RATIONALE

This is a story that has not yet been told and deserves to be seen and heard by all New Zealanders, in the 20 th Anniversary year celebrating the NZ Nuclear Free Zone Legislation of 1987.

This hard won achievement is an example of peaceful people power - or educational campaigning in a climate of freedom and democracy.. What made communities throughout the country unite to pursue this common goal? How did the NZ Nuclear Free Zone Committee educate and empower people for a successful multifaceted campaign? It is vital to know who the person was who conceived of this campaign and implemented it 24-7 during 1982-1987. It is fascinating to learn how it was done in such a way that people from across the political spectrum and from all parts of society took ownership of it.

There have been several documentaries made that show other aspects of the NZ Peace Movement especially related to nuclear testing in the Pacific, the NZ sea based Peace Squadron Protests and the French bombing of the Rainbow Warrior. However, there has not been a documentary that focuses on the land-based political process in NZ during 1981-84 and in particular the strategy for achieving a Nuclear Free Peacemaker NZ Defence and Foreign Policy.

To tell this story would require a focus on the work of Larry Ross, whose original thought, dedication and skilful methods, championed the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Campaign. It is an important and exciting story about one man's enormous vision, courage and energy.

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1981 – New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Committee was set up by Founder/Secretary Larry Ross of Christchurch after his 5-point nuclear free peace plan was approved unanimously by the 1981 Annual Peace Workshop at Living Springs Canterbury.. He spearheaded the national Campaign strategy that established 94 local body nuclear free zones throughout the country by Nov. 1984. This was essential in order to accomplish the goal of a New Zealand Nuclear Weapon Free Zone to be declared by the government as part of New Zealand Defence and Foreign Policy.

1982 - 1984 - The Committee issued a series of New Zealand Maps showing the growth of locally-declared nuclear free zones from 28 to 94. These were publicised in the Committee's 'Nuclear Free' newsletter which was sent quarterly to every M.P., most New Zealand newspapers and to subscribers. This was an important part of the educational campaign to show Politicians and the public, that locally-declared NWFZ's were campaigned for by local groups and were steadily increasing by the democratic vote of Councillors. In each newsletter, powerful reasons were given to declare all of New Zealand nuclear free. Local groups sometimes made 3 presentations to their council before the pro-nuclear free zone arguments won a "yes" majority vote.

1984 - David Lange and Labour were impressed by the astonishing growth in local NFZ's, particularly the energy and commitment of so many local groups and people.. To see so many local councils debating Nuclear Free Zones, rather than just potholes and drains was rather amazing. It made M.P.'s more interested and receptive to the idea of an all New Zealand NFZ. The message was loud and clear.

David Lange promised: "Vote Labour and we'll make all New Zealand a nuclear free zone".

1984 – A powerful nuclear free incentive was National MP Marilyn Waring crossing the floor to support banning of US ‘Nuclear Ships and submarines' which led PM Muldoon to call a snap election. This was won by Lange's Labour Party on the Nuclear Free NZ platform.

1985 – French bombing of the Rainbow Warrior Greenpeace ship in Auckland harbour led to international publicity reinforcing Nuclear Free New Zealand's stance and determination to legislate.

1987 – By 1987 the last Committee map showed 105 zones covering some 72% of the population. Re-Election of Lange's Labour government and enshrinement of the Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control legislation. See more extensive details on: www.nuclearfreenz.org.nz

For detailed Proposal contact: Laurie Ross Laurie-ross@xtra.co.nz ph: Auckland: 09- 811- 8696

United Nations Association of New Zealand –Peace and Disarmament Spokesperson

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