 23 May | Rialto Newmarket
• Christchurch 22 - 30 May | Regent on Worcester
• Dunedin 29 May - 6 June | Rialto Dunedin

Official Site - Schedule, films, booking, prices…

Update 9/5: After seven days in jail, Danny Wilson has been granted bail!

Former Auckland anarchist and one of the founders of Radical Youth, Danny "Vegas" Wilson, 20, and five others have been arrested and jailed after a May Day celebration in Olympia, Washington State. During the protest, symbols of the state and Capital were attacked. Danny is being charged with "1st degree malicious mischief" (felony charge) and "suspicion of riot" (misdemeanor). The total bail for all six arrestees is 40,000 dollars with Danny's being set at $5000. As of today May 5th Danny is still being held and money is needed to help meet the cost of bail. In addition Danny has not had access to proper food that meets his dietary choices of an animal/dairy free diet.

On May 1 in Olympia, WA a group of about two hundred people had a rally in solidarity with the immigrants’ rights and anti-war movements. The rally was followed with a march to the capital where activists gathered outside of the governor’s door, making their presence known and urging her to support the proposal of making Olympia a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants. After the capital the march continued downtown, where rocks were thrown through the windows of Bank of America and US Bank, two banks notorious for their social and environmental injustices. A scuffle ensued in which protesters clashed with the police. Pepper spray and pellet guns were used on the protesters and six people were ultimately arrested. [