This Friday evening (9 July) XRŌ would normally be having a heartbeat meeting, but given that Climate Change minister James Shaw is speaking at a public meeting in Christchurch we strongly suggest you go along to that. Especially seeing that the topic of the meeting is “James Shaw on Climate – Are we doing enough?” Let’s all go along and let him know our feelings on that question. Free tickets for the event are available here.

The meeting will be held at Aldersgate, 309 Durham St North from 7.30 – 8.30pm. Arrive from 7pm for a chance to meet others and share some snacks with James, co-leader of the Green Party, before the session starts at 7.30. The AGM of the Aoraki Greens (for Green Party Members) will be held at the same venue from 6pm.

The Facebook event is here.

It’s Time, Canterbury

Recently Canterbury’s councils (Environment Canterbury and the territorial authorities) launched a website called “It’s Time Canterbury Our climate change conversation” to address the climate emergency. We may have issues with the strength of the response, but at least local government is trying to raise the issue with the people of Canterbury and to start a conversation on what we need to do. Please visit the website and engage with the initiative. It’s the least we can do.

Art for Rebellion Workshop

A pleasant way to finish June was for fifteen of us to potter around with some art ideas in the Phillipstown Hub. Both XR and non-XR people attended. Sorry, no mass production of banners, costumes of masks was achieved because it turned out to be a very good way to just take a big breath out for a change, which is maybe what we need more of – to release ourselves from the urgency from time to time and breathe a little.

However, we did also see what protest art some others have been doing in the privacy of our own homes, and Dot’s painted aprons in particular are simply mind-blowing. It made us think that an exhibition of protest art might be something to aim for. Willow’s drawings of treasured plants are also worthy of getting out there.

Apart from finding out how and where to hold an exhibition, we might also consider doing some guerilla art which would involve copying some pieces and pasting them clandestinely and strategically.

Personally, I would love to turn art into street theatre, and if it were possible to gather up a few younger people to form a group which rehearses and choreographs street theatre, I would love to kick it off.

In the meanwhile, it might be nice to create follow-up art workshop to help us breathe again. There is no onus on anyone to be masterful, or even experienced.

A number of people might also be interested to know that. Bruce Mahalski plans to come up in Spring to run a mask-making and street art workshop. He is a master in these areas.

Juliet Neill

The Talk – Join the Rebellion

A number of members have been contributing information for a public talk. We wish to offer a half hour (flexible) presentation which:

• acknowledges Tangata Whenua,

• covers some of the scientific issues and their impacts,

• shows how urgently action is needed.

As we all know, we need an upswell in acceptance and understanding for each of these issues. We will be stronger when we act together. To invite the presentation and discussion to your group, club, or family gathering please contact Fay Brorens, 0273246326

Ants Recovering Well

One of our members, Ants, had a major operation recently. He is improving slowly and very happy to be going in the right direction again. He is now managing to potter in the garden, which gives him some fresh air, peace of mind and exercise. He appreciates the support he has been getting from his XRO friends.

REGULAR XRO MEETUPS

Heartbeat – Friday 23 July, 7pm – 9pm at Te Whare Roimata, 274 Gloucester St. Note new temporary venue. Held on 2nd and 4th Friday of each month, Heartbeat is where you can meet up with other rebels, find out what’s happening and get involved. All welcome!

Christchurch City Council vigil – every Friday 12 noon – 1pm on the Worcester St side of CCC building. Meet other rebels, plan potential CCC actions, talk to passing councillors, staff & public. Contact David G (027 222 5701) if you’d like to get his text reminders.

ECan vigil – every Thursday 12.30 – 1.30pm outside ECan, 200 Tuam St, Otautahi. Meet other rebels, plan potential ECan actions, talk to passing councillors, staff & public. Contact David G (027 222 5701) if you’d like to get his text reminders.

Action circle – meets Wednesday nights, open to anyone who’s been on an XRŌ action – contact Michael for more info – 021 0264 7594.

Singing for our Lives – activist choir meeting monthly. Next rehearsal Saturday 7 August 2pm to 4pm, Phillipstown Community Hub, 39 Nursery Rd. New members welcome – contact Valerie [email protected], 027 568 5515. Follow us on Facebook. Become an XRŌ Song Carrier!

In love and rage
Fay and Dave for XR Ōtautahi Christchurch

Anyone who’d like to donate to our XR Ōtautahi Christchurch group can do so at Kiwibank: XROtautahiChristchurch, ac. number 38-9002-0331592-07