Editor's note: November 26, the website of New Zealand's most famous radio station NewstalkZB continuously published three pieces of news as Falun Gong tries to get an injunction to stop the event. And Michael Barnett, chairman of the Auckland Santa Parade Trust spoke with Newstalk ZB host Larry Williams to restate no place for politics in Santa Parade.
12:32:03: Falun Gong Santa saga continues in court
A hearing is underway at the High Court in Auckland in the continuing saga over whether Falun Gong can take part in the Auckland Santa Parade.
The parade trust has again refused to let the group participate, saying the Chinese meditation movement is political and its presence does not fit with something aimed mainly at kids.
The public gallery at the High Court is packed with Falun Gong members, who are there to see the group's lawyer put forward a case for an interim injunction. The law and which evidence is relevant to the case have taken up most of the morning, with proceedings being briefly interrupted by a Falun Gong member attempting to address the court.
The group's lawyer is arguing the parade trust is excluding Falun Gong purely for its beliefs, when as a cultural group they should be allowed to take part.
The Santa Parade travels through Auckland this Sunday.
Original text from: http://www.newstalkzb.co.nzewsdetail1.asp?storyID=148555
16:52:23: Trust defends parade ban for Falun Gong
The Auckland Santa Parade Trust is defending its decision in court not to allow Falun Gong to participate.
An application by the group for an interim injunction has been heard at the High Court in Auckland today.
Falun Gong argues it is being excluded purely on the grounds it is a political group. It says it is being discriminated against.
The Auckland Santa Parade Trust's lawyer Matthew Harris says the event is about the children, not a chance for groups to get their message across. He says the trust excludes all advocacy groups for that reason.
Mr Harris says the parade is a highly choreographed event and the dress rehearsals have already been held.
Original text from: http://www.newstalkzb.co.nzewsdetail1.asp?storyID=148568
18:00:02: Judge to rule on Santa Parade tomorrow
A High Court judge has reserved his decision on an application by Falun Gong to stop the Auckland Santa Parade.
The group has demanded it be allowed to participate in the parade this Sunday and has sought an injunction.
The Auckland Santa Parade Trust says it does not want a political group involved, saying it is an event designed for children.
The judge will release his decision at 2.15pm tomorrow.
Original text from: http://www.newstalkzb.co.nzewsdetail1.asp?storyID=148575
17:59:00: Audio: No place for politics in Santa Parade
Newstalk ZB host Larry Williams speaks with chairman of the Auckland Santa Parade Trust Michael Barnett as Falun Gong tries to get an injunction to stop the event. Hit here to listen to the program.
(NewstalkZB.co.nz, November 26, 2008 )
