26 June 2008 Newsletter
The first Media that Matters have been held in Christchurch and Wellington. Early reports indicate they were fantastic events, with lots of people attending, loads of prizes given away and some interesting discussions had! The last screening is at 6pm in Auckland on Monday, 7 July at the Academy Theatre (under the Auckland Public Library). Be there!
The Just Focus team is off to the Involve 08, the National Youth Development conference, in Wellington next week. We will be listening to inspiring speakers, attending workshops and even running one ourselves, sharing the goodness that is Just Focus!
RECENT NEWS AND EVENTS
Zimbabwe Elections
There’s been heaps of media coverage since long-time President Robert Mugabe and the Zanu-PF party lost the vote in March to Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democracy (MDC) party. Earlier this week Tsvangirai pulled out today’s new election, amid on-going violence. He says “[w]e can’t ask the people to cast their vote on June 27 when that vote will cost their lives.” and also states that the MDC already won the election back in March. You can read an interview with Tsvangirai “Why I Pulled Out” on Al Jazeera and follow the blog on Reuters asking has Tsvangirai made a fatal mistake?
There is a video of some Zimbabwean’s reactions to the news on the BBC, where you can also find background info and analysis on the situation in its Special Report on Zimbabwe’s Election Crisis. and then have your say in the Just Focus Forum thread. And for up-to-date info on what’s happening keep an eye on the homepages of any major news source.
Children terrified by South Africa xenophobia
Last month we highlighted the terrible xenophobic (anti-foreigner) attacks in South Africa. This story explains how it has affected children who witnessed the violence.
Māori Party Seats in Parliament
This week, the New Zealand Centre for Political Research (NCPR) Weekly examines a new report on the future of the Māori seats in Parliament, and a poll asks whether you are concerned that the Māori seats are now causing an over-representation of Māori in Parliament.
LINKS TO OTHER INTERESTING STUFF
Rage. When it wells up from deep inside you, it is immediate, compelling, real. It is the only emotion strong enough to start a war – or stop one. Rage can change laws, take down corporations and topple governments. Rage drives revolutions.
The Green Gorilla is the latest animation series from those crazy kids at Free Range Studios. This is the first episode entitled “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch”.
Design a tee and win Fair Trade clothing.
UPCOMING EVENTS/ACTIONS FOR YOU TO BE PART OF
MATARIKI FESTIVAL: MĀORIORI NEW YEAR
5 June - 5 July 2008
One of the most significant celebrations in the Māori calendar is Matariki – the indigenous New Year for Aotearoa and the Pacific. Find out about Matariki and get some ideas for how celebrate. For events in Auckland check out www.matarikifestival.org.nz and in Wellington Te Papa is celebrating. Nationwide events are listed on www.nzlive.com
MEDIA THAT MATTERS AOTEAROA 2008
Auckland - 7 July
Media that Matters is a premiere showcase for short films on the most important topics of the day. Local and global, online and in communities around the world, Media That Matters engages diverse audiences and inspires them to take action Just Focus has the privilege of overseeing the festival.
NZ INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
July to November 2008, around the country
Visit the NZ Film Festival site for info on what is on where, and keep an eye out for films with global themes. There is a particularly strong field of films about sustainable living, eco-communities and environmental issues, including Garbage Warrior , Earth, Pete Seeger; The Power Of Song and Sharkwater. And if you go along to see one of these movies, why not write us a review?
NEW STUFF ON THIS SITE
Felicity Gibson, 22, was interested in understanding other countries – not just seeing them through a camera or tour bus window. That’s why she took a year out from her degree to volunteer in South Africa and “gain a new perspective on the world.” Check out this interview by Tessa Johnstone.
IN THE JUST FOCUS FORUM
William Zhang’s articles on ProductRED have led to a lot of discussion in the forum – check out what others think and have your say.
More songs that get you thinking.
And find out what others are saying about Aotearoa New Zealand hosting the Rugby World Cup 2011 – and the issue of media coverage and women’s sports.
WANNA GET MORE INVOLVED?
Want to add stuff to the next newsletter or the Events Page, or to write an article/review, or take a photo/create an image for the Just Focus website? Reply to us at info@justfocus.org.nz, it’s always great to hear from you.
