Media Release

5 June 2012

Auckland Proud to be a City for Peace

Auckland Council will officially celebrate becoming a City for Peace at a civic ceremony on 8 June.

“This is a move we can be very proud of as a council,” says Mayor Len Brown. “Auckland was at the forefront of 1985’s nuclear free movement and to be declaring ourselves as a City for Peace on the 25th anniversary of that decision is very fitting. “

The Peace City Declaration is a statement of principles for peace, justice, human rights and non-violence, as a foundation for Council policies and local governance.

“We’re going to hold a private civic ceremony at the Auckland Town Hall at 2pm on 8 June to celebrate this declaration. Our friends at the Peace Foundation have organised a public commemoration in Aotea Square on 9 June.”

Mayor Len Brown will also join Mayors for Peace, an international network of 5000 Mayors dedicated to the abolition of nuclear weapons.

Ends

Background

Auckland was declared a City for Peace by the Auckland Council at the Regional Development and Operations Committee on 15th December 2011.

Mayor Len Brown joined Mayors for Peace, an international network of 5000 Mayors dedicated to the abolition of nuclear weapons in September 2011, as requested by the Peace Foundation.

Principles
The Peace City Declaration is primarily a statement of principles for peace, justice, human rights and non-violence, as a foundation for Council policies and local governance. It is also based on the foundation of the city declaration as a Nuclear Free Zone and reaffirms this vital policy.

The Peace City Report recommends a pro-active approach to educating and inspiring the people of Auckland through ‘Peace City Projects and events’ that express these ideals in meaningful cultural and community activity.

These include: ‘Peace City Art Exhibitions’, ‘Multicultural Performance Peace Events’, ‘Planting Pohutukawa Trees for Peace’ the ‘Peace Heritage Trail’ etc.

Auckland Peace City Launching Events 2012 are scheduled to celebrate the
25th Anniversary of the New Zealand Nuclear Weapon Free Zone legislation.

Friday 8th June – Auckland Council Peace City launch event Auckland Council Reception Lounge, Queen St. Mayor’s formal Ceremony for invited guests.

Saturday 9th June 12:00 –3:00pm Auckland Peace City -Public Celebration event
Aotea Square –Music, Poetry, Dance, Speakers, information/education stalls, Children’s peace flag making etc. World Peace Runners, bearing flaming torches and flags of United Nations, Highland Pipe Band and choirs. Revolving CND sculptural Sphere, Flight of Peace Doves, Ringing of the Peace Bell.

Bring your own new or historic Nuclear Free New Zealand or Peace Group Banners.

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