During WWII, US detonated atom bombs "Little Boy" over Hiroshima on 6 Aug 1945 & "Fat Boy" over Nagasaki on 9 Aug 1945

Six days later Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945

The explosions killed tens of thousands & almost all the buildings were flattened within 1 mile radius

Japan surrendered on 15 Aug 1945 & NZ's J-Force joined British Commonwealth Occupation Force to aid US with peacekeeping

Waves of J-Force men & women served between March 1946 - early 1949 on security patrols, medical help & debris clearing

Commemorations in NZ

In 1947, first Hiroshima Day was held in NZ. (Image: Anti-nuclear campaigners in Auckland, 1961)

Peace march "No more Hiroshimas' in Auckland, ca. 1969

Hiroshima Day, Queen Street, 1983

Poster advertising Hiroshima Nagasaki candle-light march, ca. 1984

Commemorations in Japan

Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima is dedicated to those killed by the bomb

Peace Memorial Park sculpture

Folded paper offerings carrying prayers at Peace Memorial Park

In Dec 1966, Genbaku Dome registered as World Cultural Heritage Site as a building conveying nuclear damage

Barack Obama, the 1st serving US President to visit Hiroshima, laid a wreath at the Peace Memorial Park, 27 May 2016

Bells tolled in Hiroshima as the city marked the 77th anniversary, 2022

UK began research in 1939 & formed MAUD Committee (1940) which began "Tube Alloys" project in 1941 with Canada

MAUD Committee shared research with US 'Manhattan Project' which was formed in 1942 under Major General Leslie Groves

On 14 Aug 1943, during Allied conference at Quebec, secret agreement signed by US & UK to coordinate nuclear research

From 19 Aug 1943, UK & US collaborated under Manhattan Project & formed Combined Policy Committee (Canada became member)

Scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer was director of Los Alamos Laboratory that tested 1st bomb on 16 July 1945 at New Mexico

Article describes testing of 1st bomb (implosion-design plutonium device named "Gadget") by dropping from a steel tower

The next two bombs were built, the first using uranium-253 (named "Little Boy") & the second using plutonium ("Big Boy")

Photos (Left) Testing of "Gadget" at 'Trinity' site in New Mexico. Photo (Right) "Little Boy" bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

Dr Williams (NZ DSIR) was involved with separating nuclear fuel from natural uranium for use in "Little Boy" bomb

In 1944, NZ DSIR staff were assigned to nuclear research team at UK DSIR, then to Univ of California, & Montreal

Article summarises research by scientists after New Zealander Lord Rutherford explored hydrogen atom in 1919

From mid-1944, US began high-altitude precision bombing over Japan which targeted industries & transportation networks

Results were mixed due to distance from airbases (Chengdu & Mariana), weather & technical issues, & enemy counteraction

Between Jan-June 1945, US changed tactics to low-level incendiary raids against war industries in Japan's cities & towns

This resulted in the fire-bombing of the 6 main cities, followed by over 90 smaller cities and towns

After the successful testing of "Gadget", the Potsdam Declaration was issued to Japan on 26 July 1945 to surrender

US President Truman, British PM Churchill & China's Chairman Chiang Kai-shek prepared the document at Potsdam Conference

The Declaration outlined unconditional terms of surrender or face "prompt and utter destruction"

US bombers dropped over 3 million leaflets on the Declaration over Japan

Flyers were also prepared to be given to surrendering troops to hand to an Allied forces Commanding Officer

Radio Tokyo (Tokio) reported the Japanese Cabinet met at 5pm on 26 July & chose to ignore the ultimatum to surrender

Over 60,000 of 90,000 buildings were destroyed or severely damaged

Fires spread across 11 square kms. (Photo: Tangle of steel where a large industrial building stood)

Small number (c.50) heavily reinforced concrete buildings designed to withstand earthquakes were partially destroyed

The Genbaku Dome was located c.160 metres from bomb’s hypocentre (i.e. directly below the exploding bomb)

The building, which was constructed in 1915, was used to research, design, exhibit & sell products

View across the Ōta River towards the Genbaku Dome in Hiroshima, c.1947

Another view of the damage & buildings which withstood the blast

Photo (top right): View of crystallised sand following the atomic blast

Article (11 Aug 1945): Japanese soldier described what he had seen during and after the bomb detonated over Hiroshima

View of damaged buildings and dead trees in a street in Hiroshima, c.1947

NZ On Screen (2016: 37:40 min): “Memories of Service 2 - James Murray": Reflects on seeing bomb explode over Hiroshima

Article (13 Aug 1945): US military recount the flight to drop the bomb "Fat Man" over Nagasaki on 9 Aug 1945 at 11.02am

Article (10 Sept 1945): Observer aboard one of the two SuperFortresses accompanying the plane that dropped the bomb

14,000 of 52,000 residences were completely destroyed 5,40O were half destroyed, & 12% remained undamaged

Article (6 Sept 1945): Survivors at Hiroshima were still dying at rate of 100 a day from burns & infections

An estimated 110,000 to 210,000 deaths occurred by end of 1945, with the varied estimates due to insufficient data

(Census data was not kept, number transient workers unknown, not all bodies recovered & burial records were incomplete)

Casualties included Koreans conscripted during WWII by Japan who had ruled Korea since 1910

c.670,00 Koreans worked in military, factories & mines in Japan. Estimates of bomb casualties vary from 5,000-50,000.

After the Japanese surrendered, the U.S. & allies occupied Japan

On 21 Aug 1945, NZ Govt agreed to join British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) with Britain, Australia & India

NZ agreed to provide one fighter squadron & an army contingent

NZ formed the 'Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF), Japan' which became known as J-Force (& Jayforce)

J-Force comprised aircrew from former No.488 Squadron & army contingent initially from 2NZEF due to return from Italy

On 7 March 1946, J-Force's fighting squadron, named No. 14 Squadron, paraded along Queen Street before leaving for Japan

The 24 aircrew & 250 support staff were from No. 488 Squadron who'd fought in Malaya & Singapore campaign, 1941-42

On 8 March, No. 14 Squadron sailed on HMS Glory from the Auckland wharves & arrived 15 days later at Kure port in Japan

Also loaded aboard the HMS Glory were 24 FG-1D Corsairs, transport vehicles & supplies

The Corsairs were selected from the storage depot at Rukuhia & flown to Hobsonville for servicing & repainting

HMS Strathmore included 37 women from New Zealand Army Nursing Service (NZANS) & 36 Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACS)

They'd been posted in Oct 1945 to a newly formed medical unit in Florence, No. 6 New Zealand General Hospital (6NZGH)

After the Italy draft, there were 4 relief drafts of ex-servicemen & volunteers recruited in NZ (March 1946-Sept 1948)

Recruitment poster "Our ocean and our job. Volunteer now for the Occupation Force for Japan" [ca. 1946]

Photo: J-Force soldiers about to depart Japan to return to NZ after being relieved by next wave of J-Force troops

J-Force replacement draft enters camp, 12 March 1947

Photo: Three servicemen from one of the relief drafts at Kure, c.1947

The Squadron patrolled looking for any sign of insurgency, illicit fuel or weapon dumps, & smuggling from Korea

The aircrew would turn back Korean boat people attempting to land in Japan

Koreans were seeking a better life than in Korea & some were also involved in the blackmarket trading goods

Itazuke Air Base (nowadays Fukuoka Airport) was also used by the Americans to conduct patrols between Japan & Korea

The former No.2 Osaka Airport was also used by the Americans who renamed it the Itami Air Base (nowadays Osaka Airport)

J-Force army was initially deployed in Yamaguchi on southern tip of the main island of Honshu, & nearby Eta Jima Island

The J-Force barracks were readied by Japanese labourers under the supervision of an advanced party

Another view of J-Force barracks at Yamaguchi

Photo: J-Force personnel being greeted at the first confirmation service for troops conducted by Rt Rev J C Mann

Japanese women were employed as housekeepers at the J-Force's military camp

Photo: Two Japanese housegirls employees, Dec 1946

J-Force barracks fire engine

Sports stadium used by J-Force at Yamaguchi

New barracks were also constructed for J-Force at Ozuki, about 7 miles from Chofu

The Ozuki airfield had been attacked during WWII & plane wreckage lay alongside bomb craters in the runway

Supplies were delivered by ship & by Dakota planes flown by RNZAF's No. 41 (Transport) Squadron

No. 41 Squadron operated between Feb 1946 - April 1948 & flew weekly between Whenuapai & Iwakuni airfield

Stores were also provided by the New Zealand Patriotic Fund Board

RNZAF staff bargaining with a Japanese fruiterer at Kure market

Following the surrender of Japan, the Koreans were emancipated from being under Japan's rule since 1910

During WWII, c.750,000 Koreans were conscripted into the military, mines & factories, including Hiroshima & Nagasaki

J-Force were involved with repatriating Koreans home

By Dec 1946, the Allies repatriated c.1 million Koreans, Taiwanese, Chinese & SE Asians to their countries of origin

Repatriation operations included checking for smuggling

J-Force roles included repatriating c.3000 Japanese soldiers returning from overseas who arrived at the port of Senzaki

Military staff were appointed as guards at Japanese Prisoner of War (POWS) camps

(Photo: First New Zealanders to arrive in Japan from Wellington aboard a naval ship to guard the POWS)

Patrols looked for military equipment & weapons

(Photo: Patrol on island of Mi-shima which had a radar station & wireless station)

NZ Military Police on jeep patrol

Black market activities were policed

NZ soldiers supervised Japanese customs officers

Guards were placed outside the British Military Court where civilians charged with offences against occupational troops

Troops helped civilians clear debris & rebuild their own homes, some from waste wood & sheet iron

Troops helped restore transportation links

View of a burnt out tram and damaged buildings in Hiroshima, 1947

View of main street and tramlines at Hiroshima

Queue waiting for tram at Hiroshima

J-Force interactions with residents & their children led to instances of friendly gestures

Photo: J-force personnel with a turtle given to him by children

J-Force members using a bicycle taxi

J-Force personnel also visited Japanese cultural & religious sites, which developed their knowledge of traditions

Photo: Squadron personnel at the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, near Hiroshima, April 1946

NZ volunteers from the YMCA also occupied barracks at the military camp at Yamaguchi

Photo: Women from YMCA painting furniture for their barracks

J-Force soldiers outside the YMCA

The YMCA provided clubs, canteens & recreational activities for the NZ troops

YMCA souvenir stall

Photography studio in the YMCA provided for J-Force

US Govt reaction (7 Aug 1945)

Vatican's opposition (8 Aug 1945)

British correspondents' reaction (8 Aug 1945)

Radio Tokyo's (Tokio) reaction (9 Aug 1945)

Scientists were puzzled by the delayed effects of the bombs causing injuries & death (7 Sept 1945)

Oppenheimer commented “Mr. President, I feel I have blood on my hands” - he felt the bombing of Nagasaki unnecessary

They'd met a month after the bombing & President Truman described Oppenheimer as a “crybaby scientist” to aides

Around 90% of 13,000 workers involved in Manhattan Project formed Federation of Atomic Scientists in Nov 1945

Intent to study implications of liberation of nuclear energy & dangers if misused. (Later, 'Atomic' renamed 'American')

Speculation followed that Manhattan Project had been infiltrated by spies who aided Soviet Union's nuclear research

(Article (Dec 1945) about FBI tracking a Russian spy for 2 years who may have received atom bomb information)

Interview (1987) with Masashi Ishibashi, former Chair of the Japan Socialist Party in mid-1980s (43:16 min)

He describes the mood in Japan after the bombings & Japan’s subsequent views on nuclear policies

The Charter of the United Nations was signed on 26 June 1945 & came into force on 24 Oct 1945

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed on 4 April 1949

It was signed by US, Canada, UK & 9 Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union

The Treaty of Peace with Japan was signed on 8 Sept 1951 at San Francisco by 49 nations

The Treaty ended the Allied post-war occupation of Japan

In 1942, UK initiated search for uranium which led to supplies from countries, including Australia & Canada

NZ was initially excluded as its geology considered not likely to have large quantities of uranium

In July 1944, NZ War Cabinet approved DSIR's request for funding for first survey for uranium in NZ

Equipment, including geiger counters, were prepared at DSIR's Dominion Physical Laboratory (formed 1939) in Wellington

In Oct 1944 initial tests held followed by a more extensive survey in March 1945 in Sth Island which found little traces

For the 1945 survey, DSIR arranged to charter the Government ship, the New Golden Hind

In Aug 1945, DSIR reported that the quantities of uranium found during the surveys were not sufficient for mining

On 7 Dec 1945, NZ passed Atomic Energy Act to give Crown control over the production of atomic energy

This included the mining & treatment of the ores of uranium & other elements which may be used

In Jan 1946, DSIR surveyed from Preservation Inlet to Nancy Sound for uranium but found insufficient traces for mining

Over the 2-year survey, they'd tested the radioactivity of rocks & beaches along nearly 11,600 kms of coast

During 1955-1956, uranium was found in the Buller Gorge by prospectors

NZ's Geological Survey had published "Prospecting for radioactive minerals in New Zealand" (Dec 1944) which gave tips

Early Nov 1955, geiger counter used by prospectors Frederick Casson & Charles Jacobsen found uranium at Hawks Crag

In 1956, Casson & Jacobsen were each rewarded £100 under the Atomic Energy Act 1945

Their find led to other prospectors finding two new finds near Reefton on 14 Nov 1955

Prospecting camps set up by Buller Uranium in Buller & by Uranium Valley in Paparoa Ranges with grants from NZ Govt

Buller Uranium was a subsidiary of the Nelson company Lime and Marble

On 11 March 1959, NZ Govt, United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) & Buller Uranium signed agreement

UKAEA to investigate Buller Gorge uranium deposits & had first right of refusal over uranium found in NZ

After drilling 10 tunnels between Sept 1959 - March 1960, UKAEA found deposits too low to support mining

In Aug 1960, after spending £17,775 on uranium prospecting, the UKAEA ended their agreement

On 3 June 1958, NZ Govt approved establishment of Institute of Nuclear Sciences for nuclear science training & research

It was a branch of DSIR who administered it in collaboration with the University of New Zealand

NZ Govt also approved the forming of the New Zealand Atomic Energy Commission

Role was to advise on NZ's activities in atomic affairs including DSIR's new Institute of Nuclear Sciences

From 1962-1981, a small sub-critical nuclear reactor was installed at School of Engineering at Univ of Canterbury

It had been given by US 'Atoms for Peace' programme for training electrical engineers in nuclear techniques

When NZ Electricity Dpt's 1964 Power Plan considered a nuclear power station, Lime & Marble resumed searches for uranium

Other companies also carried out searches over next decade. However, insufficient quantities for mining were found.

In 1966, Oyster Point on Kaipara Harbour identified as likely nuclear power station site & Navy began soundings tests

Electricity Dpt engineers received training overseas. A visiting Canadian expert suggested bringing in raw uranium.

1968 Power Plan officially chose Oyster Point, stating this could change if natural gas found which occurred in 1969

(Photo: The Discoverer II oil rig which found the Maui natural gas field off the coast of Taranaki)

In May 1978, Royal Commission of Inquiry, which was set up in 1976, rejected development of nuclear power

Rationale: Maui gas field & new coal deposits around Huntly had been found, & plans for new hydro schemes were underway

The production of natural gas from Maui A platform began in 1979 & Maui B in 1993

Under the Crown Minerals Act 1991, uranium became Crown-owned. In 1996, it could not be prospected, explored or mined.

The Act gave the Minister of Energy the function to set minerals programmes, which led to the change from 1 Oct 1996

On 1 Aug 1946, US enacted the Atomic Energy bill that was introduced in 1945, & formed the US Atomic Energy Commission

Commission oversaw nuclear weapons being under civilian rather than military control & access restricted to US

US tested nuclear weapons at Bikini Atoll in Marshall Islands (June 1946-1962), Amchitka in Alaska (1965-1971)

US also held tests at its Nevada Test Site from 27 Jan 1951 - 23 Sept 1992

From Aug 1949-1990, Soviet Union held tests in Russian territories. Also launched Sputnik 1 satellite on 4 Oct 1957.

(Poster: 'Anti-War Manifestation' march in Moscow on 1 Oct, 1983)

On 11 Jan 1952, UN General Assembly created United Nations Disarmament Commission (UNDC) under the Security Council

Mandate to prepare proposals for treaty for regulating armed forces & armaments & eliminate weapons of mass destruction

UK tested in Western & Sth Australia (1952-1963); Malden Is. & Christmas Is. (May 1957-Sept 1958); & Nevada (1962-1991)

Western Australia: Montebello Is (1952 & 1956); & South Australia: Emu Field (Oct 1953) & Maralinga (1956-1963)

In May 1955, British PM Eden had asked if Kermadecs could be used for bomb tests which NZ PM Holland declined on 15 July

Instead, Britain looked for a new site & chose the Christmas Island & Malden Island

In May 1955, UNDC began negotiations with US, Soviet Union, UK, Canada & France on ending nuclear weapons testing

However, negotiations foundered due to differing proposals by US & Soviet Union on monitoring for underground testing

On 29 July 1957, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was formed to promote & control nuclear technology

(Proposed by US President Eisenhower in his "Atoms for Peace" proposal at 8th session of UN General Assembly, Dec 1953)

In 1957 NZ Govt deployed naval ships to assist British with weather reports during tests at Malden & Christmas Island

HMNZS Pukaki & HMNZS Rotoiti participated in first 3 tests at Malden Island between May--June & Grapple X test in Nov

In 1958, NZ sent HMS Ulysees to Grapple Y test held in April & HMNZS Pukaki to Grapple Z in Aug-Sept in Christmas Island

(HMS Ulysees had replaced HMNZS Rotoiti which was unavailable, as it was joining the Far East Strategic Reserve)

After Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1 satellite (4 Oct 1957), US & UK formed Mutual Defense Agreement (July 1958)

Agreement was to exchange nuclear materials, technology & information, including both US & UK holding tests at Nevada

On 3 Oct 1958, PM Walter Nash, when attending UN General Assembly in NY, called for a disarmament agreement

In 1959, NZ supported UN resolutions calling for a treaty banning nuclear tests, despite still being part of ANZUS

On 31 Oct 1958, Britain, US & Soviet Union agreed to a moratorium on nuclear tests, which lasted until 30 Aug 1961

Soviet Union resumed testing on 1 Sept 1961 & US began tests at Christmas Island during 1962

France held tests at Algeria (Feb 1960-Feb 1966) & the Mururoa Atoll in French Polynesia (July 1966-Jan 1996)

(Algeria was a French colony & after gaining its independence in 1962, banned nuclear testing in 1966)

China held tests at Lop Nur (Oct 1964 - July 1996)

First uranium bomb test (code-named Project 596) took place 6 Oct 1964 & first hydrogen bomb test occurred in 1967

In 1961, CND urged NZ govt to declare it ‘will not acquire or use nuclear weapons' & withdraw from nuclear alliances

Image: CND anti-nuclear war campaigners carrying placards in Auckland on Hiroshima Day, 6 August 1961

1961: Anti-nuclear protest march up Auckland’s Queen Street led by children

During 1961, Hiroshima commemorations continue to be held

Image: Flowers being laid at the base of a tree planted to commemorate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, 1961

In 1962, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament held parade on Parliament

On 5 Aug 1963, Limited Test Ban Treaty signatories included US, UK, Soviet Union but not France, China & India

Treaty banned nuclear testing underwater, in atmosphere & in outer space (see cartoon)

In 1963, CND presented ‘No Bombs South of the Line’ petition with 80,238 signatures to Parliament

CND wanted the Govt to sponsor an international conference to discuss forming a Southern Hemisphere Nuclear Free Zone

In 1972 Greenpeace Foundation of Canada began to focus against France after US ceased nuclear tests in Alaska in 1971

Greenpeace Foundation had evolved on 4 May 1972 from the Don't Make A Wave Committee formed in Vancouver in 1969

They had campaigned against US nuclear testing at Amchitka in Alaska & against whaling & sealing

In 1972, Greenpeace Foundation contacted CND Auckland who then advertised for a boat & volunteers to protest at Mururoa

Advert seen by Canadian David McTaggart sailing in Sth Pacific on his yacht SV Vega which he renamed Greenpeace III

Greenpeace III & its four crew set sail for Mururoa on 27 June 1972; & were intercepted by French navy

After Greenpeace III anchored in test field at Mururoa, French navy rammed & then towed it away, claiming had rescued it

Media publicity led to a separate flotilla to also set sail with three yachts - SV Tamure, SV Boy Roel & SV Magic Isle

In May 1973, NZ & Australian governments took France to International Court of Justice (ICJ) to ban nuclear tests

Cartoon (1973) of Dr Finlay going to the International Court to outlaw the testing of nuclear weapons by the French

ICG's ruling in June 1973 that testing to cease was ignored by France who proceeded with plans for tests in July

In 1973, CND NZ & Peace Media organised a protest flotilla to Mururoa led by the yacht Fri

During 53-day vigil at Mururoa, the Fri was stormed by French commandos who arrested the crew & detained the yacht

NZ On Screen (1973: Mururoa (12:26min) about the Fri crew's experience

NZ On Screen (June 1973): Peace Media representative Bill Ralston on protest ships going to Mururoa (2:51 mins)

In 1973, NZ Labour Govt sent 2 frigates, HMNZS Canterbury & Otago, to observe atmospheric tests along with other nations

Cabinet Minister Fraser Colman was selected by ballot to be NZ Govt’s representative. National declined to send a rep.

Prime Minister Norman Kirk told 242 crew of HMNZS Otago their mission was an ‘honourable’ one

They were to be a ‘silent accusing witness with the power to bring alive the conscience of the world’.

The HMNZS Otago sailed out on the 28 June 1973, reaching Mururoa in time to witness the first test

Colman transferred to Canterbury when it arrived to relieve Otago, & he & the crew saw second French atmospheric test

50th anniversary of HMNZS Canterbury & Otago attending nuclear test protests at Mururoa was held in 2023

Univ of Otago study conducted in 2020 found that the navy veterans have higher rates of cancer than general population

In April 1974, the Greenpeace Foundation of New Zealand formed as an amalgam of NZ peace groups and activists

Members continued to protest against France's testing at Mururoa

In 1974, Greenpeace Foundation NZ coordinated the Fri embarking on a 3-year "Pacific Peace Odyssey" voyage

The Fri travelled 40,233 kms, carrying the peace message to all nuclear states around the world

On 8 June 1974, new French President stated last atmospheric tests would be held & future tests to be underground

In Jan 1974, France had withdrawn from ICJ jurisdiction. Valéry Giscard d’Estaing appointed French President on 19 May.

In March 1976, anti-nuclear & environmental groups formed a coalition called the Campaign for Non-Nuclear Futures (CNNF)

Opposed introduction of nuclear power & promoted renewable energy alternatives such as wind, wave, solar & geothermal

In 1976, CNNF launched Campaign Half Million & gathered 333,087 signatures by Oct 1976

(Spike Milligan urged New Zealanders to sign the petition)

c.1976-77: CNNF poster about risk of allowing nuclear vessels to visit NZ ports, using image of Wahine ferry

TV On Screen (1976): Film "Our nuclear defence" (13:28min)

An issue was whether the ships were nuclear-armed / nuclear-powered, as US policy was to 'neither confirm nor deny'

Poster (1976): Public meeting against nuclear warships visiting NZ

RNZ (1976): Report on transport disruption following arrival of USS Truxton in Wellington (2:59min)

In Jan 1978, submarine USS Pintado was met by the Peace Squadron as it arrived in Waitemata harbour

The Peace Squadeon was a flotilla of privately owned vessels

Coalition Against Nuclear Warships organised a protest march against arrival of USS Pintado

On 19 Jan 1979, the submarine, USS Haddo, was met by protest vessels at Auckland

Anti-nuclear protestor standing on the bow of the submarine, USS Haddo

Poster (1979) advertises measures to protest against the visit of the submarine USS Haddo to Auckland

In 1979, Campaign for nuclear disarmament petition with 20,676 signatures was delivered to NZ Parliament

Cartoon (1979) shows Frenchman is burning a rubbish pile labelled "French tests" & an American dumping nuclear waste

1981: Peace Movement New Zealand (later renamed to Peace Movement Aotearoa) is established

Intent is to build cooperation & coordination between anti-nuclear campaigns & actions

In 1981, New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Committee was formed

People were encouraged to post a sticker & register their self-declared zone with the organisers

In the 1980s many NZ communities declared themselves nuclear free, with Christchurch the first city in 1982

(Image: Clay plaques which commemorate Upper Hutt becoming a nuclear weapon free city, 1990)

1982: Protest rally against the USS Truxton arriving in Wellington

1982: Flyer advertising an Auckland protest against the nuclear warship 'Truxton' arriving in Wellington

1982: Topp Twins performing in Aotea Square, Auckland

1982: Fallout Follies perform during an anti-nuclear protest in Cathedral Square

1982: Truxton protest tent at Cathedral Square, Christchurch

In 1982, NZ reggae group Herbs released the song 'French letter' in protest against French nuclear tests

The track, with lyrics telling the French to get out of the Pacific & 'no nukes', spent 11 wks on charts, peaking at 15

Poster (1983): International Women's Day for Nuclear Disarmament

Poster (1983) featuring two hands releasing a stylised dove. Text "Peace is in your hands, act now".

NZ On Screen (1983): Gaylene Preston film of preparations for anti-nuclear march on 10 Aug 1983 (42 min)

1980s: Pramazons (women pushing prams) walk for nuclear disarmament

Badge - Ban Nuclear Warships, c. 1970-1987

VAANA flyer for meeting on 25 Oct 1984 to discuss ways artists can increase public awareness of anti-nuclear issues

VAANA painted pro peace/anti-nuclear street murals on corner of Ponsonby Rd & K-Rd (including this mural in 2008)

VAANA also created cards, stamps, logos & posters, & contributed to peace diaries. (Image: Mural unveiled 2009)

On 16-18 June 1984, an international anti-nuclear conference entitled ‘Beyond ANZUS’ held in Wellington

Aim to strengthen support for a nuclear-free policy & reduce concerns about ANZUS dissolving if NZ became nuclear-free

On 13 June 1984, Labour opposition introduced Nuclear Free New Zealand Bill

As National MP Marilyn Waring intended to support the Bill, PM Muldoon called snap election as only had 1 vote majority

On 14 July 1984, the NZ general election was won by the Labour Party who campaigned for anti-nuclear legislation

(Leaflet to inform Auckland voters why they should vote for a nuclear weapon free NZ)

On 4 Feb 1985, PM David Lange declined visit from USS Buchanan destroyer, as US wouldn't confirm or deny nuclear-capable

US responded by severing its intelligence & military ties with NZ & downgraded political & diplomatic exchanges

On 1 March 1985, PM David Lange took part in Oxford Union debate on nuclear weapons (Excerpt: 1:11 min)

Lange successfully argued the debate's proposition that 'nuclear weapons are morally indefensible'

Poster (March 1985): Tour by Topp Twins & Peter Garrett "For a nuclear free and independent Aotearoa, New Zealand"

1985: Japanese participants in peace march, Wellington

Badge (1980s-1990s): NZ citizen activist group called Pensioners for Peace

1988: Poster advocating the abolition of nuclear weapons, and advertising a peace event on June 9-12

1989: Poster protesting against French military power and nuclear testing in the Pacific

In 1990, the National Party, led by Jim Bolger, changed its policy to now accept the nuclear-free legislation

The National Party won the general election held on 27 Nov 1990

On 13 June 1995, new French President Chirac announced final series of 8 tests starting in Sept, which led to an outcry

Testing resumed on 5 Sept 1995 at Mururoa (Image: Protest boat "New Zealand Maid", 5 Sept 1995)

NZ’s National Govt sent a navy ship, the Tui, to support flotilla of protest yachts that went to Mururoa testing site

On 17 Aug 1995, China carried out a nuclear test at the Lop Nur test site, causing concern in NZ & other nations

On 10 Sept 1996, Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) opened for signatures but not enforced as unratified by 8 nations

China, Egypt, Iran, Israel & US had signed but not ratified, & India, North Korea & Pakistan had not signed it

In 1997, NZ lawyers help draft Model Nuclear Weapons Convention – an international treaty to abolish nuclear weapon

UN Sec-General Kofi Annan circulates it as UN document to assist in multilateral negotiations for nuclear disarmament

1998: NZ Govt establishes New Agenda Coalition (NAC) with Brazil, Egypt, Ireland, Mexico, Slovenia, S. Africa & Sweden

By 2000, NAC instrumental in them agreeing to move to Non-Proliferation Treaty's 13 nuclear disarmament steps

In 2000, NZ Labour PM Helen Clark launches the Global Campaign for Peace Education in NY during the UN Millennium Summit

In 2002, Clark received the Nuclear Free Future Award, an international award established by European organisations

2003: Global network "Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-proliferation & Disarmament" is established

NZ parliamentarians & activists proposed & helped established the global network (Article discusses 2012 activities)

In 2009, the World March for Peace and Non-violence began in NZ with a blessing ceremony at Rekohu (Chatham Islands)

Then the march started on 2 Oct (Gandhi’s birthday) from the statue of Gandhi outside the Wellington main train station

ANKUS was seen to be a response to China increasingly emerging as a superpower

The pact led to Australia cancelling its deal with France to supply Attack-class submarines to Australian navy

Consequently, on 17 Sept 2021, France recalled its ambassadors from Australia & the US

On 16 Sept 2021, PM Jacinda Ardern issued statement reiterating that no nuclear submarines were permitted in NZ waters

Article (23 Sept 2021): Commentary on implications of NZ not being invited to join AUKUS

Anti-nuclear war campaigners carrying placards in Upper Queen Street, Auckland on Hiroshima Day, 1965

Hiroshima Day March pamphlet, 1965

Plaque, located in The Square beneath a Golden Totara tree, marks the 30th anniversary (1975) of Hiroshima bombing

A memorial plaque with inscriptions in Japanese, Māori & English lies on Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch

"No More Hiroshimas International Peace Poster Exhibition, Turnbull House Bowen Street, 2nd to 7th August", 1970s-1980s

Poster: "No more Hiroshimas - Hiroshima eve march Friday 5th Aug. Assemble CPO 6.45pm", ca. 1988

Poster depicting the Statue of Liberty giving birth to a skeleton underneath an atomic explosion mushroom cloud, 1988

Poster, "Hiroshima Day March", ca. 1980s

Poster for Palmerston North Peace Movement rally on Hiroshima Day, 1980s

Badge features the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament symbol with a paper origami crane, 1980s

Poster "Hiroshima Day August 6 - Students for a nuclear free Pacific disarmament world peace", 1980s

Placard by NZ activist group "Veterans for Peace" - offshoot of group founded by US ex-military in 1985

Badge "Veterans for Peace": The dove symbolises peace - it is so powerful that it has literally broken a missile

Poster advertising events around Hiroshima Day in Wellington, 1990

Memorial to Rainbow Warrior was unveiled in 1990 on cliffs above Matauri Bay in Northland where the ship was scuttled

Poster advertising events for Hiroshima Day, 1991

Poster commemorates Hiroshima Day, 6 August 1992, in New Zealand

Poster "No more Hiroshimas" advertises events in Wellington on 6 August 1992

The World Peace Bell was gifted to Christchurch by the World Peace Bell Association in Japan & unveiled on 3 Oct 2006

70th Anniversary of A-Bombings display at Linwood Library at Eastgate in Christchurch, 2015

Seed of a gingko tree that survived the nuclear bomb sent by Green Legacy Hiroshima to be cultivated at Dunedin, 2017

"Hiroshima: Our Peoples Experience" - a commemorative programme, Palmerston North, 2020

RNZ (5 Aug 2020): Sound Archives: 75 years since Hiroshima (13:27 mins)

Paper cranes at Peace Memorial Park

The sculpture “The Cloak of Peace – Te Korowai Rangimarie” was a gift from NZ to Nagasaki Peace Park, 23 Oct 2006

A ceremony at Nagasaki Peace Park observed a minute's silence, followed by speeches by Nagasaki Mayor & PM, 2015

Residents in Hiroshima commemorate 70 years, 2015

This pottery money box was found at ‘ground zero’ (the epicentre) of the atomic bomb blast by member of J-Force in 1946

Watch that was at Hiroshima

Hone Tuwhare reading title poem of his book "No ordinary sun" written after being with the J-Force (1:48m), 1965

NZ On Screen (1988): Pita Turei's documentary “Hotu Painu” explores the history of nuclear testing in the Pacific

NZ On Screen (2005): "Tau Te Mauri - Breath of Peace": 7 decades of peace action & anti-nuclear protest in NZ (72:19min)

Documentary (2008) about "Hiroshima" performed by the Wellington-based New Dance Group in 1947 (2:21 min)

Published 2015

Published 2015

Published 2015