Mayday is the day when workers across the world celebrate their contribution to society. This year, internationally, the event is going to be huge, and on the Coast we can participate. This year the programme is jointly hosted by Unions West Coast, West Coast Labour, West Coast Greens, and the Blackball Museum. The programme, which includes the launch of a major economic initiative, is as follows:
Friday 28th April: Annual Blackball-Runanga Debate, Blackball Working Men’s Club, 7.15pm. Topic: Shoot the Rich.
Saturday 29th April: Forum >The coming election and environmentalism on the Coast.10.00am-4.00pm, Blackball Working Men’s Club.
Theme: In an era of climate change and a just transition there is a need to move past fundamentalist positions.
10.00am Welcome followed by discussion: “The problem for Labour on the Coast is the Greens” (from an interview with worker).
Response from Damien O’Connor and from Green Party spokesperson followed by audience discussion.
11.00am Widening the scope: i. The role of environmentalism on the Coast (panel discussion)
ii. 1080, the parties’ stances: Labour, Greens, NZ First.
12.15pm Cultural interlude: Songs from The Measures Taken.
12.30pm Lunch.
1.15pm Think global, act local. Local success stories: Cobden Lagoon (Tony Kokshoorn); Atarau Sanctuary (Paul Berry); Mine clean-ups (DOC), Barrytown planting (James Washer).
2.15pm Opening of Exhibition by Mayor Kokshoorn: Who are you voting for? Curated by Blackball Museum and Paparoa Range students (Blackball site).
2.30pm Afternoon tea.
3.00pm Launch of Te Puawai Co-operative Society Limited, an incubator for sustainable co-operatives for the regions but particularly the West Coast. Cuban Ambassador, Mario Alzugaray and MP Damien O’Connor. Applications for membership and shareholding will be available.
Registration to cover catering: $10. Please register via e-mail wkcultur@ihug.co.nz; pfknz@ymail.com or phone 732 4010 or text 0211063669. Pay on the day.
blackball museum (mahi tupuna) 