2006 Asia-Pacific Mediation Forum Peace Prize

Eminent anthropologist and peacemaker, Dame Joan Metge, was announced as the winner of the 2006 Asia-Pacific Mediation Forum Peace Prize at a formal dinner of the Forum in Suva, Fiji, last night.

Dame Joan is a renowned New Zealand anthropologist and a past winner of the Royal Society of New Zealand's Te Rangi Hiroa Medal for her research in the social sciences. She was made a Dame in 1987 for her services to anthropology and continues to advance peace initiatives via her work as a member of the Waitangi National Trust Board, a conference presenter, adviser, and as a mentor to mediators and conflict management practitioners.

Dame Joan is a leading scholar on Maori topics, recognised for her outstanding promotion of cross-cultural awareness and has published a number of significant books and articles in her long and distinguished career. Dame Joan has likened the relationship amongst the people of New Zealand to a rope many strands which when woven or working together create a strong nation.

The prize is awarded every two years to a person who, or group which, has made a significant contribution to conflict resolution or peace initiatives in the Asia-Pacific Region. The first peace prize winner was Jos Ramos-Horta, the1996 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate for work towards a just and peaceful solution to the conflict in East Timor, and the second prize was awarded to the Bougainville Restorative Justice Project. This year is the third occasion that the Forum has awarded the Peace Prize.

Ends

© Scoop Media