Media Release: War mongers at Te Papa

From: Peace Action Wellington

Date: Friday, April 2



The NZDF activities on Te Papa's forecourt on Sunday from 11-1pm will be met

with peace actions aimed at educating and informing parents as to the reality

of a career in the military.



Te Papa, the nation's museum is hosting 'military week' this week. 'The

activities planned target children in what appears to be a concerted

recruitment drive by the NZDF' said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action

Wellington. Advertisements read: 'learn how soldiers go on reconnaissance to

gather military information and identify distant targets' and then go on to

read, 'Have you got what it takes?'



Many in the NZDF do have 'what it takes.' The SAS (Special Air Service) was

deployed to Afghanistan to conduct secret missions potentially involving

civilan deaths. The Prime Minister said they were involved in Afghanistan to

conduct raids, ambushes, direct assaults, attacks from the air, ground and sea,

guide ?precision weaponry?, conduct independent sabotage and ?anti-ship?

operations.



The NZDF is keen to bolster its numbers. Its 2004 financial review

tabled to the Defence, Foreign Affairs and Trade select committee says

that ?The popular perception of the armed forces is of concern and recruiters

are looking at ways to improve their image.? Refusing to serve in illegal

invasions of other countries would be the first step to improving their image.

They can also stop recruiting six-year olds.



Members of the public are invited to join Peace Action's opposition to New

Zealand's involvement in the US occupation of Afghanistan.



ENDS