The Liberal Agenda: 27th May- 2nd June

There is a ton happening this week so we’ll get right to it:

• Interested to know more about the GCSB and their unlawful activities? Get along to the public meeting organised by OASIS at the Wellington Central Library on Monday Night to hear Nicky Hager, Keith Locke and Michael Bott speak.

• And for Aucklandites wanting to do something on Monday, CPAGY (CPAG’s youth network) is hosting a talk on Loan Sharks & Child Poverty from Dr M. Claire Dale followed by a discussion session. It’s on at 6.00pm at the Business School at Auckland Uni.

• On Tuesday learn about the government’s current mining agenda both in the Coromandel region and throughout New Zealand from Renee Annan of the Coromandel Watchdog. Also at 6.00pm, also at Auckland Uni. And when it finishes you can head straight to the Business School to watch two great environmental documentaries. Thin Ice is on at 7.00pm, followed by Do The Math at 8.30. Entry is free, though koha is appreciated.

• On Wednesday night, hear from John Wathen, a photo journalist who was present throughout the Gulf oil spill. There will be a short film and discussion. Get a unique perspective on a highly topical issue.

• Also on Wednesday night is the opening night of Titus. I’m feeling quite nervous about it to be honest because I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to gore and it doesn’t get much gorier that Titus Andronicus. It looks excellent though so if you’re a fan of the Bard you should try to get along.

• Palmerston North features on The Liberal Agenda for the first time ever thanks to The Greens and their panel discussion ‘Stand up for the Environment RMA’. It’ll cover the changes to the RMA and what they mean for democracy and our communities. On at the Globe Theatre on Thursday at 7.30pm.

• On a somewhat lighter note, it’s also the Pacific Music Awards on Thursday. There’ll be live performances and an awards ceremony from 7.00pm onwards. Details and tickets here.

• Also worth note is that it’s CPAG’s Court of Appeal hearing on Tuesday and Wednesday, if you’re in Wellington head along and show you’re support for them as they keep fighting this lengthy lengthy battle.

• Thursday is the beginning of the Auckland Festival of Photography. There are exhibitiong and symposiums throughout Auckland and it runs the whole of June.

• This coming weekend is of course Queen’s Birthday weekend. Putting aside what anyone might think of the monarchy, there is going to be a lot of fun at the Queens Wharf in Auckland as the Best of British is celebrated. Think croquet and cucumber sandwiches and lots of other fun activities and yummy treats. A good outing for those who aren’t able to escape Auckland for the weekend.

• For two nights only this coming week (Thursday and Friday), Strike will be performing Elemental. It’s a percussion stage show but it’s so much more than that. ‘Harnessing the sonic power of water, fire, earth and the airwaves witness a breathtaking journey of sound manipulation, choreography, rhythmic intricacy and invention.’ Exciting stuff!