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14th RISEAP General Assembly Auckland 2009

The fourteenth Annual General Assembly of the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP) was held in Auckland, New Zealand between the 26th and 30th of November 2009. The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), the national Muslim umbrella organisation, co-hosted the 14th General Assembly on New Zealand soil for the first time. Sixty six delegates from the 14-member countries of RISEAP, Government officials, Non-Governmental representatives and members of the diplomatic and consular corps attended the General Assembly. The General Assembly was officiated by Pansy Wong, Minister for Ethnic Affairs. The RISEAP catchment covers population of over 300 million Muslims in the region which import over 1 billion dollar of NZ primary products (meat and dairy products) annually. It was noted that close co-operation and dialogue between Muslims and other faith communities in the region is important for a peaceful co-existence of all communities living in the Asia Pacific region...

phase 3 pt 17.jpg Phase 3 pt.17 Discovering the Balance

phase 3 pt 16.jpg Phase 3 pt.16 Fashionable Murder

pahse 3 pt 15 Phase 3 pt.15 Prioritized Poison

phase 3 pt 14 Phase 3 pt.14 The Industrial Food System

phase 3 pt 13 Phase 3 pt.13 Traps of This Age

phase 3 pt 12 Phase 3 pt.12 The Living Dead

phase 3 pt 11 Phase 3 pt. 11 Computerized Humanity

phase 3 pt 10 Phase 3 pt.10- (Phase 3)

Phase 3 pt 9 The Difference between Judaism & Zionism

phase 3 pt 8 Phase 3 pt.8 The Holy Land

Phase 3 pt.7 (Imperialism - By War or Consensus) Phase 3 pt.7 Imperialism - By War or Consensus

phase 3 pt 6 Phase 3 pt.6 Modern Western Civilization

phase 3 pt 5 Phase 3 pt.5 Appearence & Reality

phase 3 pt 4 Phase 3 pt.4 Globalization & Capitalism

phase 3 pt 3 Phase 3 pt. 3 Age of Awesome Deception

phase 3 pt 2 Phase 3 (pt. 2) Religious Symbolism

phase 3 pt 1 Phase 3 (pt. 1) Intro Scene

Another groundbreaking and riveting series from the creators of The Arrivals and The Divine Book. Phase 3 aims to set a new standard in online films. This production will (inshallah) wake up the world, and unite the people from every country, religion, culture ...or creed against injustice. A film by the people, for the people. Phase 3 is a WakeUpProject Film made up of 5 chapters. Directed by: Noreaga & Achernahr Video editing by: Bushwack , Purposefilms, Achernahr, Noreaga Animation & Graphics: Wolverine007 Scoring: Stoyan Ganev Narration: Schimitar Read More.

PHASE 3 Final Official Trailer

Another groundbreaking and riveting series from the creators of The Arrivals and The Divine Book. Phase 3 aims to set a new standard in online films. This production will (inshallah) wake up the world, and unite the people from different backgrounds.

The Divine Book 10/10 (The Absolute Creator) The Divine Book 10/10 The Absolute Creator

The Divine Book 9/10 (Proof that all Prophets were Muslim) The Divine Book 9/10 Proof that all Prophets were Muslim

The Divine Book 8/10 (Standing the Test of Time) The Divine Book 8/10 Standing the Test of Time

The Divine Book 7/10 (How Come Nobody Told me this Man) The Divine Book 7/10 How Come Nobody Told me this Man

The Divine Book 6/10 (Human Embryology) The Divine Book 6/10 Human Embryology

The Divine Book 5/10 (Islam, Christianity & the West) The Divine Book 5/10 Islam, Christianity & the West

The Divine Book 4/10 (The Original Bible) The Divine Book 4/10 The Original Bible

The Divine Book 3/10 Muhammed pbuh in the Bible

The Divine Book One God One Message pt 2 The Divine Book 2/10 Jesus pbuh in the Quran

The Divine Book pt 1 THE DIVINE BOOK One God - One Message Pt 1

This series will present divine proof from our creator, it will uncover shocking truths, as well as attempt to provide light, wisdom, guidance, and unity for those who seek it. Hope you enjoy "The Divine Book".

Watch the Intro, the 50 parts and the Outro to understand. So basically you have to watch from the Intro to the Outro. You can't just watch 1 or 2 parts and say it doesn't make sense. You have to watch all of them in order to understand everything.

Watch all the 50 Videos Here

Adnan Oktar pen-name Harun Yahya ‘Darwinism is not a proven fact, but rather a materialist worldview they are trying to impose on society under a scientific mask’ – Adnan Oktar

In the absence of a fossil in transitional form, Darwinism is rapidly getting obliterated from across world continents especially Europe its home front. The basic contention that everythihg came into being by chance is scientific is flawed. It is an evolution deceit perpetrated by Darwinists and in recent times no less an authority than Pope over alleged Vatican claims regarding belief in creation in Christianity and biological evolution being complementary to each other and that Vatican has a moderate outlook on Darwin’s theory of evolution. Would it be claimed that chance established civilizations everywhere? Adnan Oktar better known by his pen-name Harun Yahya argues & contends in the interview with Syed Akbar Kamal the portrayal of this miserable logic as scientific is the shame and disgrace of the current century. He also speaks of the stranglehold of atheist Zionists and Freemasons who rely on the fragmentation of Muslims in inflicting oppression especially on happles Palestinians. He calls for the establishment of the Turkish-Islamic Union to solve the Palestinian problem and observes Muslims being divided and fragmented is the greatest weapon in the hands of atheist Zionists.

Read the full interview

The Zionist Occupation of Palestine: Old Facts, Cold Realities

This article was written 61 years ago. What has changed since then? By His Majesty King Abdullah, November, 1947

[ Summary: This fascinating essay, written by King Hussein's grandfather King Abdullah, appeared in the United States six months before the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. In the article, titled "As the Arabs See the Jews", King Abdullah disputes the mistaken view that Arab opposition to Zionism (and later the state of Israel) is because of longstanding religious or ethnic hatred. He notes that Jews and Muslims enjoyed a long history of peaceful coexistence in the Middle East, and that Jews have historically suffered far more at the hands of Christian Europe. Pointing to the tragedy of the holocaust that Jews suffered during World War II, the monarch asks why America and Europe are refusing to accept more than a handful of Jewish immigrants and refugees. It is unfair, he argues, to make Palestine, which is innocent of anti-Semitism, pay for the crimes of Europe. King Abdullah also asks how Jews can claim a historic right to Palestine, when Arabs have been the overwhelming majority there for nearly 1300 uninterrupted years?]

I am especially delighted to address an American audience, for the tragic problem of Palestine will never be solved without American understanding, American sympathy, American support.

Read the complete article

Aucklanders protest Gaza Massacre New Zealanders Protest Besieged Gaza Massacre

Around four hundred people poured onto the streets of Auckland CBD in front of the US Consulate to protest against what they said is the massacre of Gazans in Palestine by Israeli Zionist forces acting criminally slaughtering civilians and destroying whatever little infrastructure they had.

The protest was organised by Global Peace & Justice that drew young and old and participants from many religious groups prominent among them Green Partys Member of parliament Keith Locke and Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand FIANZ president Javed Khan.

New Zealand is home to an estimated 50,000 Muslims coming from around 45 countries. Several protests have been organized all over New Zealand.

Green MP Keith Locke expressed outrage at the silence of majority of Western nations including New Zealand for not taking a clear stand against the latest Israeli attacks on Gaza and expressed disappointment that New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully has not released a formal statement yet on the atrocities by Israel against the hapless and besieged Palestinians.

FIANZ president Javed Khan termed Israels attack on Gaza as a genocide and a criminal act. The peaceful protest march started from the US Consulate and culminated a kilometer away at Aotea Square. A group of students expressed their frustration at US policies in the Middle East and burned the US flag.

Global Peace & Justice spokesperson John Minto outlined the focus of protest as the deafening silence of the New Zealand government on the massacre in Gaza. He said New Zealand should unreservedly condemn Israel's slaughter in Gaza and support calls for an international boycott of Israel. He expressed dismay at the unconditional support for the slaughter given by the US government. He observed Israel would not be able to continue to imprison one and a half million Palestinians in Gaza without US political and military support. The US does this not because it believes what Israel is doing is right but because it suits US interests to have a client state in the middle-east.

Haka by NZ Polce personnel NZ Police Haka Captivates All

The state of the art North Shore Policing Centre opened in September 2006 witnessed Haka performed by NZ Police personnel watched by the then Police Minister Annette King and the Police Commissioner Howard Broad.

Inspector Les Paterson COP SHOP GARAGE SALE and MINI OPEN DAY

North Shore Police are opening their doors to the public this Saturday morning with an innovative opportunity that will enable anyone to visit the new station. Police Commander Inspector Les Paterson says the North Shore Policing Center or NSPC as many know it opened only two years ago. It has some of the most sophisticated policing technology in use by police in this country.

"Obviously we can't open all our doors as the station will still remain working, but the public will be walked through sectors of the watch house and cell block. Our significant policing resources will be accessible for public viewing." “We’re creating a combination of interest for the public by providing access to our Cop Shop Garage Sale as well as providing an open day environment for a few hours between 9.00am and Noon, this Saturday 22 November 2008.” “Police units taking part include Dogs, Eagle Helicopter, motorcycles, AOS, recruiting, road policing, plus other groups and organisations that work closely with Police such as Ministry of Defence Bomb disposal Unit, & Navy recruiting.” “There are five police groups and five other groups from external partners such as the Fire Service providing informative displays and demonstrations for the public. Proceeds from garage sale go to Community Patrollers Charity.”

Inspector Paterson says that given the experience of other police open days held around the country, there could be several thousand visitors who attend. “We hope people take advantage of the open day to view our police station. It's a chance to discuss with police officers and others the range and diversity of the various front line duties we carry out, and for some to give consideration to having a future career in police,” Inspector Les Paterson said. Public parking is available 9.00am to Noon, Saturday 22 November 2008, at Constellation Park N Ride, directly opposite the North Shore Policing Centre.

Karin Ehnbom-Palmquist 'We Need Increased Business & Friendship with New Zealand': Swedish Ambassador Karin

An indepth interview with Karin Ehnbom-Palmquist Ambassador of Sweden to New Zealand. Darpan-The Mirror spoke to her on wide-ranging issues including the bilateral relations between New Zealand and Sweden.

Helen Clark Building Strong NZ Muslim Families: FIANZ First Stakeholder Forum Report 2008

According to the census figures of 2006, about 37,000 Muslims were resident in New Zealand from various ethnic backgrounds. These Muslims belong to different Islamic associations and trusts that are organised around 7 regional organisations throughout the North and South Islands of New Zealand. These regional organisations and associated trusts form the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ). One of the roles of FIANZ is to engage various stakeholders on behalf of NZ Muslims in order to create an environment in which Muslims can live and practice Islam peacefully and be able to contribute to all aspects of the NZ society. As part of its effort to improve engagement with stakeholders, FIANZ recently introduced a yearly Stakeholder Forum.

Strong Families - Better Societies: A New Zealand 2008 Islamic Awareness Week Launch Report

The mission of Islam Awareness Week is to increase awareness in New Zealand of Islam and Muslim New Zealanders. Islam has been in New Zealand since 1874 and Islam Awareness Week has been observed for many of these years at Islamic Centres and on campuses around NZ. The weeks were then locally organised by the various centres and student bodies with no central coordination. In 2004 FIANZ made the week a yearly national event coordinated to happen in the same week throughout the country. During the week, all the Mosques and Islamic Centres affiliated to FIANZ are opened to the NZ public and various activities are held under themes that differ yearly.

John Key's address at NZ National Party Campaign Launch 2008

Watch Video Part 1 Watch video Part 2 Watch Video Part 3 Watch video Part 4 Watch video Part 5

John Key's Press Conference post Campaign Launch 2008

Bill English at National Party Campaign Launch 2008

Judy Kirk at National Party Campaign Launch 2008

'Helen Clark undemocratic & letting down electorate' : TV3's Mark Jennings

TV3 News & Current Affairs director Mark Jennings lashes out at the Prime Minister Helen Clark indentifying her as the primary source for TV3's shelved national televised election debate.

Watch Google video Watch Youtube Video Part I Watch Youtube Video Part II

Helen Clark NZ Labour Party's Campaign Launch 2005

Matt Robson with Jim Anderton Matt Robson Election 2008 Party Vote Progressive DVD

Progressives launch online video campaign

Bringing Matt Robson back to parliament to join Jim Anderton is a priority aim for the Progressive Party in this year's election and today the Progressives launched an online video aimed at supporting his campaign.

The video highlights endorsements from many communities he has helped, as an MP, cabinet minister, lawyer and community worker. Matt is the Progressive Party President and Deputy Leader, at number two on the Progressive Party list.

He says putting a video online is important for reaching minority communities who are usually shut out from broadcast media.

"I've been involved in many political campaigns over the years and it has always been unusual for parties to use video to spread a message because we are limited in our access to broadcast advertising. But now we can put video on the Internet, we can reach out to particular communities who don't have access to mainstream media," Matt Robson said.

"Progressives are saying that, with the support of these communities, I can join Jim Anderton back in parliament. Together, we can stop National selling our Kiwibank, axing four weeks annual leave and putting a new tax on innovation; and we can make new gains in making dental care and home ownership more affordable and accessible, helping New Zealanders with winter power bills and supporting vulnerable teens."

Watch DVD's Google Video Watch DVD's Youtube Video

Maori get a hard time from the police--Nicky Hager

Darpan-The Mirror: Hello Nicky, welcome to the programme.

Nicky Hager: Thank you.

Darpan-The Mirror: Nicky, when did your journey begin in the journalism field and your foray into investigative journalism?

Watch Video Read the full interview

National Will March Back To The Future For Bad: Jim Anderton

Jim Anderton is Leader of the Progressive Party, coalition partner with Labour in government. He is the Minister of Agriculture, Minister for Biosecurity, Minister of Fisheries, Minister of Forestry, Minister Responsible for the Public Trust, Associate Minister of Health, and Associate Minister for Tertiary Education.

In the last term, 2002-2005 he was Minister for Economic, Industry and Regional Development, Minister of Forestry, Minister Responsible for the Public Trust, and Associate Minister of Health. Jim Anderton was the Deputy Prime Minister in the 1999-2002 term of Parliament.

He was instrumental in setting up the economic development work of government. The Ministry of Economic Development and Industry New Zealand (later merged with Trade New Zealand to form New Zealand Trade and Enterprise) were created as a condition of the 1999-2002 Coalition Government, reflecting Jim Anderton's commitment to full employment and pro-active engagement to lift economic growth and living standards. Investment New Zealand has been added to NZTE forming a One Stop Shop for business support.

In more than 10 years in government the Progressive Party policies have been successful with: Kiwibank, Paid Parental Leave and Four Weeks Annual Paid Leave for all. Jim Anderton as Minister for Economic and Regional Development has brought jobs and growth to every region of New Zealand. The Progressive Party wants to do more for New Zealand including: Abolishing the student debt, a winter rebate for electricity of $200, free dental care for as many New Zealanders as possible, making housing affordable, reducing alcohol and illegal drug dependency and stopping National’s secret agenda to sell Kiwibank.

At 70, still going strong, he hopes to achieve much more as he has the strength to care. He was elected to Parliament in the general election of 1984 as a Labour MP representing Sydenham. The electorate has changed boundaries and he is now the MP for Wigram.

Rog'er Calero US Elections 2008: Socialist Workers Presidential Candidate Interview

Rog'er Calero, 38, is Socialist Workers Presidential candidate. He is shunned by the corporate media and rendered invisible in the 2008 US Presidential elections. Rog'er Calero could be dubbed the real candidate working for 'genuine change'. Watch him talk about the conditions of ordinary Americans, the negative role played by the Israeli lobby AIPAC, events of 9/11 and the plight of Maoris during the so-called Police Terror raids of mid-October 2007.

Chauncey Robinson Leader Young Socialists in San Francisco Interview

Chauncey Robinson is a leader of the Young Socialists from San Francisco and accompanied Roger Calero the Socialist Workers Party candidate for U.S. President on his recent visit to Australia and New Zealand. She spoke at the Black rights conference May 24, expressing her appreciation at being able to learn more about the struggles of Aboriginal people, noting that their fight was “part of the same worldwide struggle” of working people against the attacks by the bosses and their governments.

The two-day conference was called to organize opposition to the federal government takeover of Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. Calero and Robinson were invited by Clare Corbould, a lecturer in U.S. and African American history, to address a class of about 150 students at Sydney University.

Here in New Zealand at a public meeting organized by the New Zealand Institute for International Affairs at the University of Auckland she observed that the campaign to win the release of the Cuban Five is international. The five working-class fighters are serving sentences ranging from 15 years to a double life term in U.S. Prisons.

Roger Calero with Chauncey Robinson at AUT Rog'er Calero Rog'er with Alyson Kennedy Socialist Workers US Elections 2008 Presidential Candidate feature

Sultan Eusoff Interview

Mohamed Sultan Eusoff was born in 1958 and brought up in Singapore. His parents were originally from South India. After completing his studies and the mandatory National Service (Military) in 1980 in Singapore, Sultan Eusoff joined the Singapore Civil Service (Foreign Service Branch) in 1981. His career in the Foreign Service extended over twenty two years and involved administrative, political, economic, protocol and consular duties at various Singaporean diplomatic missions around the world, including seven years in Saudi Arabia. Sultan Eusoff has also served at the Singapore High Commission in New Zealand from 1991 to 1994 and is very familiar with local business customs and cultural practices.

In 2001, Sultan Eusoff and his family migrated to New Zealand. With the experience gained from his overseas postings, Sultan Eusoff’s new position as the Chief Executive of the Federation of the Islamic Association of New Zealand (FIANZ) fitted in well with its interests.

As a community organisation, FIANZ plays an important and valuable role in building better understanding between the Muslim community and the various ethnic and religious communities in New Zealand so as to live harmoniously and cohesively for better life for all.

Since taking over the leadership at the FIANZ Secretariat, Sultan Eusoff has been largely instrumental in introducing automated Halal certification application process for Halal Certification for New Zealand meat industry exporting Halal meat products all over the world. In essence, Sultan Eusoff has generally enhanced and professionalized the FIANZ office operation. Sultan is happily married to Alimah Poiler for the last 25 years. They are blessed with two lovely daughters Yasmeen (age 20) and Nurul (age 16).

Dr. Lockwood Smith Scoop image Lockwood Smith Interview About Secret Taping

Darpan-The Mirror: Do you think public interest lies at the core of the secret tapes fiasco?

Lockwood Smith: I think there will be mixed feelings in the public-I think some members of the public will be quite disgusted that someone would lie about who they are to gain entry to a private function and then in speaking to someone claiming to be person they are not and then try to, you know, force the person they are talking to and taping and to saying things out of context can be harmful. I think some members of the public would be quite disgusted by that. The New Zealand politics has reached that level. And you know Labour is behind those dirty tricks. I think they ought to think very carefully before they pursue that kind of thing any further.

Scoop story Read the full interview

Susan Satyanand Jenny Brash Fianz logo Islam Awareness Week launched

In an increasingly multi-cultural and diverse ethnic landscape of Aotearoa Gov-Gen Anand Satyanand underscored the need to channel efforts in realizing religious understanding while launching the 5th annual Islam Awareness Week organized by Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) here at the Wellington Islamic Centre.

Read the full Scoop story

Condoleezza Rice-Scoop image police patrol-Scoop image Rice Elevates New Zealand from 'Friend' to 'Ally'

Amidst heavy rain and gusty winds-a powerful storm not seen in a decade in parts of North Island-United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice paid her first visit to New Zealand promptly terming NZ ‘a friend and an ally’ phasing out ‘a very close friend of the United States’ phrase that President George W. Bush referred to during Prime Minister Helen Clark’s visit to the US in 2007.

Read The Public Record story

Spike & Rodney Hide "NZ is falling behind the rest of the world economically Socially" Rodney Hide

NZ ACT party MP Rodney Hide in an exclusively interview to Darpan-The Mirror speaks on wide ranging national & international issues.

Watch Video Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Jennifer Hui Tahi Tupu Tahi Part III Arif & Kaleti Hui Tahi Tupu Tahi Part IV

The Commissioner for Children Dr Cindy Kiro had observed that children make up 20 percent of the world’s population but 100 percent of our future hopes at the launch of the Hui Tahi Tupu Tahi come together, grow together’ family violence prevention campaign at Falls Park in Waitakere. The Everyday Communities Waitakere campaign is a partnership between Child, Youth and Family and local family service agencies of Waitakere.

Watch Video Part III Watch Video Part IV

Expo Well Ensconced in Addressing Migrant Needs

An estimated 10,000 strong crowd is expected to flock to 11th Migrant Expo and the Migrant Job Fair, a series of exhibitions and fairs for migrants, overseas students and job seekers organised by Migrant News at the Alexandra Park Function Centre Greenlane from 10-11 May 2008.

The 6th chapter of Auckland Migrant Expo will have wide ranging stalls from several governmental agencies, the NGO spectrum and job fair for job-seekers.

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Oliver Woods Grant Morgan RAM founder RAM tapping grassroots to make its point

Residents Action Movement (RAM) a 5 year old political party comprising of people from grassroots that intends to lend support to Maori Party in Maori seats contesting the forthcoming general elections.

An expression of interest has been communicated to the Electoral Commission followed this week by a formal submission to be considered for an allocation of election broadcast advertising time and funds. RAM will join the 16 other parties that are in the fray at the hustings.

Until less than two months ago, RAM was a Greater Auckland council ticket with an informal network with no financial members. In February 2008, RAM shifted towards becoming a registered political party eligible to contest the list vote in parliamentary elections. In this short space of time, RAM has gone from zero party members to 500.

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Cycling success Bevan Docherty hopeful of Beijing gold

New Zealand's number 1 and world number 4 Triathlete Bevan Docherty is hopeful of bagging a gold at the Beijing Olympics. Auckland City Council’s Go by Bike breakfast was a huge success again this year, with more cyclists, more fun, more great prizes, free food and entertainment.

The event, held in Aotea Square, was the biggest so far with 750 cyclists attending, an increase of 200 on last year's number. This figure exceeded expectations, proving that more people see cycling as a healthy and fun alternative to getting around the city, and providing great motivation for the 2009 event. Two bicycles were given away and there were also heaps of spot prizes and goodie bags for all. Two prizes were given away to the best dressed cyclists. Only nine per cent of waste generated at the event went to landfill, the rest was either composted or recycled.

Sari: Indian women at work in New Zealand Edwina & her son with John Key & Sir Paul Reeves Sari Sailing through boundaries & barriers

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. The adage amply personified the setting at AUT Business School where the celebratory launch of the book ‘Sari: Indian women at work in New Zealand’ by Edwina Pio was graced by a crowd of about 150 predominantly sari wearing Indian women.

National party leader John Key who launched the book, published by Dunmore Publishing, observed “sari celebrates not only the diversity of our country’s population but also the diversity within the cultural groups that make up the New Zealand population.”

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Girls Day Out crowd Girls Day Out in Auckland

Kusum Balapatabendi Tamil Tigers did ethnic cleansing of Sinhalese & Muslims in Sri Lanka-Kusum

Sri Lanka’s top diplomat in the Pacific region Mr. Kusum Balapatabendi paid a visit to New Zealand recently on the occasion of Sri Lanka’s 60 years of independence. Incidentally it was his first trip to Auckland at the invitation of New Zealand Sri Lanka Foundation.

The celebrations were unique with participants drawn from Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist & Christian communities coming together to form a fusion of cohesiveness and understanding.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island country located in the Indian Ocean, a little bigger than our own North Island and the population is about 20 million people. The majority of the people in the country are Sinhalese, mostly Buddhists, consisting of 73% of the population. The rest of the population consists of Tamils and Muslims.

Since time immemorial, they have lived in harmony, embracing each other’s cultures and religions. According to the last census the total Sri Lankan population in New Zealand stood at 8,542.

Sri Lanka’s pristine beauty with natural surroundings makes it an international tourist attraction with ocean waters, breathtaking scenery and smiling people. This beautiful island famous for its hospitality and laid back attitude with children running care free and bare foot in paddy fields personifies the true meaning of a simple way of life in harmony with nature.

Since decades, the country has witnessed the sleepy way of life giving way to a nightmare of death and devastation.

The Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Australia Kusum Balapatabendi in this exclusive interview gives an insight into the conflict and talks about the current situation in Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka 60 years of independence celebrations 60 Years of Sri Lankan Independence

New Zealand Sri Lanka Foundation celebrated its 60th Independence Day anniversary attended by a host of dignitaries. The celebrations were unique with participants drawn from Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist & Christian communities coming together to form a fusion of cohesiveness and understanding.

According to the last census the total Sri Lankan population in New Zealand stood at 8,542. The flag hoisting was followed by speeches and colourful cultural programme. Minister of Education and Ethnic Affairs Chris Carter and Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Australia Kusum Balapatabendi, Dr. Gamini Jayasuriya and Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in New Zealand Aruna Abeygoonesekera spoke on the occasion.

Kaleti Moala-Mafi with Siaosi [George] Fanamanu Hui Tahi Tupu Tahi-Part I Hui Tahi Tupu Tahi-part II Hui Tahi Tupu Tahi- part II

The Commissioner for Children Dr Cindy Kiro had observed that children make up 20 percent of the world’s population but 100 percent of our future hopes at the launch of the Hui Tahi Tupu Tahi come together, grow together’ family violence prevention campaign at Falls Park in Waitakere. The Everyday Communities Waitakere campaign is a partnership between Child, Youth and Family and local family service agencies of Waitakere.

Watch Video part I Watch Video part II

United States waging a covert campaign against Venezuela-Nelson Davila

The man who helped found Bolivarian Revolutionary Movement in Venezuela is on a mission to see blanket of cohesiveness spread across Latin America against United States covert campaign in the region.

Watch Video of both English & Spanish version Read Scoop Story Read the Scoop story

Douglas Armstrong Armstrong To Make Public Confidential Proceedings

Public pressure has led to Auckland City Council's Douglas Armstrong agreeing to make public a Metrowater issue that was previously held confidential to the public.

Finance Committee chair, Douglas Armstrong, said he will make public the proceedings of an item that was listed as confidential on the committee's agenda.

The decision follows an Auckland City Council Finance and Strategy Committee meeting last week that excluded the public through a resolution from the review of Metrowater Ltd’s performance for the half year ending 31 December 2007.

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John Minto Penelope Bright Row over Metrowater

The Metrowater controversy continues to rage unabated. After City Vision last year, it has now engulfed the Citizen’s & Ratepayers dominated council much to the embarrassment of the mayor John Banks and his deputy David Hay acting contrary to their election campaign promises.

The murky waters of Metrowater has come back to haunt C & R who have pledged to take $68 million in charitable payments from the council owned entity over a period of five years. In the run up to the local body elections October last year the mayor had clearly trumpeted to eliminate charitable payments and rid Metrowater of its ills. In the light of washing its hands off pre-election promises, the right leaning C & R has come under tremendous pressure.

Questions are now being raised in some quarters whether National can be trusted particularly with the contention that central government elections tend to be won or lost in Auckland.

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Replacement bridge option proposed by former councillor Richard Simpson Peter Spies Mike Lee The Missing Voice in New Harbour Crossing

Voices of discontent are emanating from some quarters concerning the proposed new Waitemata harbour crossing. They say millions and billions of public dollars are at stake and there seems to be surreptitiousness in the way things are being presented and options hurried through with no public involvement.

There is a $1.3 million study to look for viable harbour crossing option commissioned by Transit NZ, Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA), North Shore City Council and Auckland City Council. It is spearheaded by study director Richard Hancy, former Transit NZ Regional Manager.

The Auckland Regional Council asked Transit to investigate the need for new crossing options as early as 1987. Ten years later, Transit began narrowing down its preferred crossing options from a field of 48 and in 1998 conducted public consultation. A further 10 years down the line, with no public consultation the study team has narrowed its choice to three options. Ever since the formation of the study team or a little before that, there has been no public consultation. The will of the paying people and the need for differential of opinion to surface has been sidelined.

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Ravi Musuku Pastor determined to dent PM’s caravan

Ravi Musuku the pastor from Hillsborough Baptist Church has secured National ticket for this year’s general elections to challenge Prime Minister Helen Clark in Mt. Albert electorate for the second time. A congratulatory phone call from National Party president Judy Kirk confirmed his nomination. “You deserve it and you got it”, she said.

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Penelope Bright Rates Revolt in Auckland

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John Key accuses Helen Clark's office of meddling with the media

Ken Baguley Furor over Queen Street party

Prof. Hans Koechler UN Observer says govts are using terror to instill fear in communities

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Elaine Dyer toddler having fun Toddler Day Out in Waitakere

Free fun-filled day for the whole family. Live performances, rides galore, face painters, stilt walkers, learning activities, parent resources, animals, healing area, dancers, fairies, puppets, drumming, active play space,food & stalls + much mo Where: Trusts Stadium Central Park Drive, Henderson. Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sunday March 2, 2008.

Dr. Richard Grant Asia:NZ Foundation injects Richard Grant to infuse new life

The world is talking about the rise of a dynamic region on the economic frontiers-emergence of the Asian region as a financial power house. China and India especially are touted as the next station where the business action will be. The region is already buzzing with economic activity that will have far reaching implications for their immediate neighbors and the world at large.

How does one tap into the emerging market to be part of the action? Governmental agencies and private entrepreneurs looking to get involved are constantly looking for an entity that will facilitate their smooth entry in the unchartered territory. There is ample scope for organisations that specialize in understanding the region and with an eye on future Asia New Zealand Foundation was founded in 1994 as a non-profit, apolitical organisation dedicated to building New Zealand's links with Asia.

It aims to promote initiatives which deepen understanding and relationships between New Zealanders and the peoples of Asia. New Zealand’s interactions with Asia and its peoples open up a whole world of new opportunities. Its role is to educate New Zealanders about these opportunities and to encourage and facilitate responses to them.

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Ken Baguley ACC improves Fanshawe Street to make Northern Busway a success

Ken Baguley Go by Bike - Auckland City Council

Faster, fitter, cleaner, cheaper Auckland City Council's Go by bike breakfast is back! Join in the fun, win great prizes and make the most of the free food and entertainment. Cycling is a fun and healthy way to get around the city. Go by bike breakfast is for all levels, from first time and occasional bikers through to recreational cyclists and seasoned commuters. Celebrate cycling by coming down to Aotea Square for a free cyclists' breakfast and a free bicycle health check. You will meet other cyclists and be recognised for your contribution to a sustainable Auckland city. There's a bike to win, plus heaps of spot prizes and goodie bags for all. Go by bike breakfast is guilt free fun! Recycling & compost; biodegradable cutlery and plates are used. Celebrating its 11th anniversary, this is one of the biggest events of the Bike Wise Week (24 February to 4 March), the nationally coordinated week of cycling activities and promotion.

Bevan Docherty, NZ's top ranked triathelete, is expected to be there on the day. The chair of Auckland City Council Transport committee Councillor Ken Baguley will participate in the event and has urged Aucklanders to embrace the event for environment and fun sake. On 27 February 2008 New Zealanders are encouraged to ditch vehicular transport and 'go by bike' instead.

The Event Go by Bike Wednesday 27 February 2008 6.30am to 9am Aotea Square

Gov-Gen Anand Satyanand speech at Action Asia Gala Dinner

NZ Government has always been pro-active with Asia - Helen Clark Interview

Philip Burdon Chairman Asia:NZ Foundation interview - Action Asia

Philip Burdon speech at Action Asia Gala Dinner

Helen Clark's main address at Action Asia Business Conference

Dr. Ifzal Ali ADB Chief Economist raises concern at rampant income disparity in Asian region

Chief Economist ADB Dr. Ifzal Ali's interview

Ram Ramakrishnan presentation at Action Asia

Indian Govt should weed out Bureaucracy & Corruption - Ram Ramakrishnan

Phil Goff address at Action Asia

Phil Goff interview - Action Asia

Delegates at Action Asia Action Asia business summit

PM Helen Clark speech at Action Asia Gala Dinner

Bill English Interview - Action Asia

Asia can't be ignored - Winston Peters

Pansy Wong interview - Action Asia

"9/11 may have been an insiders’ job" – Dr. Hans Koechler

In a significant observation many time UN contributor & international observer Professor Hans Koechler said “9/11 may have been an insider’s job” in response to a question from one of the delegates attending his lecture The 'Global War on Terror - Contradictions of an Imperial Strategy' last night at the Trades Hall in Auckland.

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Ken Baguley Traffic on Queen Street to move at snail’s pace

A new proposal by Auckland City Council’s Transport Committee has emerged to almost halve the present 50km/h speed limit on one of Auckland City’s premier business address Queen Street. Presently Queen Street is undergoing a makeover to the tune of $44 million and work has been going on for months.

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Regina Boulos UBI World TV Launches In New Zealand

Amidst a plethora of international ethnic channel providers here in New Zealand, a new Sydney based player has emerged in UBI World TV that promises to deliver over 100 channels from across the globe. It launched its Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite service in New Zealand.

UBI World TV, the leading multicultural pay TV and radio broadcaster in the region, has its platform on the Optus D2 satellite that carries UBI’s more than 100 premium multi-lingual channels sourced from 30 different countries worldwide which are now available to the growing immigrant population of New Zealand, allowing them to stay connected to their countries of origin, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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One of the protesters holding a placard Palestinian protestor Palestinians protest Terror - Made in Israel

A small group of Palestinian students belonging to Students for Justice in Palestine staged protest in front of Aotea Square in Auckland protesting against Israel’s siege of Gaza. The peaceful protest while small in numbers did garner lot of support from the busy passing traffic who honked and gestured at the group.

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Clive Fuhr traffic on motorway Transit to Tunnel 3.2 km way for $1.89 billion Waterview Connection

Transit New Zealand is embarking on its most complex and largest project since the Harbour Bridge in response to wider communities call for tunnel option for Waterview Connection. The estimated $1.89 billion project which Transit NZ says will be completed by 2015 will have twin two-lane separate tunnels employing new technology already in vogue in Australia.

The tunnels will be bored 20 to 40 meters about 7 to 13 storeys below the suburbs of Mt. Albert and Avondale to connect SH20 at Mt. Roskill with the Northwestern Motorway SH16.

"Palestine issue one of the greatest injustices of our time" : Yasmin Ataullah

Yasmin Ataullah Parliamentary Secretary to British Member of Parliament (Respect) George Galloway in an interview to Darpan-The Mirror observed that "Palestinian issue is one of greatest injustices of our time." Born in UK to parents of Indian origin and member of George Galloways' entourage of anti-war movement, the former student of history was here in New Zealand accompanying Mr. Galloway on his RAM organised 'Voices of Peace' lecture tour.

PM innaugurating the Northern Busway PM Helen Clark North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams ARC chairman Mike Lee seen walking on the busway NZ’s first Dedicated Busway inaugurated by Helen Clark

New Zealand ‘s first dedicated 6.25 km two-way busway with 5 stations that took one decade to build was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Helen Clark this morning amid cheers from the hundreds who came to witness the historic occasion.

The ribbon was cut at Smales Farm Station in North Shore by the Prime Minister and Transit New Zealand Chairman Bryan Jackson flanked by representatives of Transit New Zealand, North Shore City Council, Auckland Regional Transport Authority and Auckland City Council in celebrating New Zealand’s first ever two-way dedicated busway.

A host of MPs from across the political spectrum were present on the occasion. Keith Locke Green Party MP was seen distributing the pamphlets acknowledging their support for the busway.

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Helen Clark speech "Opportunities for NZ's Future: Realising Youth Potential"

Thank you to Waitakere Enterprise for the invitation to speak to you today. I stand before you early in my ninth year as Prime Minister, proud of what has been achieved on my watch, and looking forward to the challenges which lie ahead. In my speech today I have a major announcement to make about realising the potential of young New Zealanders to contribute to our economy and society. That’s critical for building on the considerable progress our country’s made in recent years.

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PM Helen Clark's Press Conference

Prime Minister Helen Clark outlined new government policy for all young people to be in school or some other form of education or training until the age of eighteen. Helen Clark also announced that the Youth Apprenticeship programme being piloted this year will be rolled out to all secondary schools by the end of 2011.

Watch Video of PM's Press Conference

John Key delivering state of the nation speech John Key State of the Nation speech

Youth Plan to target crime, education: National Party Leader John Key announced policies to fight a growing youth crime wave and ensure young people get into education or training. In a speech in Auckland, he outlined National’s Youth Plan, which consists of a Youth Guarantee and tough new law & order initiatives to combat youth crime.

Watch Video of his full speech

Labour's logo Kiwi Indians Scoop photo National Charming Indians after 100 years Neglect

The mood generally in the increasingly politically aware Indian community is of a growing concern of not having one of their own representative in parliament. A great section in the camp wonders at this lack of representation despite having seen their numbers grow to over 100,000 in the last 150 years.

Traditionally the community has been perceived as very close to the Labour party although the ideology of the party does not amply reflect their way of life. It should have been more inclined toward the National party and in the proximity to its beliefs. Where National failed, Labour gained by aligning itself through interaction, communication and regularly attending several of their events.

National has woken upto this disparity only recently and with John Key at the helm of affairs on the National front, a vigorous exercise is underway to regularly hobnob and woo the community to its fold.

The two major political parties this time have certainly come under increasing pressure to have a kiwi of Indian origin enter the sprawling Beehive. The complex battle for a large slice of the Indian cake has begun and only time will tell which party will romp home at the 2008 hustings with a kiwi Indian in tow.

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Mayor John Banks

Banks Stand On Eden Park Vindicated

Mayor John Banks of Auckland City Council confirmed in an interview to ‘Darpan-The Mirror’ his council will commit $22 million for the upgrade of Eden Park precincts for 2011 Rugby World Cup after the government pitched in with a grant of $190 million. This revelation followed Mr. Banks strong confidence in the redevelopment board spearheaded by John Waller and the government’s go-ahead of re-design raising the seating capacity to 60,000. Mr. Banks said that with $10 million confirmed from the Rugby Union and atleast $12 million from the Eden Park Trust Board and his Council’s commitment of $22 million, there is a shortfall of around $28.5 million. He added that with the redevelopment board being optimistic of raising the money “so we go into Christmas relaxed.”

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Doug Armstrong Interview On Auckland Issues

Councillor Douglas Armstrong is Chairman of Finance at the Auckland City Council and a former president and CEO of UNITEC. He is a distinguished fellow and past president of the Institution of Professional Engineers NZ and a former member of the Prime Minister’s Enterprise Council and many other boards and national committees associated with tertiary education and engineering. He is speaking on wide ranging Auckland city issues.

Watch Douglas Armstrong Interview-Part 1 Watch Doug Armstrong Interview-Part 2

Paul Buchanan Says Terrorism Suppression Act Concern for Peaceful NZ Muslims :

Noted Security Expert Dr. Paul Buchanan’s thoughts on the nationwide October 15 police [t]error raids and the Terrorism Suppression Act coming into force. He is in conversation with NewstalkZB’s host John Dunne. What does the Muslim community think of the bill? We bring you Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand FIANZ president Javed Khan’s views on the sensitive issue.

Mike Lee's Call to Look Beyond Eden Park:

ARC chairman Mike Lee says that in view of the escalation costs for Eden Park’s upgrade, ARC is studying options for Mt. Smart as a viable alternative to Eden Park. He said the contractors and the construction companies are raising the upgrade threshold to higher levels in the wake of Rugby fever attracting contributions from various bodies. He termed persisting with Eden Park’s legacy as disservice to the public and is closely evaluating Mt. Smart owned by the Crown that could have potential for hosting the Commonwealth games, is suitable for track & field athletics and is strategically placed to public transport & motorways. He said ARC would be recommending Mt. Smart to the government as a long term investment for a better legacy. The ARC has been managing Mt. Smart for nearly quarter of a century.

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Political Storm Brews Over Housing :

There is a political storm brewing in the corridors of Auckland City Council over ‘affordable housing’ which Mayor John Banks had publicly issued calls for its scrapping during his election campaign. His contention is that ‘affordable housing’ is the province of Central government and the local councils have no role to play in it. The mayor has stirred a hornet’s nest by choosing to scrap the $9 million council contract with the New Zealand Housing Foundation amid widespread resentment over this sensitive issue. The agreement was culmination of a 3 year effort by the previous Labour led City Vision dominated council and was signed just two weeks before the run-up to local body elections on October 13. Figures obtained by Darpan-The Mirror reveal the council so far spent $17,700 in legal costs of which $8,000 was to investigate whether the claims made to the council that the agreement was not legal were true. The possibility of incurring additional expenditure in legal fees remains high. Councillor Paul Goldsmith, Chairman Community Services Committee believes that the new scaled back agreement would be around $3 million “which we will negotiate with the foundation”. The Housing Foundation has said it is disappointed & frustrated and feels that it is more of a political decision. The move has prompted six Councillors; Richard Northey, Leila Boyle, Cathy Casey, Graeme Easte, Glenda Fryer and Denise Roche to condemn the rescinding of the contract done in good faith. National Party leader John Key said he believes the councils have an important role to play in ‘housing’ sector.

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Scoop Read the Scoop story Scoop's update on 'affordable housing'

Weaving web of secrecy is 'playing with fire' : Deborah Manning

The Immigration Bill is before Parliament and now in front of the Parliamentary Select Committee for consideration. It is hoped the Select Committee will look at the proposals very carefully particularly those concerning ‘secret information’. High profile lawyer Deborah Manning says that secret information is against all of those principles and compared weaving web of secrecy to ‘playing with fire’ in uncharted territory. She said that in her opinion it is simply not the New Zealand way. As part of meeting its obligations to UN, New Zealand accepts 750 refugees annually drawn from various countries. Ahmad Zaoui came to New Zealand in December 2002 and was granted refugee status. But in March 2003 a security risk certificate was issued against him. Thus began his painful 4 ½ years sojourn walking under the shadows of classified & secret information. Director of Security NZSIS Warren Tucker while withdrawing the security risk certificate against Mr. Zaoui admitted back in September this year that ‘the review process under Part IVA of the Immigration Act has not worked well from the NZSIS’ point of view. In particular, I regret the length of time it has taken.’ He further added that ‘this was the first case of its type in New Zealand. Much of the experience gained about using classified information in this kind of process has been incorporated into the Immigration Bill now before Parliament.'

Watch the whole interview with high profile lawyer Deborah Manning following the link.

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'Clocks' Cock-up Leaves NZ Ambitionless

National Party leader John Key re-launched his self-promoting DVD “Ambitious for New Zealand” after a run in with the record company EMI holding copyrights for the music track Coldplay’s ‘Clocks’. John Key blamed the production company for the embarrassing DVD fiasco.

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Helen Clark Comments

Helen Clark on 1st Ulama Conference, October 15 police (t)error raids and 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Iraq Peace March:

The invasion of Iraq based on white lies of weapons of mass destruction by the very people who in the past armed Saddam Hussein and instigated him on the course to an eight year long war with Iran. Shackling of Iraq this March '07 marked its 4th anniversary of occupation. Millions getting killed and displaced, the misery, the pain, the trauma and annihilation at the hands of the occupying forces evoking strong reactions from all the quarters from around the world questioning the veracity of such an action on part of the US and its allies and crying hoarse asking for sanity and reason. RAM in association with Global Justice for Peace and Working Together Group organised peace mobilisation Saturday 17th March, a global day of action marking the 4th anniversary of Bush’s illegal invasion of Iraq.

PM Helen Clark on cartoon controversy:

PM Helen Clark speaks on the Danish cartoons controversy. Here in New Zealand, the cartoons were reproduced by Dominion Post & Free Press.

US Consul General John Desrocher Interview

What role does the US Consul General advocate? What does John Desrocher promote? Quite profoundly the mission of the United States embassy is to advance the interests of the United States and to serve and protect US citizens in New Zealand. John Desrocher comes to Auckland and brings along with him years of experience in wide variety of positions on the diplomatic front after having served in different parts of the world.

John Banks on Auckland Issues :

John Banks is back in style at the helm of affairs in the city of sails. The 60 year old mayor of Auckland City John Banks is the first mayor to make a comeback in 39 years and incidentally he is the 39th Mayor. Banks said that given the way in which the previous council acted surreptitiously on certain fronts, he promised to end the culture of secrecy and wasteful spending. He said consultation and dealing with serious issues will be his priorities. He lamented the previous council for undertaking such an exercise.

John Banks on Auckland Issues - Interview Part 1 John Banks on Auckland Issues - Interview Part 2

John Key speaking on wide-ranging issues:

National Party Leader John Key discussing various issues. John Key speaks his heart out over several topics touching among other things Helen Clark’s visit to the US and views on Iraq; the possibility of Air marshals on Air NZ international flights; from the governance issue plaguing the Auckland region to why National dumped the Market Rents policy for state housing; from alleged Labour’s failure to keep an election promise of giving 20 free hours childcare to 92,000 pre-schoolers which John Key sees it as an election fraud on part of Labour. He touches in detail on Iraq’s occupation by US & Britain with allies on the eve of 4th anniversary of invasion of Iraq.

FIANZ logo FIANZ Halal Certification Documentary:

An estimated 1.6 billion Muslims around the world consume Halal food. It is the religious obligation of every Muslim to consume only Halal foods.The buying power of Muslims around the world for Halal food trade is estimated to be over $150 billion per year and US Muslim food consumers alone is estimated to be over $12 billion. Islam is the world's second largest religion, and also the fastest growing, both globally and in the US. An estimated 1 million Muslims live in Canada. There are approximately 9 million Muslims in the United States, and the worldwide Muslim population is over 1.5 billion. According to USA Today, the US Muslim population will be 12.2 million in 2018. Vegetarian food is not always Halal as some preparations may include alcohol or some other products which are not Halal to be consumed by a Muslim. Halal in Arabic means that which is lawful in Islam “and certainly we have Animals such as cows, sheep, goats, deer, moose, chickens, ducks, game birds, etc., are also Halal, but they must be Zabihah (slaughtered according to Islamic Rites) in order to be suitable for consumption.”

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Council Caught in Logo Controversy:

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city. Uniquely set between two harbours, amongst 11 extinct volcanoes and numerous islands in the Hauraki Gulf makes it a great place to live. Around 35 % of country’s population lives in the region. The Auckland City Council being the single largest governing entity after the central government, it is involved in hundreds of millions of dollars in various projects every year. There are set norms and systems in place to tackle and deliver the projects. Depending on the spend, discussion or no consultation is taken into account. The logo was devised by council Chief Executive Officer David Rankin and his executive team. Communications and marketing group manager Mark Fenwick maintains that the logo was the culmination of a $25,000 budget. David said that since this exercise involved only $25,000 for a new logo, only a handful of the previous senior councillors were privy to it that included the then Mayor Dick Hubbard. He insists that there was no veil of secrecy involved whatsoever. He acknowledged that there are other costs involved with the over-all rebranding.

David Rankin on NZ Housing Foundation & Eden Park:

The Auckland City Council will renegotiate the scope of an assisted home ownership programme with the New Zealand Housing Foundation (NZHF), a charitable trust. The chairperson of the council's Community Services Committee, Councillor Paul Goldsmith, said that the council's vote follows an amicable settlement reached between the new council and trustees of NZHF to negotiate a scaled back programme. David Rankin Chief Executive Auckland City Council had signed the $9 million contract with New Zealand Housing Foundation just a couple of weeks before the October 13 elections. The previous council resolved to spend $9 million in a programme with the NZHF to subsidise up to around 100 houses in Auckland city. In October, council lawyers advised that a change to NZHF's trust arrangements meant that council could withdraw from the project. NZHF disputed that assessment. Auckland City Council will allocate the targeted rate already collected for affordable housing towards a programme to be agreed with the New Zealand Housing Foundation.

NZ Police Raids NZ Police [T]error Raids October 15:

Solicitor General David Collins QC announced that cases against 12 of the Urewera 16 did not warrant prosecution under the Terrorism Suppression Act, but could go ahead under the Arms Act. But, while commending the police investigation, he described the terror legislation as "complex and incoherent", and said it should be reviewed by the Law Commission. He said it was almost impossible to apply to domestic terrorists. The Attorney-General Dr. Michael Cullen indicated that he has full confidence in the Solicitor-General and agreed to have the terror legislation reviewed by the Law Commission.

Paul Buchanan interview on Terrorism Suppression Act & Police Terror Raids:

NZ Parliament voted 108-13 to strengthen terrorism suppression laws, but it was told the bill had no relevance to last month's police raids and the Solicitor-General's ruling against charges under the Terrorism Suppression Act. The Terrorism Suppression Amendment Bill was drafted long before the police raids with the main purpose of allowing New Zealand to meet its international obligations in terms of designating terrorist organisations. But it also creates a new offence of committing an act of terrorism, under penalty of a life sentence, and gives the prime minister responsibility for designating groups and individuals as terrorists. It is those provisions, which have now been passed into law, that have set the Maori Party, the Greens and ACT against Labour and National. There were fiery clashes during earlier debates on the bill, with Maori MP Hone Harawira accused of effectively justifying anarchy when he said he opposed laws which allowed "state forces" to terrorise his people. Watch Video

The Greatest Threat To NZ-Tsunamis Not Terrorism: Dr. Paul Buchanan

Security Expert Dr. Paul Buchanan while delivering a lecture at the Voices of Peace meet noted that the greatest threat New Zealand faces is not from terrorism but tsunamis. Watch Video

Vera Zvanoreva Blue Rebound Ace Marina Erakovic Tennis Tourney To Continue To Scintillate Kiwis

After the botched up controversy surrounding new logo of Auckland City Council settled down, the make-over version of three starbursts with the ‘dreaded’ triangle has made its first appearance at the ASB Classic, country’s professional women's tennis event. The makeover version of starbursts forms a part of a trio of logos reached as part of a deal between the council and Triangle Television bounding Auckland City Council to use it in the domain of events. While relegating the council as the lone entity in the country assuming the unenviable grade of having to do with a threesome, the council earns the distinction of being associated with a phenomenal 2,350 events in one calendar year. For the first time in 16 years since 1991, three kiwis Marina Erakovic, Sacha Jones and Ellen Barry will grace the premier tournament, first instituted in December 1985. The Women’s tourney will begin today with the finals slated for Saturday January 5th. The tournament director Richard Palmer was all smiles at the ‘meet the seeds’ articulating the feast in store for tennis lovers at the event seen as a precursor to the Australian Open that begins two weeks after its conclusion. Read the full Scoop story

sad children sad Indian boy Michael Sheppard of World Vision NZ on Advocacy

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. It serves all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or gender. World Vision New Zealand currently supports more than 70 projects in more than 25 countries. World Vision works in three different areas: Emergency Relief, Community Development and Advocacy. It helps transform the lives of children and families in need around the world, without regard to sectarian boundaries. It gives an opportunity to every New Zealand household to be involved in a child-focussed work that touches millions of people each year in its quest to end poverty, fight hunger and transform lives. Michael Sheppard's appointment as an Ethnic Communities Ambassador is unique position empowering the diversity groups. Michael's core activities include the areas of Advocacy and Project Development.

Malaysian 50 years of Independence Dato' Sopian Ahmad on trade & Technology and Merdeka

Malaysia is New Zealand's largest trading partner in the ASEAN region and New Zealand's 8th globally, treating the EU as a single market. Malaysia is also a significant market for New Zealand services exports. Malaysia is celebrating 50 years of Merdika-Independence. By 2020 Malaysia hopes to become a fully developed nation. Watch Video

George Galloway addressing the crowd George Galloway lecture at RAM's Voices of Peace & Exclusive Interview

George Galloway, left-wing British MP & international peace campaigner, was here in Auckland July last to speak against Islamophobia at meetings organised by RAM, the Residents Action Movement. A prime catalyst for the Voices of Peace meetings was the Mosques & Miracles tour organised in New Zealand around the same time to spread the message of Islamophobia. The Mosques & Miracles tour has been inspired by the 400-page book of the same name written by Australian right-wing Baptist pastor Stuart Robinson.

Galloway defines Islamophobia as "racism against Muslims". This new racism, says the British MP, is an inevitable flow-on from the deliberately misnamed War on Terror begun by Washington to monopolise oil fields in the Muslim Middle East as part of the US state's strategy to remain the world's dominant power.

As a prominent anti-war politician, George Galloway was targeted by a US 'black propaganda' campaign in an attempt to blacken his reputation as a grassroots advocate. Falsely accused of being in the pay of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, Galloway demanded to testify before the US Senate in May 2005. There he turned the tables against the powerful elites profiting from death and destruction in the Middle East, putting them on trial for crimes against humanity. In March this year, British enforcement authorities admitted that George Galloway had no case to answer."

George Galloway is one of the West's most high-profile opponents of Islamophobia. In his Auckland meetings, Galloway pointed to the close linkage between America's wars in the Middle East and its state-fuelled Islamophobia which attempts to give ideological justification to Washington's unjust crusade for oil and power. Born in 1954 in Dundee and at the age of 26, Chairman of Labour in Scotland. At 32, he was in the House of Commons beating Roy Jenkins in Glasgow Hillhead, a stronghold of Tory for generations. An excellent orator who captures people’s imagination and commands respect.

Watch Video of his complete lecture Watch Video of Exclusive Interview

George Galloway Says Islamophobia is Racism against Muslims

George Galloway made a fleeting visit to New Zealand last year as part of Voices of Peace tour and during a speech at the workshop he stated that Islamophobia is racism against Muslims.

George Galloway Voices of Peace Question & Answer session

Watch the post session of Voices of Peace conference where the British Respect MP George Galloway answers audience questions. The high profile British MP toured New Zealand organised by RAM July 2007 delivering lectures in response to the alleged hate campaign of Mosques & Miracles.

Helen Clark addressing the gathering Qur'an recitation in progress Attendees FIANZ First Ulama Conference of New Zealand

The Role of Imams in Building Bridges between Muslims and other Diverse Communities in New Zealand: A Conference Report

Dr Mustafa Farouk FIANZ First Vice President and Daawah & Youth Coordinator

According to the census figures of 2006, there were about 37000 Muslims resident in New Zealand from various ethnic backgrounds including about 3000 New Zealand, Europeans and Maori. These Muslims belong to different Islamic associations and trusts that are organised under 7 regional organisations spread around the North and South Islands of New Zealand. These 7 regional organisations and their associated trusts form the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ). On top of FIANZ’s structure is the Board of Scholars (The Ulama Board) made up of the Imams of the Mosques associated with FIANZ.

The first conference of the NZ Imams was held in Auckland on 27-28 October 2007 under the auspices of FIANZ and The NZ Ministry of Ethnic Affairs. One aim of the conference was to bring together the Imams and leaders of the NZ Muslim community to dialogue with government representatives and other non-governmental organizations for the purpose of affirming the rights and the responsibilities of NZ Muslims at large and their Imams and leaders in particular in fostering a harmonious coexistence and bridge building with the wider diverse communities in NZ. Another aim of the conference was to provide the NZ Muslim leadership with the knowledge of the government services available so that they can ensure the communities utilize them when needed.

The Prime Minister of NZ Helen Clark, some of her Ministers including The Minister of Ethnic Affairs Chris Carter and her parliamentary colleague Dr Ashraf Choudhary and the New Zealand Imams and officials of many government departments participated in the conference. The conference was inaugurated by the Prime Minister.

Before The Prime Minister’s inaugural speech, the Chairman of the FIANZ Ulama Board Sheik Amir reiterated the peaceful nature of Islam and condemned any action by any individual – Muslim or not – that goes against the values and the teachings of Islam which guarantees peace as a right for all. Sheik Amir also condemned all extreme acts perpetrated in the name of religion and decried those who associate extreme acts perpetrated by Muslims with Islam and called upon them to judge Islam by what it teaches and not by the actions of it followers.

Member of Parliament Dr Choudhary in his speech challenged the Imams to find solutions to some of the issues facing the NZ Muslim community using their local knowledge rather than relying on religious edicts (Fatwas) from overseas scholars. He said issues such as the proposed use of tissue cells from pig pancreas to treat diabetes should be resolved by our Imams using the knowledge available to them.

Javed Khan the President of FIANZ emphasised the teachings of Islam on coexistence and extolled the Muslim community in New Zealand not to stand apart from the wider New Zealand society. He said that religious harmony in a multi-racial society such as in NZ is crucial for peaceful co-existence among the various communities and that every one has a stake and a part to play in observing and promoting racial and religious respect and accord. He urged the Muslim community and particularly the Imams, Uztaz (religious teachers), teachers and the Mosque leadership in NZ to take in new ideas, seek out better methods and build capabilities that benefit the Muslim community and New Zealand as a whole. Mr Khan suggested that Mosques should be rejuvenated and the Imams to extend their roles beyond the traditional ones they currently play of leading prayers and performing religious ceremonies to incorporate counselling and other services. He mentioned a number of initiatives that FIANZ is planning in order to improve the Muslim community in general and their Imams including capacity building, promoting thoughtful and enlightened discourse on Islam and creating a “New Zealand Muslim” identity. Javed concluded his speech by reiterating that “Our aim of developing a community that is religiously profound and socially progressive that thrives in a multi-religious society, secular state and globalised world can be realised only if all of us work together”.

The Prime Minister Helen Clark in her speech acknowledged the diverse nature of the Muslim community in New Zealand joined together by a common belief in One God. She said that, religious institutions face common issues today around: the position of women within societies and in leadership roles; the position of diaspora communities who are minorities; the position of faith communities in a post-9/11 world and in a context where there perhaps hasn’t been widespread societal knowledge or understanding of the world’s religions and countries; and the unity of faith communities that are made up of multicultural members world-wide. She said in NZ there are issues for Muslims fitting into wider society and told the Muslim leaders including the Imams that they have a critical role to play in assisting Muslims, both young and old, to negotiate their way in such a context, and as both Muslims and Kiwis, and in directing their community members to be productive, and engaged members of society. She mentioned a number of programs and policy initiatives her government has embarked upon to respond to the issues around Muslims and the wider community in NZ. This includes the ‘Connecting Diverse Communities’ project which includes over 70 initiatives led by various government agencies. She concluded her speech by encouraging all the conference participants to participate in interfaith work around NZ in mutual respect and tolerance, and said her government is “setting an example that respect for diversity and learning about each other’s cultures and traditions is essential to a cohesive society; a society which is also stronger and richer through cultural exchange”.

The Minister of Ethnic Affairs Chris Carter presented the first paper of the conference following the inaugural speech by the Prime Minister. In his paper he reaffirmed his government message that in NZ all faith, ethnic and cultural groups are worthy of equal respect. He elaborated on the various government initiatives earlier mentioned by the Prime Minister in her speech. He reminded the conference participants that compromise is needed to be able to live together in a community. He made it categorically clear that it is not the role or the responsibility of government to prescribe the qualifications for Imams, create a board of Imams, conduct training for religious leaders, or resolve disputes within the religious communities. He said all these matters are for the Imams and the Muslim leaders to resolve; the role of the government is only to assist and provide support.

Mr. Carter acknowledged the daunting tasks facing our Imams and the opportunities their position in the community offers including: (1) the chance to demonstrate that the true expression of Islam is not in conflict with a western way of life, (2) to help maintain and build New Zealand’s reputation as a peaceful and inclusive nation, and (3) to instil a confidence in New Zealand Muslims that they can be equal and committed members of New Zealand society, while being true to their faith. He concluded his speech by citing a well known Arab proverb which says “one hand alone cannot clap” to underscore the need for the Imams and the government to create ways to work together towards building bridges between communities in NZ. The role Islam Awareness Week in this regard was acknowledged by Chris Carter as did the Prime Minister in her speech.

Various government agencies presented papers including one by Mervin Singham the Director Office of Ethnic Affairs on the diversity of New Zealand society; on the law and order by Area Commander Jim Wilson; human rights by Stuart Bersford of the Ministry of Justice; one on security by Ambassador Dell Higgie of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Child, youth and family by Judy Clayton and Rasheeda of the Department of Child, Youth & Family; and one on border control, immigrations and customs by Api Fiso of the Department of Labour and Eddie Kahlhase of Customs department.

The common thread in all the presentations by the various government agencies was the emphasis on the rights of all New Zealanders including Muslims for equal treatments and opportunities in all matters under the agencies various jurisdictions. Their presentations complemented what was earlier mentioned on the issues during the Prime Ministers and the Ethnic Ministers speeches. Conference participants including the Imams learned of their rights and responsibilities directly from the relevant agencies and were given ample opportunities to ask questions and dialogue with the speakers who provided adequate responses to the issues raised during the question and answer sessions. Some of the issues discussed include, the increased effort on the part of the police to deal with the problem of youth joining gangs and creating havoc particularly in the Auckland area; the initiatives being taken by New Zealand government to comply with United Nations resolutions not only in the areas of hard threats such as terrorism prevention but also in reducing soft threats such as hunger and poverty; the check and balances in place to protect the human rights of individuals in NZ within the terrorism act; the treatments of Muslims by the authorities at points of entries such as airports and the relationships between the immigration, customs, MAF and other agencies at the border. All the speakers assured the Muslims that they will look into some of the issues raised by the participants with a view to improving their services and relationships with those they serve.

Other speakers at the conference include Dr William Shepard who spoke on the New Zealand Muslims contributions. He mentioned the role of Muslims in the Halal Industry as one unique role that set the Muslims apart from other faith communities. He discussed the transition from being Muslims in NZ to Muslims of NZ and urges the Muslims to continue to reach out to the wider society and to find ways of increasing their visibility.

Sister Rehanna Ali spoke on interfaith approach to participation of NZ Muslims. She used the abbreviation INFIDEL which stands for Islamophobia, News, Foreign, Inequality, Damned, Enemy and Losers to describe the situation of Muslims post 9/11. She told the participants that there are many ways Muslims can dialogue with others, and that one of the surest ways is for them to strengthen their faith and structures and practice the values the religion taught them which will speak for itself. She suggested empowering the Muslim scholars as was done in the past by setting grants for them (waqf) if these goals were to be achieved.

Dr Najibullah Lafraie of Otago University spoke on extremism and moderation in Islam. He argued that Islam is a religion of moderation and that extremism emanates from ignorance and narrow-mindedness. He said all good Muslims are fundamentalist but they cannot be described as extremist. He agreed with Sister Rehanna that opportunities should be given for the Muslims scholars who teach the Islamic values of moderation and to be heard in order to avoid the religion being hijacked by extremist elements within it.

Dr. Mustafa Farouk spoke on the youth. He provided the general characteristics of youth and in particular the Muslim youth in majority Muslim countries and in the diaspora. He highlighted the issues facing the Muslim youth and discussed the role the family, Mosques and Imams can play in creating a model NZ Muslim youth. He said that the Mosque and Imams can supplement or even act as a surrogate parent for the Muslim youth. Imams can help towards this goal by teaching and delivering khutbahs (sermons) that are meaningful and relevant to the life of the youth, integrative (spiritually, emotionally, socially, intellectually and physically) and values based. He added that Imams must develop positive youth development and initiative through voluntary structural activities to be able to shape youth and to reduce their involvement in risky behaviours and extreme acts. He suggested that Imams should adopt the model and approach the Muslims took when they were living as minorities in Ethiopia and China in the early days of Islam that won them the admiration and respect of their hosts and to apply in NZ today to teach the youth the importance of building bridges and peaceful coexistence with the wider society.

Sister Aisha Wood Boulanaour spoke on women in Islam. She categorised the Muslim women in NZ in groups each with its characteristics and needs. She identified the lack of access to Mosques and other facilities available for men as one of the biggest problems facing the Muslim women in NZ. She urge the Imams and Muslim leaders to provide women with facilities so that they can educate themselves in the religion and empower themselves to be better contributors in the community.

The Imams among the participants had a session in which they discussed issues around sermons (khutbah) and women in the Mosque. They acknowledged that in NZ it is relevant for sermons to be addressed in English in order for the majority of the congregation to understand the message being passed. They highlighted the relevance of giving the right message on Friday sermons and agreed that it is one of the most important mediums of reaching out to the majority of the Muslims and passing on the message of peaceful coexistence in Islam. The Imams called upon FIANZ to facilitate occasions for them to socialise with each other and to strengthen their relationship in order to increase the unity among Muslims whom they lead.

At the end of the conference, the participants including the Imams resolved the following: (1) that the conference succeeded in achieving its main goals of bringing the Imams and the Muslim leaders together with relevant NZ government agencies to dialogue and to improve the understanding of each others responsibilities, (2) to endorse the various government initiatives towards building a more inclusive and tolerant society discussed by the Prime Minister and the Ethnic Affairs Minister during their speeches and those elaborated on by officials of the government agencies that spoke at the conference, (3) the Imams and community leaders will work hard to continue promoting the spirit of peaceful coexistence with the wider community in NZ, (4) the Imams will endeavour to deliver their sermons in both Arabic and English to improve their effectiveness in teaching Islamic values to their congregation and in passing the message of building bridges with the wider community, (5) to improve the access of women to the Mosque and facilities within what the religion allows in terms of separation of the sexes, (6) for the Imams to extend their roles beyond their current traditional role and to work closer with the youth to prevent youth from involving in risky behaviours and extreme acts, (7) to publish a book detailing the success and failures of NZ Muslim parents in raising a model NZ youth for new Muslim immigrants to learn from, (8) to organise more workshops and Huis in the future in order to continue the dialogues with stakeholders and to build capacities to serve the community and NZ better, (9) to provide facilities for Imams to get trained in counselling in order to improve their role in the community, (10) to improve the communication between the Imams in order to improve dialogue within the Muslim community, and (11) to welcome whole heartedly the government message delivered through the Minister of Ethnic Affairs that the NZ government is ready to assist NZ Muslims in building stronger relationship with other communities and in allowing the leadership of NZ Muslims to run their religious affairs without interference from the government.

Benazir Bhutto Pakistan: Living On Borrowed Time

Amidst scenes of chaos, violence and mayhem emanating from Pakistan after the assassination of Pakistan’s People Party chief Benazir Bhutto, the 5000-odd Pakistani community living here in New Zealand is stunned and shocked.

Coming close on the heels of the first attempt, the assassin’s success amidst renewed high security cordon proved fatal for Benazir who was perceived by the people of Pakistan as the hope for democracy in a country ravaged by military rule in the last 60 years of its existence.

Read the Scoop story

Palestine-Israel Discussion:

Discussing Anti-Israel Demonstrations, Jewish - Muslim Relations, The Israel - Palestine Problem. Featuring Dave Moskovitz, former president Temple Sinai Wellington & Anjum Rahman Chair, waikato-bay of plenty regional council, Labour.

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