International Bulletin - May 2001
New Zealand Country Report
PPSEAWA New Zealand recently held its 2001 National Conference in Auckland where the Mayor of Auckland, Christine Fletcher, officially opened the Conference. She warmly welcomed delegates and visitors to the city and offered best wishes for a successful Conference. President Freda Bleasdale welcomed all present especially many distinguished guests, Members of Parliament, representatives of Corporate Bodies, Rev. Valerie Hogan, 1st Vice President of PPSEAWA and Paddy Walker from Cook Islands PPSEAWA.
The Keynote Speaker was Br. Patrick Lynch of the New Zealand Commission for UNESCO who said in his address to us, "You are special people in your commitment to peace and dialogue among peoples. Our New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO congratulates your Organisation on its dedication to promoting peace in our society and in our world. You have a long and distinguished history of peace making and promoting peace as well as supporting women and families."
During his country's darkest World War II days, Winston Churchill, then the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom said "it is not sufficient to say we did our best, when what we need is to succeed." This sort of inspiration is compelling today as the world faces, not only a new millennium, but also some of the most pressing challenges in human history.
This decade is the Decade of a Culture of Peace and this year is the United Nations Year of Dialogue Between Civilizations as well as being the Year of the Volunteer.
Pat Lynch concluded his inspiring address with the words, "we cannot afford not to give peace a chance."
An Panel of four Chaired by Jacqui Blackwell proved most interesting. Beverly Watson from National council of Women spoke on the Culture of Peace; Rev. Mick Duncan, a Baptist Minister, on "Do Volunteers Help the Peace Process"?; Rev. Valerie Hogan, 1st International Vice President PPSEAWA on Volunteers, Aryana Khadem, Past President Auckland PPSEAWA on Effect of Globalisation on Men and Women.
This year a new National President, Annie Coates and a new National Secretary, Anne Penn, were elected and we congratulate thena dn wish them well during their term of office.
During the Conference, National Life Membership was bestowed on Joyce Ennor and Ruth Jennings, two long time Auckland members.
A special collection was taken up at the Conference for the victims of the earthquake in Gujarat, India.
The Conference concluded with dinner and entertainment.
Last Modified: June 05, 2010