Peace Action Wellington

Peace Action Wellington (PAW) is an organisation in Wellington, New Zealand, that campaigns for peace, justice and self determination.

The group was founded in 2002 to oppose wars,[1] particularly the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and played a prominent role in the New Zealand anti-war movement's opposition to the war, organising large protests. PAW has called for the New Zealand Government to reveal the actions of the SAS soldiers fighting under US command in Afghanistan.[2]

The group has also organised against the annual arms industry fair held at Te Papa, for self-determination in Palestine, Aceh and West Papua, and against the New Zealand Government restricting human rights as part of the "war on terror".[3]

On 25 April 2007, PAW members took part in a demonstration at the dawn ceremony for ANZAC Day to protest against the New Zealand military's involvement in wars and occupations in Afghanistan, the Solomon Islands and Timor Leste [citation needed]. Two banners were held and two New Zealand flags were burnt, resulting in two arrests. The charges were later thrown out by court.[4][5]

In 2014 and 2015 PAW again focused on ANZAC Day. This was in response to the Government's suggestion of an ANZAC force which would be sent to the war with ISIS in Syria. At the same time massive amounts of energy and money was being invested in commemorations of the centennial of the invasion of the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. The group felt that the centennial was being used to promote the military and build support for another overseas deployment of NZ troops.[6]

In 2015 PAW also held a campaign against the arms industry fair which was held in the TSB arena, a Wellington City Council owned venue [citation needed]. A petition was presented to the city council and when the chair of the council committee dismissed it plans began for a blockade of the TSB arena. At the protests on the 17th and 18 November there was a human blockade to prevent people getting into the venue. There was a very violent response from police and 27 arrests [citation needed]. A complaint is likely to be lodged with the IPCA.[7]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/wkac0203.htm
  2. ↑ http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/features/760478/Who-the-police-were-spying-on
  3. ↑ https://peaceactionwellington.wordpress.com/48-2/2006-press-releases/
  4. ↑ http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/2741861/Anzac-Day-flag-burning-a-right
  5. ↑ http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4971083/Court-throws-out-flag-burning-charge
  6. ↑ https://peaceactionwellington.wordpress.com/campaigns/lest-we-remember/
  7. ↑ http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/289865/protesters-arrested-at-wellington-defence-forum
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