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Melody Anderson
Joined: 05 Nov 2003
Posts: 814
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:54 am Post Subject: Waihopai Dome deflated by UK Protest Group |
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A protest group called Ploughshare cut through a razor wire fence this morning to get at the Waihopai satellite domes, slashing one of them with sickles and completely deflating it.
An interesting note about Stuff's story is in the last paragraph where they say "The Waihopai base is operated by the Government Communications Security Bureau. It is described as a satellite communications monitoring facility, but opponents believe it is part of Echelon"...
Is its part in Eschelon officially acknowledged? (looks like some pretty autumn coloured vineyards in the foreground, must be beautiful down there at the moment...)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4503358a10.html
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1316907/1753583 |
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Deano
Joined: 22 Mar 2005
Posts: 741
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 12:03 pm Post Subject: |
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| Quote: | Prime Minister Helen Clark has condemned this morning's attack
Her comments came as three men were arrested for the sabotage attack, in which one of two inflatable globes covering satellite interception dishes at the Marlborough base was deflated.
In a statement a group called Anzac Ploughshares - which aims to spread the message of disarmament by disabling warplanes and military equipment - said it entered the base at 6am and used sickles to deflate one of the 30-metre domes. |
Who is this Anzac Ploughshares? Why would they admit to disabling military equipment (sabotaging?) It would only get them watched! (or is that what they want?)
| Quote: | | Members – including a Dominican friar - then "built a shrine and knelt in prayer to remember the people killed by United States military activity". |
Religious group maybe!!??
| Quote: | "This war will have no end until citizens of the world refuse to let it continue.
"The Echelon spy network, including Waihopai, is an important part of the US government's global spy network and we have come in the name of the Prince of Peace to close it down." |
Prince of Peace??? Strange statements!
One thing is for sure, this action may well draw peoples attention to the issues but it would be quite damaging to New Zealand if the government suddenly said f^^k it were closing them down. The puppet masters which control the world would likely seek revenge on poor wee NZ and you know it! |
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steve clougher
Joined: 15 May 2007
Posts: 973
Location: north-east victoria
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 12:47 pm Post Subject: |
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what a bunch ot twits, it's playing straight into the hands of the enemy
expanded exclusion zones, more invasion of our lives, suppression of rights, all these things are legislated for already, every muddle-headed grand-standing idiot action like this just gives hell-en the excuse to wind up the ratchet one more turn |
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lyra
Joined: 21 Mar 2005
Posts: 64
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Deano
Joined: 22 Mar 2005
Posts: 741
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:27 pm Post Subject: |
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| Quote: | | Green MP Keith Locke quoting the Anti-Bases Campaign claims the base has cost New Zealand up to NZ$500million since 1989 |
Thats quite a bit of cash we've sunk in there, now where's that free trade deal again!? 8) |
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steve clougher
Joined: 15 May 2007
Posts: 973
Location: north-east victoria
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 11:52 pm Post Subject: |
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never mind free trade, check out the interest NZers have paid since muldoon capitulated to the rockefellers
and the demise of dignity and liberty
not cheap
educate, educate |
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psychosis Agent
Joined: 25 Feb 2008
Posts: 133
Location: Christchurch
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 1:53 am Post Subject: |
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we need a short sharp way to seperate ourselves from the rest of the world and become more self sefficant as well as educating the masses
ive been doing my best to educate people and it has done much good although has had no effect other than people always just asking for my opinion on subjects i want an answer
im thinking maybe my own floating mass of land in international water |
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smashdracs
Joined: 23 Nov 2005
Posts: 1001
Location: Wellington NZ
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 6:12 am Post Subject: |
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Waihopai "The Great Unveiling 2008"
A fine example of bad activism. |
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ruapaka
Joined: 09 Feb 2007
Posts: 339
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 2:01 pm Post Subject: |
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| I have been trying to look at a video clip on TVNZ site ... several times in fact ... unblocked the popup blocker ... but my browser shuts down. Is this TVNZ's doing or the intelligence guys? Dang ... I was hoping to get a look at the surrounding area - oh well, I'll just wait 'till it's a bit foggy and walk on in ... :lol: |
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Melody Anderson
Joined: 05 Nov 2003
Posts: 814
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 4:18 pm Post Subject: |
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Video is working fine for me...
| smashdracs wrote: | | A fine example of bad activism. |
Yes. And unfortunately this act of vandalism will fail to spark debate about the issue of Echelon itself. The media seems to just want to concentrate on the security breach. And of course, the obvious implication of the requirement to do something to tighten security further and prevent this type of thing from occurring again.
The news clip says they can receive up to 14 years in prison under the terrorism act and up to six years in prison for vandalism (that six years for vandalism surprises me actually...) |
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secondfield
Joined: 14 Oct 2006
Posts: 377
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| Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 5:56 pm Post Subject: |
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Crap.....
All I want is a decent photo of the inside of that dish's feedhorn while its unmasked..... :roll: |
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ruapaka
Joined: 09 Feb 2007
Posts: 339
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| Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 6:52 pm Post Subject: |
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Here's a couple of links to articles in Friday's Marlborough Express.
Unknown how long dish will be out in the cold
Cherie Howie - Marlborough | Friday, 02 May 2008
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlboroughexpress/4507290a6008.html
There is a pic in paper (not on net) with caption "RUINED: Pieces of the dome covering a satellite dish at the Waihopai spy base cling to the dish" - maybe helpful Secondfield??
Two of Waihopai three on `fast'
Marlborough | Friday, 02 May 2008
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlboroughexpress/4507291a6008.html
Also - as a matter of interest ... on pg 16, and right next to the continued front page article about spy station, was this little piece - not on Stuff, so I copy to here ...
Top secret exercise ends
A week-long secret police exercise in the Marlborough Sounds involving Royal New Zealand Air Force helicopters and convoys of large black vehicles ends today.
Police national headquarters are not revealing operational details. Picton, Blenheim and Nelson police say they know nothing of the exercise.
Communications centres in Wellington and Christchurch also said they were unaware of the exercise.
RNZAF Base Woodbourne's warrant officer John Bray said two of the air force's Iroquois helicopters were working to support a police operation in the Marlborough Sounds, but could give no further details. |
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Mel
Joined: 19 Dec 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Queensland
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| Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 1:14 am Post Subject: |
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Our global peacenik activists Ploughares sure timed their 'attack' nicely - one would have to suspect them as being part of the exercise going on.
Ploughshares seems to have some high-level connections and the organisation's report says it has $23 million in assets. Not bad for a bunch of peacenik hippies eh??
Top secret exercise ends
A week-long secret police exercise in the Marlborough Sounds involving Royal New Zealand Air Force helicopters and convoys of large black vehicles ends today.
Police national headquarters are not revealing operational details. Picton, Blenheim and Nelson police say they know nothing of the exercise.
Communications centres in Wellington and Christchurch also said they were unaware of the exercise.
RNZAF Base Woodbourne's warrant officer John Bray said two of the air force's Iroquois helicopters were working to support a police operation in the Marlborough Sounds, but could give no further details. |
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secondfield
Joined: 14 Oct 2006
Posts: 377
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| Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 1:46 pm Post Subject: |
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Convoys of large black vehicles?
Local police and armed forces representatives know nothing of 'exercises'?
2 taxpayer RNZAFchoppers loaned out with no details released?
Intriguing.. anyone seen these 'large black vehicles'?
Our military/police force doesnt (shouldn't) have anything like that. Not even the SAS. They have Nissan patrols / toyo landcruisers. Definately not painted black...
Odd, maybe a UFO recovery operation? looking at Ruapaka's pic's there could be alot of aerial activity of unknown origon taking place above marlborough..
:shock:
Pure speculation of course... |
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Mel
Joined: 19 Dec 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Queensland
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| Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 9:22 pm Post Subject: Ploughshares are CFR connected |
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London-based Ploughshares is big on the global disarmament (eg no guns for citizens either) and claims a mandate to disable warplanes and other military equipment. Its financial report on the web lists the organization’s assets as worth $23 million.
But here's the rub: The organization has a substantial international staff and well-connected board of advisers including none other than Leslie H. Gelb, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations and Lawrence J. Korb, a CFR Director of National Security Studies. Now they are interesting advisers for a hippie peacenik group!!
http://www.ploughshares.org/board_and_advisors.php |
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steve clougher
Joined: 15 May 2007
Posts: 973
Location: north-east victoria
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| Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 9:40 pm Post Subject: |
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| great work Mel, it would be good to get further elucidation of these connections, and what they mean |
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ruapaka
Joined: 09 Feb 2007
Posts: 339
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| Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 1:42 pm Post Subject: |
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... update ...
... found this on Marlborough Express online ...
| Quote: | Suppression in Waihopai case
The Marlborough Express | Monday, 02 March 2009
Issues raised by lawyers defending three men accused of slashing the inflatable dome covering a Waihopai Spy Base satellite interception dish have been suppressed by a district court judge.
In Blenheim District Court on Friday a callover hearing was held for three Ploughshares peace activists, Auckland-based Dominican friar and Catholic priest Peter Murnane, Hokianga farmer Sam Land and Otaki organic gardener Adrian Leason. All deny charges of unlawful entry and wilful damage at the spy base on April 30 last year.
After listening to lawyers for the accused, Michael Knowles and Moana Cole, Judge David McKegg ordered some matters be addressed in a pre-trial hearing. No date has yet been set. |
A small piece considering the attention the protest received. "issues raised" - "suppressed by .. judge" .... What issues might that be? Why the judge wants to keep those "issues" from public? The pre-trial hearing will be closed court I am guessing. I am also guessing that the defendants will maintain a 'not guilty' and thus a trial be set .... where the gloves come off and hopefully truths get aired - even if not believed by the majority. |
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secondfield
Joined: 14 Oct 2006
Posts: 377
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| Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 2:21 pm Post Subject: |
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Cheers for the update!
I Dont suppose if your aware if they have replaced the dome yet Ruapaka? |
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smashdracs
Joined: 23 Nov 2005
Posts: 1001
Location: Wellington NZ
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| Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 2:39 pm Post Subject: |
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| The judge probably does not want everyone to know who the funding comes from for these idiots. We cant have every knowing it was "an inside job". |
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Crakka
Joined: 07 Aug 2008
Posts: 1847
Location: The Wild West
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| Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 12:52 am Post Subject: |
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| Great work in this thread people! Especially from Mel on the CFR connections - they're always there if you look below the surface eh! Definitely looks very dubious from where I sit :? |
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ruapaka
Joined: 09 Feb 2007
Posts: 339
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| Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:42 pm Post Subject: |
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.... update ...
from local newspaper "The Marlborough Express" online ... 10-07-09
| Quote: | Spy trial shifted to capital
The trial of three peace activists accused of damaging one of the Waihopai spy base domes will be held in Wellington rather than Blenheim.
All details about the decision, made this week by District Court Judge Stephen Harrop, are suppressed.
On April 30 last year, Auckland Dominican friar and Catholic priest Peter Murnane, Hokianga farmer Sam Land and Otaki organic gardener Adrian Leason were charged with causing intentional damage and entering a building with intent to commit a crime.
It was reported that sickles were used to deflate one of two 30-metre domes covering the base's satellite dishes.
All three men were members of the Ploughshares peace group, which takes its name from a biblical proverb about turning weapons into ploughshares.
This morning, Leason's Christchurch lawyer Mike Knowles was contacted by The Marlborough Express and asked why the trial was being moved to Wellington.
In a curt statement, he said all information had been suppressed by a judge, then terminated the call.
The Waihopai base, operated by the Government Communications Security Bureau, has long been a source of controversy.
A protest is organised annually by peace activists, who say Waihopai provides intelligence to the Pentagon and is New Zealand's most important contribution to the United States military network. |
source:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/2583225/Spy-trial-shifted-to-capital |
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smashdracs
Joined: 23 Nov 2005
Posts: 1001
Location: Wellington NZ
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Crakka
Joined: 07 Aug 2008
Posts: 1847
Location: The Wild West
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| Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:09 pm Post Subject: |
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| Hmmm, good linkage smash 8) |
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ruapaka
Joined: 09 Feb 2007
Posts: 339
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| Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:12 am Post Subject: |
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Latest about the spy station ...
The Marlborough Express 22 July
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/2662944/Spy-base-ready-for-new-dome
| Quote: | Spy base ready for new dome
By SONIA O'REGAN
Work is underway to replace the sabotaged protective dome over a satellite dish in the Waihopai Valley.
Sickle-wielding peace activists deflated one of the balls at Waihopai Spy Base on April 30 last year. It's been uncovered ever since.
The white rubberised material protects the interception satellite dishes at the spy base.
The base is run by the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB).
The satellite dish was this morning parked facing the sky with ropes slung over it.
GCSB deputy director corporate Hugh Wolfensohn confirmed the satellite dish was in the "parked position" in preparation for the erection of a new dome, known technically as a radome.
The dome would be placed over the satellite dish when wind conditions in the valley allowed the work to continue.
The day after the attack, the bureau said the dome would be replaced at a cost of $1 million to the taxpayer.
Yesterday, Mr Wolfensohn said he could not say exactly how much the new dome cost but he confirmed that $1 million wasn't far off the mark.
"That estimate is still generally valid."
Asked if any measures had been taken to prevent a repeat of last year's attack, Mr Wolfensohn said the new dome was the same as the one it replaced.
"It's a one for one replacement. I'm not going to comment on security measures."
After the attack last year, GCSB director Bruce Ferguson said activists had "totalled" the dome, causing fatal gashes around two-thirds of its perimeter.
He said the dome was made of rubberised material that was very heavy and thick.
"It's a bit like a very strong inflatable boat."
It is inflated to two PSI (pounds per square inch) above atmospheric pressure and designed to protect the satellite from the weather not hide the direction that the satellite is pointed, as has been popularly believed.
Mr Wolfensohn said the satellite dish's antennae had not been damaged by exposure to the weather over the past year as a "a number of engineering and technical measures" had been taken, but added: "We want to get it covered before additional exposure reduces its operational life."
He said before the dome could be replaced an approval process involving, both the past and present prime ministers, had to be followed and insurance matters had to be sorted.
Auckland-based Dominican friar and Catholic priest Peter Murnane, Hokianga farmer Sam Land and Otaki organic gardener Adrian Leason all deny charges of unlawful entry and wilful damage in relation to the deflation of the dome.
All three men were members of the Ploughshares peace group, which takes its name from a biblical proverb about turning weapons into ploughshares.
Their trial will be held in Wellington rather than Blenheim at a date yet to be set.
A protest is organised annually by peace activists, who say Waihopai provides intelligence to the Pentagon and is New Zealand's most important contribution to the United States military network. |
Here a pic supplied ...
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smashdracs
Joined: 23 Nov 2005
Posts: 1001
Location: Wellington NZ
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| Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:56 am Post Subject: |
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| Snap! You beat me to it :-) |
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ruapaka
Joined: 09 Feb 2007
Posts: 339
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| Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:22 pm Post Subject: |
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| .... just by a nose .. :) |
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ruapaka
Joined: 09 Feb 2007
Posts: 339
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| Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2009 4:52 pm Post Subject: |
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... update ...
The Marlborough Express online
By MAIKE VAN DER HEIDE
27/07/2009
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/2676946/Spy-Base-domes-ready-to-play-ball-again
| Quote: | Spy Base domes ready to play ball again
Right now it looks like a giant volleyball, but rest assured, the second inflatable dome at the Waihopai Spy Base will soon revert to its original look as a giant golf ball.
The dome, slashed by sickle-wielding protesters last April, was reinstated on Saturday.
Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) deputy director corporate Hugh Wolfensohn said work started at 9am and the dome was inflated by 5pm.
Workers had to wait for several days for the weather to be just right for the job.Mr Wolfensohn said the new ball, covered in stripes that makes it look like a volleyball, would be bleached to a brilliant white by the sun, like its neighbour, in a matter of months.
He said the reinstatement of the dome took so long because the GCSB was trying to insure "it was the right thing to do".
"We were considering whether it needed to be reinstalled or whether the antennas should be left open to the elements."
The dome also had to be made and there were insurance issues to sort out, Mr Wolfensohn said. |
... a bit sad that no photo was supplied ... (if I get that way I'll be sure to take some shots)
Why might they consider "... whether it needed to be reinstalled or whether the antennas should be left open to the elements", ?? |
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schadow2012
Joined: 24 Oct 2008
Posts: 147
Location: sunny northland
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| Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 4:29 pm Post Subject: |
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[url]Auckland-based Dominican friar and Catholic priest Peter Murnane, Hokianga farmer Sam Land and Otaki organic gardener Adrian Leason[/url]
any of you people those people per chance??? :) haha that would be undercover stuff i guess lol - i love sam land the farmer - oh and by the way i am not diminishing the situation just have to have a sad humour :( |
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schadow2012
Joined: 24 Oct 2008
Posts: 147
Location: sunny northland
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| Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 4:30 pm Post Subject: |
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| haha ps obviously stuffed up the quote thing :D |
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