Wild Greens tour Universities

A Green electoral candidate is in town this week to teach students about how to break the law.

"There are times when disobedience is a moral imperative" says Nandor Tanczos of the WildGreens - the direct action wing of the Green party. "To be honest we no longer have time to ask nicely for urgent changes when the government has shown itself to be unwilling to listen. At such times direct action is the only alternative - genuine kiwi do-it-yourself."

Nandor is visiting universities around the country to speak about direct action and to introduce students to the concept of EcoNation Aotearoa: a vision to be implemented by 2020 that ties environmental and social justice issues together into a common goal.

"We are challenging the assumption that the free market is the ultimate social good. An EcoNation would recognise that market forces run the market. It would draw the line at allowing them to run our schools, universities and hospitals as well."

"At the heart of EcoNation is direct action, because while the government and the multinationals have been trying to turn us into consumers, our power lies in being citizens with the ability to change things. Direct action is about taking responsibility for the world around us."

"For example the government has committed this country to leading the world in genetic engineering. Experiments have been underway for a number of years in New Zealand without any public discussion of the safety or ethical issues involved, or whether this is economically a wise strategic move. Mutant food is on the shelves and we don't even know which is which."

The Greens have started a petition calling for a moratorium on genetic engineering while a Royal Commission into these issues is held.

"Since there is no reason to think the government will listen to this either, we are also supporting a boycott of companies that have said they do not intend to even make the effort to find out if their products contain these mutant crops."

The WildGreens have run into controversy before, when they were featured on the Holmes show testing ecstasy tablets for dangerous adulterants at dance parties. While the police have stated that he may be arrested for testing 'e', Nandor maintains that he is more concerned with saving lives than the legalities.

Ph. (09) 303 1309

Itinerary:

Public talk at lunchtime.
Non violent direct action strategies workshop in the afternoon
University Date Student association contact for more info Auckland: Thurs 4 March Phoebe Fletcher Otago: Tues 9 March Jeltsje EO Canterbury: Wed 10 March David Colyer Lincoln: Thurs 11 March Craig Pauling, EO Victoria: Fri 12 March Chris at V.E.G Massey: Mon 15 March Anna Brooking, EO Waikato: Tues 16 March David Hallett, VP