Peace in the nation

Race Relations Day

Each year 21 March is observed around the globe as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The date recalls the tragic loss of life at Sharpeville in South Africa in 1960, and is dedicated by the United Nations to the achievement of the goals of the Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In Aotearoa-New Zealand it is promoted as Race Relations Day. People are urged to reflect on the richness of living in a multi-cultural and multi-racial society, and to make an effort to learn about those from other races.

Interfaith Forums

The New Zealand Interfaith Group has been organizing regional and national interfaith forums since 1994. The forums bring together leaders and practitioners in the major religions in order to build understanding and cooperation between all of the faiths in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Peace and nonviolence exhibitions

1000 Women for Peace

In 2005 an historic and unique nomination was made to the Nobel Peace Prize Committee. It was a single collective nomination of 1000 women engaged in building peace, protecting human rights and human security. The nominated women came from over 150 different countries, and from a wide range of backgrounds. They reflected the diversity of approaches needed for peace-building in different contexts. This exhibition showcases the working lives of these 1000 women. It is an inspiring and moving reminder of how peace can be brought about, day by day, person by person. The exhibition is available from the Peace Foundation Wellington Office

Culture of Peace exhibition

The Culture of Peace exhibition looks at issues around war, poverty, nuclear weapons and conflict resolution. It is organized by the Soka Gakkai International,
a worldwide lay Buddhist association that promotes peace, culture and education through personal change and social contribution. The exhibition is available from Soka Gakkai.

Gandhi photo exhibition

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi – known as Mahatma Gandhi by millions of Indians – dedicated his life to a non-violent form of human liberation, and was once quoted as saying, "you might of course say that there can be no non-violent rebellion and there has been none known in history to date. Well, it is my ambition to provide an instance, and it is my dream that my country may win its freedom through non-violence. And, I would like to repeat to the world times without number, that I will not purchase my country's freedom at the cost of non-violence". The Peace Foundation has a laminated set of photos which can be easily displayed in schools and community centres. They are available for borrowing from the Peace Foundation office in Wellington (04 496 9629).

Media Peace Awards

The Media Peace Awards were inaugurated by The Peace Foundation in 1984 to promote the values of peace and conflict resolution, rather than confrontation and violence in the media. The awards seek to recognise media professionals and students who actively contribute towards reducing conflict, addressing differences and counteracting prejudices in our society and in the wider world. They seek to honour serious journalism and its commitment to 'shedding light rather than heat'.

Local Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones

In the late 1970s and early 1980s New Zealanders were actively opposing the nuclear arms race (and the government-sanctioned port visits of nuclear-armed ships) by campaigning for the establishment of symbolic nuclear-weapon-free zones. These were declared in homes, churches, universities, workplaces, city councils etc…By 1984, when the Labour government was elected, over 70% of New Zealanders lived in NWFZs. This gave a very strong signal to the government that their nuclear-free policy had the support of the people.

New Zealand’s Nuclear Free Legislation

In 1987 New Zealand adopted legislation prohibiting nuclear weapons in its territory and harbours and making it a criminal act to manufacture or possess nuclear weapons or assist anyone else in manufacturing or possessing such weapons. This was a very significant move for a country that was a strong member of the Western Alliance and had previously supported nuclear deterrence and welcomed nuclear weapons into its ports on US, French and British naval ships. New Zealand took this move, despite intense counter-pressure from their powerful allies, because of the strength and actions of the anti-nuclear movement in the early 1980s. The legislation was introduced by the Labour government, but is now supported by all political parties.

Nuclear Free Nation CD and DVD

The Peace Foundation's Disarmament and Security Centre in collaboration with Kog Studios and Integrity promotions presents Nuclear Free Nation a compilation of Aotearoa/NZ music and visual arts to celebrate New Zealand's 20th year of being Nuclear Free. It is a reminder to the people of New Zealand, and to all that visit our country, why the passing of nuclear free legislation in 1987 was such a significant event in our nation's history.

Public Advisory Committee on Disarmament and Arms Control

The 1987 anti-nuclear legislation also established a Public Advisory Committee on Disarmament and Arms Control (PACDAC) which is chaired by the Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control (a cabinet position). PACDAC’s other members are experts from academia and civil society. PACDAC’s role is to advise the Prime Minister and Minster for Foreign Affairs on implementation of the 1987 Act and on other aspects relating to disarmament. PACDAC also administers the Peace and Disarmament Education Trust and the Disarmament Education United Nations Implementation Fund

Peace Studies in the New Zealand Curriculum

In 1987 the Labour government introduced peace studies into the national curriculum following consultations with teachers, educators, Department of Education officers, parents and the public. The National Peace Studies Guidelines noted peace studies should not be a separate subject, but should be integrated into a range of subjects (health, social studies, history, languages, physical education…) and guide the methods of schooling. Since then the government has undertaken a number of follow-up initiatives including establishment of the Peace and Disarmament Education Trust, launch of Schools Peace Week and distribution of materials to all schools (kindergarten, primary and secondary) such as the 2003 Peace Education in Schools brochure.

Ministry for Peace (and Human Rights) campaign

In 2007 a number of peace organizations, parliamentarians, city officials, development & human rights organizations and interested citizens joined in forming the Aotearoa-New Zealand Network for a Ministry for Peace as part of the Global Alliance for Ministries and Departments of Peace. New Zealand already has a Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control responsible for the development of disarmament policy in consultation with public (see PACDAC above). New Zealand also has a Human Rights Commission responsible for the promotion of Human Rights in Aotearoa-New Zealand. However, neither of these have the political clout or resources of a full ministry – the primary aim of the NZ Ministry for Peace network.

The Waitangi Tribunal and the negotiated settlements

The Waitangi Treaty, signed in 1840 between Maori chiefs and the Crown (British government representing the European settlers), established the relationship between Maori and Tau Iwi (settlers). Subsequently the settlers established a government and extended laws over the entire country discriminating against Maori and in violation of the treaty. In 1975 the government established the Waitangi Tribunal in order to hear claims from Maori regarding Treaty violations and to recommend action to redress such violations. The Tribunal decisions have resulted in a number of new laws affirming Maori rights, and paved the way for negotiated settlements between Maori and the government.