People power: How New Zealand became nuclear free

New Zealand’s peace movement has a proud record. In 1987 New Zealand passed nuclear –free legislation despite years of unremitting pressure from western nuclear nations. Peace, Power & Politics: How New Zealand became nuclear free, published by Otago University Press, is the first comprehensive, fully-illustrated account of how ordinary people created the movement that changed New Zealand’s foreign policy and identity as a nation.

In his foreword Nicky Hager describes the nuclear free victory as a ‘defining moment in the country’s history.’  In 1975 the peace movement was active but hardly mainstream. Yet within less than a decade the anti-nuclear groundswell was so profound and formidable that politicians were forced to take it into account.

‘During the hectic years of the 1980s the movement was incredibly diverse … at one point there were over 300 local activist groups across the country,’ says author Maire Leadbeater.

Peace, Power & Politics traces the movement’s dramatic development, brings to life the colourful mix of people involved and recounts the energy and creativity that went into the campaigning: from the hundreds of Peace Squadron boats confronting nuclear warships in our harbours to the groups of scientists, doctors, engineers, artists and ordinary citizens who took this struggle to their hearts, and to the streets.

Generously illustrated with photographs, posters and cartoons I found the book both interesting and compelling, makes one feel proud to be New Zealander, as "nuclear disarmament.has become part of our communal psyche".
I had read more briefly on this subject last weekend in Changing Times - New Zealand since 1945 (AUP) but this book is the complete story of how we became nuclear free, and an impressive story it is too.

About the author:

Maire Leadbeater could not be better qualified to bring these stories to light as a spokesperson for Auckland CND she played a leading role in the movement.  She holds an Amnesty International New Zealand lifetime award for her work in human rights.

Peace, Power & Politics:

How New Zealand became nuclear free

By Maire Leadbeater

Release Date: November 2013

ISBN 978 1 877578-58-8, $55

www.otago.ac.nz/press

Below - author pic by Gil Hanly.