New Book On Pacific Peace

Peace Action: Struggles for a decolonised and demilitarised Oceania and East Asia, a new book edited by Wellington-based activist Valerie Morse will be launched on Friday, 12 August. It is the first book published by Left of the Equator Press.

“This book highlights the role of militarism as an ongoing colonial force. It is a collection of stories about activists, their organising and their causes, and the interconnections between social struggles separated by the vast expanse of Te Moana-Nui-A-Kiwa,” said Morse.

It includes chapters on the Doctrine of Discovery (Tina Ngata), on protecting Ihumātao (Pania Newton, Qiane Matata-Sipu mā), on anti-militarist organising in South Korea, on campaigning against US military training in Hawaii and Japan, on French colonialism in Mā’ohi Nui and Kanaky, about Korean peace movements in Aotearoa and Australia, about Indonesia’s occupation of West Papua, on feminist resistance to war in so-called Australia, on NZ’s history of Chinese-Māori solidarity, and on peace gardening at Parihaka.

“The increasing military build up across the Pacific has come into sharp focus this year. Having any influence over issues of war and international affairs can feel impossible, but grassroots movements for decolonisation and peace are the heart of countering this spiralling militarism and addressing the region’s most pressing issues including climate justice.”

“I was inspired to do this book from learning about the kinds of organising across the Pacific rim. I wanted to share that learning in order to inspire and inform others.”

“The book launch is an awesome way to celebrate solidarity and connection with each other and to build our knowledge for collective change. It is being hosted at Trades Hall on Vivian Street in Wellington NZ, a place steeped in the history of peace organising. Trade Unions based at the hall were deeply involved in the nuclear free Pacific movement.”

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The launch is free and open to the public. It is being held at Trades Hall, 126 Vivian Street on Friday, 12 August at 5:30pm. The book is available at Unity Wellington, Wheelers (online) and via the publisher at leftequator@gmail.com

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Book details: 

Editor: Valerie Morse

Title: Peace Action: Struggles for a decolonised and demilitarised Oceania and East Asia

ISBN: 978-047-363445-2

Publication Date: August 2022

Format: paperback

RRP: $25

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