CHCH the Peace City: Radicals, Pacifists @ Social Movements

Christchurch the Peace City: Radicals, Pacifists and Social Movements

We are celebrating Christchurch Heritage Week in partnership with The Disarmament and Security Centre (DSC). Join us as we explore individuals and groups who have shaped our city and contributed to New Zealand’s peace movement.

Nuclear Reaction: The Peace Heritage of Christchurch
29th October
Brought to you by the Disarmament and Security Centre (DSC). Join us for an annotated film evening where we will celebrate Ōtautahi, Christchurch as New Zealand’s first Peace City and New Zealand as a nuclear-free nation (30+ years). Through film and discussion, we will travel the journey as to how these two important milestones were achieved, highlighting the role of Cantabrians in these achievements and revisiting why these issues are important for us in the present day.

Anti-Militarism & Anti-Conscription in Christchurch before & during ww1 – Martin Crick
31st October
Anthony Wilding, 3 times Wimbledon tennis champion, who died on the Western Front, said ‘it would take a braver man to stand down than become a soldier’. In this talk, local historian Martin Crick will look at those individuals and movements in Christchurch who said ‘No’ to war, and ‘No’ to conscription.

Pacifists in Time of War – Margaret Lovell-Smith
4th November
Charles Mackie and members of the Christchurch-based National Peace Council who stayed true to their beliefs during World War One felt isolated and under attack. But how effective were they and were they more widely supported than they knew?

The Socialist Movement in Christchurch c1880-c1920 – Martin Crick
4th November
Join local historian Martin Crick as he explores the development of our Socialist Movement, examining some of its leading characters and influences.