In Aotearoa New Zealand, anger continues to grow over the conservative National government’s reactionary social policies. Unions and activists are calling a National Day of Action on Friday, 5 October to protest against policies such as forcing single mothers and sickness beneficiaries into jobs, drug-testing beneficiaries and “income- managing” teenage beneficiaries into a food stamp system. (See “Zero Budget” targets New Zealand workers and welfare beneficiaries, FS Organiser # 10, June 2012).
The government also wants to use the Christchurch earthquake as an excuse to close between 13 and 25 public schools, and replace some of them with semi- privatised “charter schools.” In the U.S., charter schools have been used to de- unionise school teachers, politically censor students and force out special needs students. Around 2,000 people in Christchurch rallied against the school changes on 22 September. In Auckland, workers also need to be alert to this threat to public education. The government is also eyeing off the working class southern suburbs as an area to begin rolling out charter schools.
Join the National Day of Action in Auckland by rallying at noon in Henderson Square for a 12.30 march. Actions will also take place in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton, Hawkes Bay and other cities and towns. To work with the Freedom Socialist Party on these campaigns, contact freedom.socialist.aotearoa@gmail.com
