Yearly Archives: 2009

Keith Locke’s thoughts on an amazing human rights defender

Green Party MP Keith Locke explains what it meant for him to have hosted Uighur human rights activist Rebiya Kadeer. Keith points out that- more often than not - the media in New Zealand are only interested in reporting about free trade agreements with China and ignore the human rights problems that exist in that country.

Investigating miscarriages of justice

Keith Locke speaks on the Scott Watson case and investigating miscarriages of justice.

Green Party welcomes democratic moves in Tonga

The final report of Tonga’s Constitutional and Electoral Commission recommending a democratic form of Parliament for Tonga is welcome news, said Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson Keith Locke.

NZ should assist boat people fleeing Sri Lanka

In 2001 the Clark Government stepped in and gave a helping hand to some people in pretty dire circumstances when we accepted a number of asylum seekers fleeing Afghanistan.

Sri Lankan asylum seekers and the New Zealand response

Keith Locke's General Debate speech on his proposal that New Zealand accept some of the 78 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees on the ship Oceanic Viking, who sought to enter Australia.

Universities shouldn’t be schools for spies

It’s good to see the Tertiary Education Union (TEU) come out against lecturers being asked to spy on their students for the SIS.

The Dalai Lama’s visit to New Zealand

Keith Locke questions the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade on why no Minister will meet the Dalai Lama during his visit to New Zealand next month.

Government clearly boycotting Dalai Lama visit

The Government is clearly embarrassed about its ‘unofficial’ boycott of the Dalai Lama when he visits New Zealand next month, said Green Party MP Keith Locke today.

Zero percent won’t pay the rent

The election of a National-led Government has sparked newfound employer militancy, and public sector employers are among the most militant. But unions are fighting back on behalf of low paid public service employees. On Friday 27th they have organised nationwide lunchtime (12.30pm – 1.30pm) rallies to protest against the public sector wage freeze and call for a fair deal for low paid workers.