My Sunrise Friday May 6 2011

Sunrise Riverstone Terraces
Friday 6th May 2011
Photograph by Christine Anne Borra
copyright





   





The Steel Hat Men by Christine Anne Borra

Steel Hat Men
Photograph
 by Christine Anne Borra
Copyright

Dark you loom
and blot the landscape

Mothers whisper
to their children

Do not go near
The Steel Hat Men

Like ancient armies
a show of might

Arms out stretched
crossing our valley's

Shadows at night

just there

just there

just there

Do not go near
The Steel Hat Men

Steel and tears
more than 100 years

You crackle your
private words

And we pay
we pay

Unsightly scene
of necessity

Who will follow
in your steps

When will your
day be done

Do not go near
The Steel Hat Men

And we wait for their
end to come

Lost Soles of Castle Point by Christine Anne Borra

If I lose my sole
let me lose it at Castle Point

Hang it on the cross
with all the others

Next to the sole from China
and the pretty one from Italy

To watch the gulls
and fishing boats

Protected by the dunes
and  Light house reef

A memorial to all
who are lost

If I lose my sole

http://photo.l-oceano.com/scotteanderson/lost-soles-75.htm  my beloved Castle Point.. on this blog I found the cross at the end of the road across from where we stay every year for Christmas Holidays, and more..

Black Sands Boom Rock by Christine Anne Borra

The cruel black sands
of Makara Beach
lie beneath
my feet

To rough today
to dive for paua
the walk to Boom
too long

Summer beats
a different sound
like Boom Rock

Boom

Boom

Boom

How many days
and many nights
have we fished
and dived your
stony sands

Yet today
you seem cruel
and foam bashes
at my feet

Too cold
on this winter day

My Sunrise



Sunrise at Riverstone Terraces Upper Hutt New Zeland



International humanitarian assistance to Myanmar : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract:

Myanmar is a country with many complex political and humanitarian issues. While it is rich in natural resources, it remains one of the poorest and most undemocratic countries in Asia. It has a history of ethnic and political division and many of the antagonists are still to find lasting reconciliation. Myanmar has been controlled by military juntas and former army generals since a coup in 1962. The focus of the regime is security and the preservation of its position as the ruling elite, at the expense of democracy and the humanitarian needs of the general population. The international response to the humanitarian plight of the Myanmar people has been mixed and the provision of international aid to Myanmar has become a highly contentious issue. This thesis seeks to critically examine international aid to Myanmar so as to determine whether under present conditions humanitarian assistance should, and can, be effectively provided to the country. In doing so recent theories relating to humanitarian assistance and intervention are reviewed and the historical and political circumstances that have influenced the humanitarian situation in Myanmar are explored. A description of the current humanitarian situation and levels of international assistance is provided, and donor, practitioner and activist perspectives on international assistance are determined. The results of this study show that Myanmar has serious humanitarian needs. Despite being a difficult environment in which to operate, with complex political problems, it is still possible to conduct effective programmes in the country. Existing programmes do not reach all those in need, nor do current programmes address many of the core problems. International assistance does help fill the gap left largely unattended by the junta. Any lasting political solution requires the participation of all stakeholders in the country, especially the military. As the junta is unlikely to relinquish political control, regardless of pressure levelled against the senior generals, the need for ongoing international aid remains obvious. When all the considerations about providing aid to Myanmar are taken into account, it is apparent from this research that the conditions are serious enough to justify that there is a humanitarian imperative to help, and that there are sound opportunities to do so.
For complete copy please go to:
http://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/760

Copyright Paul Douglas Inwood.

Dark Force by Christine Anne Borra

Photograph by Whaia Borra
 Graffiti on Petone Wharf

In the darkness
the army gathers
prepare yourself
for war

In the darkness
the Educated Unrested
ask why
and ask for more

In the darkness

the balance changes

ask what

is on your door

In the darkness
the future falters
be wary
for what's in store