Tibet Solidarity Network

Many of the TSN people have been enjoying a much needed breather after the busy events around the Olympics. Several of us are also about to embark on trips to the Himalayan region for various regions. In light of this we wanted to let you know that this seems a natural time for the Tibetan Solidarity Network - Wellington , to hibernate for the summer.

Several people are keen to pick up again in February in preparation for events marking the 50th anniversary of the March 10th uprising in Lhasa. TSN plans to mark this important date positively in a number of ways. Preparations for a photography exhibitions are being considered. If you have any venue ideas or photos you would like to be considered for inclusion please contact us. If you have other ideas, please send them in. This email address will remain the main point of contact and will be monitored.

 

Some important recent news about a possible change in the Dalai Lama's stance toward relations with China has recently occurred. Read all of this article here.

Our fantastic web-guy is off on adventures so the website will be unchanged over the summer. Please refer to other news websites for up to date information about Tibet. Here is one of our favourites.

 

We don’t know anyone that makes their voting decisions based on one issue only, however we thought this might be a good time to let you know which politicians have been vocal about the Tibet issue in case it is a factor in your decision making process.

The president of Friends of Tibet helped instigate the parliamentary Lobby Group for Tibet in 1994. He sends information regularly to this group. He recommends that if you want to write to MP's about Tibet , it is a good idea to approach your own local MP. If you are interested in this further you can contact him through their website above.

Green Party

Keith Locke (speaks up publically and in parliament about Tibet most passionately and frequently, and has come to a number of Tibet events. Has been to Tibet ).
Sue Kedgley (accepted a petition regarding Tibet at parliament and has been vocal about the Tibet issue)
Nandor Tanczos (spoke up about Tibet while in South Africa)

United Future

Peter Dunne (has spoken at rallies for Tibet and has a strong stance on human rights for Tibetans)

Maori Party

Pita Sharples (has spoken about Tibet in parliament)
Hone Harawira (also publicly vocal in support of Tibetans)

Labour

Tim Barnett (part of the Parliamentary Lobby group on Tibet)
Helen Clark (spoke about Tibet while in China signing the free trade deal, but did not meet with the Dalai Lama in New Zealand )
Louisa Wall (has attended a rally for Tibet and supports a stronger government stance on Tibet )
Lesley Soper (also has attended a rally and has been to Tibet)
Marian Hobbs (has also been sympathetic in the past)

National

Nick Smith (Chair of the Parliamentary Lobby group for Tibet)

New Zealand First

Winston Peters (met with the Dalai Lama in New Zealand but only in his capacity as NZ First Leader not as Foreign Minister)

 

As you will see there is a good spread across all parties of politicians willing to take a stand on Tibet – thanks to those that have - happy voting!