Badges Mark Anti-Nuclear Anniversary Posted June 22, 2007
The original Nuclear Free New Zealand badge was designed by Larry Ross in 2002 and sent to all MPs. A letter promoting the idea that New Zealand should declare itself a Nuclear Free Zone as an important step toward global nuclear disarmament and peace accompanied the badge and was one of many letters on this and related subjects to MPs. "It was thrilling to see my badge worn by the Prime Minister and six of her Ministers. It is more relevant today and remains a powerful statement of support" Larry said. Anyone can support NZ's Nuclear Free Zone and continuing campaign by also wearing this badge. Educating people about the benefits of keeping NZ Nuclear Free, and the risks and losses of scraping the policy is a continuing priority. We need donations and volunteers to help in this project. You can order a NUCLEAR FREE NEW ZEALAND badge today!! Anyone can order the original Nuclear Free New Zealand badges: On-line by email: Laurie Ross The price is $3.00 per badge and includes packing and postage costs. Buy 10 badges for $20.00 and they are $2 each badge, including packing and postage. Send cash, cheque or money order with your order for badges. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Badges Mark Anti-Nuclear Anniversary Dominion Post, June 12, 2007
Politicians who were in Parliament when New Zealand's anti- nuclear law was passed 20 years ago wore badges of honour for the anniversary. The proud group wearing anti- nuclear badges yesterday included Prime Minister Helen Clark, Phil Goff, Margaret Wilson, Trevor Mallard and Michael Cullen, as well as Peter Dunne and Jim Anderton, who were both in the Labour Party when it pushed the legislation. Initially controversial, the law was passed on June 8, 1987, banning visits by nuclear propelled or armed warships – effectively severing the Anzus defence treaty – and causing a long-lasting rift in relations with the United States. But celebrating the anniversary at Parliament yesterday, Miss Clark said the law was now part of the fabric of New Zealand society and foreign policy. The raft of commemorations marking the law's anniversary highlighted its continuing relevance and the milestone was worthwhile, she said. "It was the right thing then and it is the right thing now." New Zealand was a country rich in power-generating resources and had no need to look at nuclear energy, she said. "At the time this legislation was passed there was a feeling that the world faced catastrophe, with the world's major powers facing off against each other." Anti-nuclear feelings ran so deep 20 years ago that she was not surprised that the stance became embedded in New Zealand foreign policy. An independent streak had long run through New Zealand policy, she said, from its position on the rights of small nations, lodged during formation of the United Nations, to opposing nuclear testing in the Pacific, and its stance on the war in Iraq. MPs Of All Stripes Celebrate Anti-Nuke Legislation
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