In 1984, 61 percent of the population were living in 86 locally declared nuclear-weapons-free zones. Academic activists came together to form Scientists Against Nuclear Arms (SANA) and Engineers for Social Responsibility (ESR - this group now focuses on the climate disruption). The medical fraternity formed a local branch of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW).
Much of the information which fuelled the work of all these groups was brought to light by the extraordinary sleuthing talent of one man. Owen Wilkes is described as “….the intellect behind New Zealand’s anti-nuclear stance” in a recent book, Peacemonger: Owen Wilkes international peace researcher, published by Raekaihau Press in association with Steele Roberts Aotearoa.
Opening is too long but has some interesting tidbits, apart from that an interesting piece on Kiwi history.