The anti-nuclear movement was indeed a mass movement in New Zealand,
having swept through many facets of life. Encompassing many people of different
races, religions and ideals under one banner, for the thought of a nuclear free
New Zealand. The people of New Zealand had a strong sense of pride, ideally symbolized
by David Lange’s Oxford debate, about the topic as it was now defining New
Zealand as a sovereign nation amongst the “big players”, USA, France, and
Britain. The public opinion on the matter was huge and had brought about a
monumental influence in its effect on the government and the people. From 1963
the CND Campaign labelled “No Bombs South of the Line” this was followed in
with around 80,000 signatures delivered to parliament, this mass petition
showed the sentiment held by the people of New Zealand in the early days of
anti-nuclear protest. As nuclear weaponry and power became more and more tested
and operational the number of people against it rose in the realisation of its
devastating power and horror it brought. As France began to test on the
French Polynesian atoll of Mururoa the people of New Zealand took matters into
their own hands and began to protest both at home and at Mururoa as they set
sail in their numbers, started marches, petitions and handed out pamphlets to
oppose the testing in the Pacific, these activist actions shows the effect that
the testing had amongst people as the counter-culture movement had taken full
swing and was now pulling in the youth to show their support for an
anti-nuclear stance. This youth injection in the movement showed the feeling of
opposition against nuclear use and changed the mentality of the next generation
on how nuclear power should be harnessed and used. As the anti-nuclear movement
pressed on through the years, as time arose for US military ships to be allowed
access to the ports of New Zealand, the people responded in a poll taken in
1984 just before the election which showed 30% of people supporting the visit
and 58% opposed to the visits, this increase in following in the matter shows
the impact it had on the people as they felt strongly about the stance they had
on the issue. The visits became heavily protested and an opinion poll filled by
the 1986 Defense Committee of Enquiry confirmed that 92% now opposed nuclear
weapons and 69% opposed US warship visits, 92% wanted New Zealand to promote
nuclear disarmament through the UN and 88% supported the promotion of nuclear
free zones. These statistics show that the anti-nuclear movement had a huge
effect on the number of people on the issue and directly changed the opinion
people had on the matter. The government’s stance on the issue changed many
times throughout the duration of the major years of the anti-nuclear movement.
As a result of the anti-nuclear movement, political
relations between New Zealand and the United states were left in tatters. Many
political policies had been changed and New Zealand had been effectively
expelled from the old standing ANZUS Alliance. Although Muldoon had attempted
to re-kindle this alliance, through the allowing of US naval ships into port,
he ultimately failed. Due to the fact that more and more people and towns
declared themselves “nuclear free” the protest action that they caused was key
in the driving away of the United States from New Zealand waters.
The bombing of the Rainbow Warrior was an event which was very
significant and effected many New Zealand people. In 1985, New Zealand was
relishing being at the forefront of the anti-nuclear movement. In depth with
the “kiwi battler” psyche, obvious that New Zealand was punching well above its
weight. But then on10 July two explosions
ripped through the hull of the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior, which
was moored at Marsden Wharf in Auckland. A Portuguese crew member, Fernando
Pereira, was killed in the explosions. After the bombing, whilst New Zealand
wished for France to be brought to heel for its actions, France used its
influence to threaten some of New Zealand’s key European trading routes and
partners. With New Zealand acting in a similar fashion to French imports. The bombing
did much for New Zealand on the world stage by promoting its anti-nuclear stance
and was also central to an upsurge in New Zealand nationalism. And as well as
there being a sense to have to “go it alone” because of traditional allies such
as Britain sitting on their hands whilst France actively blocked New Zealand
exports. Prompting a more independent foreign policy.
Undoubtedly the largest and most significant effect on New
Zealand society today because of the anti-nuclear movement is one piece of
legislation, the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament & Arms Control
Act of 1987 as pushed through parliament by David Lange’s Labour run
government. This act had many implications In the way of nuclear power for instance
the barring of all nuclear powered and carrying warships from 12 nautical miles
outside of New Zealand’s coastline, the dumping of radioactive material and
also the forbiddance of any New Zealand resident or citizen to “to manufacture, acquire, possess or have any
control over any nuclear explosive device.” This act instilled New Zealand with
much pride, showing its ability to stand alone on the world stage. Also to
many, this legislation showed a coming of age of New Zealand as a country, the
fact that it went against the major power of the time in the United States, and
made a decision based on the countries own morals. This still echoes down today
with politicians such as John Key, still not embracing nuclear power and
against allowing nuclear powered ships into our waters.
Key Ideas
- The political legacy of the anti-nuclear movement is evident in many policies and government stances, as well as many of the modern parties remaining to stay nuclear free.
- The actions that were taken by the French were seen by New Zealander's as an act of terrorism on the Rainbow Warrior, the scandal brought large disgrace and embarrassment to the French government and hugely damaged the nation’s relations with each other.
- The significance of the anti-nuclear movement can also be felt through the damaging of international relations especially those with the United States, the relations are still shaky today. With politicians such as John Key trying to revive these, but still adamant that New Zealand will remain nuclear free.
- The large amount of anti-nuclear movement was largely down to the counter culture movement in the youth wings of society, oddly backing the government however going against the growing pressures of nuclear power globally.
