Our beloved country has a renowned reputation for being a peacebuilding nuclear-free nation and it's essential we protect this identity.

As a committed resident who chose to live in New Zealand because of its staunch anti-nuclear stance and peaceful disposition, I am seriously concerned with the amping up of militarisation and war-oriented tactics that are becoming alarmingly apparent, and which directly conflict with the ethos of many New Zealanders. 

We respectfully implore the New Zealand government to steer clear of AUKUS and other potential alliances that could threaten our non-nuclear and peace-oriented standing.

We ask that the skills, equipment and investments be redirected to civil emergency, disaster recovery and planet regeneration. 

We will present the petition to PM Christopher Luxon, Defence Minister Judith Collins and coalition leaders. 

War is by definition destructive and unethical, killing people, destroying property and ecosystems.

Since 1987, New Zealand has been a Nuclear-Free Zone, a status that is integral to our national identity and global reputation (source: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1987/0086/latest/DLM115116.html

The desire for peace is a common sentiment among New Zealanders. In 1990 even National had signed up to anti-nuclearism. https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/nuclear-free-new-zealand/nuclear-free-zone

The armament industry is using vast amounts of resources, it is responsible for 5.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions globally (source: CEOBS) and results in severe pollutions often irreversible.

Here is an article describing how armament and wars are so destructive for people and the planet... https://ceobs.org/how-does-war-damage-the-environment/?sfnsn=mo

Here is the Statement in July 2024 from Rt Hon Helen Clark and Dr Don Brash. “Prime Minister is jeopardising both New Zealand’s independent foreign policy and its economic security” https://www.helenclarknz.com/my-diary/statement-on-nz-government-jeopardising-nzsindependent-foreign-policy-and-economic-security

And Helen Clark talking about AUKUS on RNZ https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/nights/audio/2018936591/helen-clark-on-new-zealand-joining-aukus

Here is the NZ Peace Foundation statement about peace https://www.peacefoundation.org.nz/what-we-offer/education/react/

UNESCO says that: “since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed."

Costa Rica abolished it's national army in 1949 and divested the money  to education, environment and health. Result? Are they invaded, taken over? No, Costa Rica is a nature haven and it's people are the happiest on the planet
https://happyplanetindex.org/ https://www.futurepolicy.org/peace-and-security/military-spending/costa-ricas-abolition-of-the-army/
Costa Rica is a small country with 5 million inhabitants similar to NZ, we could follow their lead

Here is International Peace Week list of events and resources https://www.icanw.org/week_of_action

 

We, therefore, request that our government continue to uphold these values and stand firm against military posturing and nuclear armament. We urge them to keep New Zealand untouched by nuclear weapons and prevent the involvement in any militaristic trend that veers away from our peaceful trajectory. 

Please sign this petition to maintain the peace and nuclear-free nature of our beautiful country. And share to create a wave of Peace.

Thank you :) 

 

 

 

 

I thank you deeply. From the heart. Love is the solution, for ourselves, for each other and for the planet.