Our UNANZ UN DPI/NGO Conference delegates are all getting reading to head to Melbourne at the end of this week. With any luck we'll be hearing updates from them along the way via facebook and twitter.

Our Delegation:
Antony Vallyon, Lachlan Mackay, Robin Halliday, John Morgan, Margaret Arnold, Michael Shroff, Gray Southon, Roneil Kintanar (our 2010 National Speech Awards Winner!)

If you're in Melbourne for the Conference, be sure to drop into the UNANZ stall and say 'Hi!'

 

TheNew Zealand Government has announced a $2 million contribution to relief efforts in Pakistan following severe floods in the North West of the country.

New Zealand 's funding will be shared between the Red Cross (NZ$500,000), UNICEF (NZ$1 million) and non government organisations (NZ$500,000).

New Zealand Aid Programme staff are working with New Zealand non government organisations to allocate funding to partner agencies working on the ground in Pakistan.

You can make a cash donation to support the relief efforts in Pakistan by contacting any of the non-government organisations listed below:

• Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand | 0800 22 10 22  | www.caritas.org.nz

• Oxfam NZ | 0800 400 666  | www.oxfam.org.nz

• World Vision NZ | 0800 80 2000 | www.worldvision.org.nz

• Christian World Service | www.cws.org.nz

• UNICEF NZ | 0800 243 575  | www.unicef.org.nz

• Save the Children NZ | 0800 167 168  | www.savethechildren.org.nz

• TEAR Fund NZ | www.tearfund.org.nz

 

 

 

Sat 18 and Sun 19 Sept

The Auckland Peace Heritage Walk was launched during the 2009 Auckland Heritage Festival as part of the World March for Peace and Non-Violence.  This year the Walk starts at two places simultaneously and ends at QEII Square.

This is an event organized by the United Nations Association of NZ (Northern Region Branch) as a UN Peace Day event, together with Civic Trust Auckland.  Groups such as walking or cycling groups, as well as families and individuals, are encouraged to participate.

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 30 June 2010

Hon John Key
Prime Minister
Parliament Buildings
WELLINGTON

Dear Prime Minister

The United Nations Association of New Zealand (UNANZ) was pleased that President Obama invited you to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit in April this year on the basis of New Zealand’s leadership in nuclear disarmament. US Vice President Biden noted; ”NZ could play a leadership role working with other countries demonstrating that the world free of nuclear weapons could be a better place”.

This support from the US provides an opportunity for New Zealand to play an even bigger role in the new momentum to achieve a nuclear-weapons-free world – an aim put forward by President Obama in April 2009 in Prague.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has provided a 5-Point Plan for Nuclear Disarmament which indicates how this aim can be realized through concrete steps, including negotiations to conclude a Nuclear Weapons Convention (NWC) or framework of agreements.

UNANZ commends the New Zealand parliament for unanimously supporting the 5-Point Plan and the NWC on 6 May, and celebrates the fact that States Parties to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty agreed at the 2010 Review Conference in May that “States shall make special efforts to establish the necessary framework to achieve and maintain a world without nuclear weapons” also noting the 5-Point Plan and the NWC.

This agreement reflects the growing international support for a Nuclear Weapons Convention from civil society and citizens generally, as evidenced by, inter alia, resolutions adopted in many other parliaments, over 4000 mayors joining the Mayors for Peace call for a NWC, over 2000 organisations joining Abolition 2000’s call for a NWC, public opinion polls in the nuclear weapon States and their allies indicating majority support, and repeated UN resolutions.

UNANZ has joined a new initiative – the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which brings together some of the key players in the successful Cluster Munitions and Landmines Campaigns to encourage governments to start the negotiations on a NWC now – in order to start building a “framework to achieve and maintain a world without nuclear weapons” and to build the political momentum for all countries to join.

To this end UNANZ requests a dialogue with the Government and other involved NGOs on the steps to be taken to meet this challenge.

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Powles,
National President

 

 26th of June every year is dedicated to the cause known as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The United Nations Association of New Zealand joins the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the international community in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime.

The UNODC was established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention.

Drugs can hold individuals to ransom, triggering a negative effect on an entire family, destroying not just individual human lives but whole communities. Furthermore, it undermines sustainable human development and generates crime.

Drugs affect all sectors of society in all countries. Drug abuse affects the freedom and development of a range of people, especially youth, the world’s most valuable asset.

The United Nations Association of New Zealand supports the initiative of UNODC as below:
-to act to ensure that nations have the laws, knowledge and tools needed to deliver justice appropriately
- to strengthen the ability of states to provide essential HIV and AIDS prevention and care services to persons vulnerable to human trafficking.

The United Nations Association of NZ is deeply concerned about the increase of major trafficking as regards flows of drugs, firearms, counterfeit products, stolen natural resources, people trafficked for sex purposes or forced labour, as well as smuggled migrants. For that reason, we call upon all governments, international organizations and civil society to strengthen cooperation to counter the pervasive influence of organized crime and drug trafficking.

 

 The United Nations Association of New Zealand joins the united voice of the international community in condemning the use of force by Israel against the humanitarian aid workers attempting to bring much-needed aid to the people of Gaza, who have endured a blockade by Israel for more than three years.

The United Nations Association of New Zealand, as a member of WFUNA - whose purpose is to support the UN, is deeply concerned that states who continue to undermine international peace by defying international humanitarian law - especially the Gevena Conventions, UN General Assembly and UN Security Council resolutions -seriously weaken the UN's ability to bring about a lasting peace.
The United Nations Association of New Zealand supports the calls for:

• a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation into the attack on the flotilla, as called for by the UN Security Council
•  the immediate release of the vessels and people seized in the attack
• the immediate ending by Israel of the counterproductive and unacceptable blockade of the Gaza Strip
• ensuring the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza
• the suspension of US aid to Israel until Israel abides by international law, including complying with United Nations General Assembly and Security Council resolutions.

Additionally, the United Nations Association calls on the New Zealand Government to:

• register its condemnation of Israel's killing of 9 civilians and its unlawful attack on a humanitarian aid ship in international waters which is an act of terrorism
• suspend relations until Israel admits its wrongdoing and apologises for this crime against those offering peaceful humanitarian aid

 

10.00-12.00 National Council Meeting

12.00-1.30 Lunch (with Wellington Branch) and Guest Speaker Grant Robertson

1.30-3.30 National Council Meeting

3.45 - 5.00/6.00 Publicity Campaign Workshop with Gray Southon

NC2 will be held in Wellington, in the meeting rooms of Level 2 in the James Smith Building, on the corner of Manners and Cuba Street. As noted, Wellington Branch are invited to join us for lunch at 12.00, to listen to our Guest Speaker, Grant Robertson.

 

United Nations Association of Australia National Conference
     Friday, 13th August, Sydney. Details

 

Topic: “The UN: Human Race verses the arms race”

     National Finals:  Friday 7th May, 1.30pm, Whanganui, Quaker Centre, 76 Virginia Rd.
     Canterbury Regional:  Thursday 22nd April, 6.30pm - Details
     Northern Regional:  Tuesday 20th Aprl, 6.30pm - Details - Applic Form

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The UN Department of Public Information - Non Government Organisations 
      Melbourne 30 August to 1st September. Information

 

 Nominations for all positions are due at 5pm Sunday 11 April 2010. Voting will take place at the AGM on 9 May 2010 in Wanganui. Contact the National Office if you are interested in putting a name forward to serve on the National Council for the 2010-2011 period. 

 

President  -  Michael Powles (Dame Laurie Salas Robin Halliday)

Vice President - Lachlan Mackay (John Morgan Gina Manning)

Vice President - Graham Desmond Kelly QSO (Dame Laurie Salas Robin Halliday)

Treasurer -  Robin Halliday (Dame Laurie Salas Peter Cowley)

National Council Rep - Izolda Kazemzadeh (Robin Halliday Lachlan Mackay)

 

 

SO for WFUNA - Gray Southon (Carol Devay-Heeva Ramesh Sharma)

SO for Human Rights - John Morgan (Lachlan Mackay Gina Manning)

SO for Peace and Security - Lachlan Mackay (John Morgan Gina Manning)

SO for UN Renewal - Gray Southon (Ramesh Sharma Carol Devay-Heeva)

SO for Humanitarian Affairs -  Jean-Paul Bizoza (Audrey van Ryn George Valentine)

SO for Model UN -  Lynette Hardie Wills (Antony Vallyon Gray Southon

SO for Sustainable Dev. -  Cherie Jameson (------)

Ordinary Member of NC -  Alyn Ware (Lachlan Mackay Robin Halliday)

Ordinary Member of NC -  Marie Nissanka (Antony Vallyon Gray Southon)

Ordinary Member of NC -  Margaret Arnold (Mary McGiven Ivan Densem)

Ordinary Member of NC - Ivan Densem (Lynnette Ellis Mary McGiven)

Affiliate Member Rep - Izolda Kazemzadeh (Robin Halliday Lachlan Mackay)

Affiliate Member Rep - Bradley McDonald (Gwenda Sutton Lachlan Mackay)

Affiliate Member Rep - Joy Dunsheath (Rae Julian Beryl Anderson*

Affiliate Member Rep - Beryl Anderson  (------)

 

 

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In December 2009 the United Nations Association of New Zealand (UNANZ) sent a survey to all Members of Parliament asking them about their personal knowledge of the International Bill of Human Rights, and the Conventions for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. We decided to try again in late February 2010, after only 7 of 122 MP’s responded to our survey questions. In that February round only two further MP’s responded.

Despite the low response rate from Members of Parliament UNANZ did receive a wide range of comments across party lines, with responses from National, Labour, United Future, ACT New Zealand, the Greens, and the Maori Party.

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The United Nations Association of New Zealand 2010 National Conference will take place between Friday the 7th and Sunday the 9th of May 2010. Our topic this year will be Peace with Justice: A world without weapons of mass destruction, and with climate change solutions that put people at its centre. 

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 The March 2010 Newsletter is finally out! Printed copies will be landing in Members and affiliates mailboxes soon.

This issue we look at National Security, Copenhagen, and Defining a Role for the UN. We also have reports from the World Parliament of Religions summit, the We the People's Seminar, PNND's Annual Assembly, and updates on our upcoming National Conference (registrations now open!)

UNANZ News is available online, and on request to the office: office@unanz.org.nz

 

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 On Saturday 27 February 2010 a magnitude 8.8 earthquake shook Chile, badly damaging the country and surrounding costal communities. After talks with emergency officials, Chile's president has announced that the estimated death toll reaches 708, with the potential to rise.  

A tsunami caused by the quake that swept across the Pacific killed several people on a Chilean island and devastated other coastal communities near the epicentre, but caused little damage in other countries. 

New Zealand was subject to a tsunami alert, which was cancelled as of 9am this morning. The National Crisis Management Centre stated that "Sea level data indicate the peak of activity has passed. There will be ongoing sea level fluctuations and tidal effects for the rest of the day throughout the country," and taking that into account, "People are advised to continue to take caution in coastal areas."

New Zealanders trying to track down loved ones in Chile face long waits for information, as the quake had interrupted communications to the area. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said this morning contact had been made with 140 New Zealanders in Chile to confirm they were safe.

The Ministry was continuing to work to contact about another 100 New Zealanders to check on their whereabouts and wellbeing, but this was being hampered by communications difficulties in Chile.

The United Nations Association of New Zealand extends condolences to all those affected by the Chile Earthquake. 

 

Tracking relatives:

* If concerned about a friend or relative in Chile, try to contact them.
* If this fails, call Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 0800 432 111, or 64 4 439 8401 from overseas.

Travel advice:

* Ministry advises against tourist and non-essential travel to Chile.
* New Zealanders in Chile and those about to go there are urged to register on safetravel.govt.nz.

More information: 

*www.reliefweb.int

*www.alertnet.org

*Ban Ki Moon (United Nations Secretary General) Statement on Chile

 

 The United Nations Association of New Zealand's Facebook group page is now up and running.

It's a great way to catch up with other members, discuss initiatives and proposals from Special Officers, check out upcoming events, and share relevant photos and videos.  

Check it out!

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 The United Nations Association of New Zealand's Twitter account is now up and running.

 

It's a great way to link up with other members, and get information on upcoming events and meetings.  

Check it out!

 

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Press Statement

14/01/2010 - The United Nations Association of New Zealand (UNANZ) would like to express our deepest condolences to the Haitian people who are suffering greatly and trying to come to terms with the catastrophe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

We would also like to extend our condolences to those grieving the loss of United Nations colleagues and family in Haiti. Because we are a part of the United Nations family, there is always a deep sense of tragedy when we hear of losses to our United Nations compatriots.

We would like to urge the New Zealand people and the New Zealand Government to contribute to the many relief appeals, to allow the much needed humanitarian efforts to begin in ernest.

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Over the 7th to the 9th of May 2010 the United Nations Association of New Zealand will be holding it's yearly National Conference and Annual General Meeting.

This time around Wanganui Branch is hosting the conference, and has announced that the topic will be Peace with Justice: Combining Climate Change and Disarmament - particularly significant in the current political and ecological climate!

Rough plans include two main keynote speakers, a social dinner on Saturday (8 May), the final of the Speech Awards on Friday (7 May), the Annual General Meeting on Sunday (9 May), and lots of 'flavor of Wanganui' type events.

The venue will be at the Quaker Settlement, 76 Virginia Road, Wanganui.

The National Conference is open to all members of the public to attend - it would be great to see you there! More details will be available closer to the time. 

 

The next National Council Meeting for UNANZ will be held Sunday the 7th February 2010, in Christchurch.

The meeting is to be held in Presbyterian Support Services Board room, at 44 Bealey Ave.

Recommended accommodation:

Southern Comfort Motels
53 Bealey Ave
St Albans
Christchurch
Phone 0336 60383

Tudor Court Motels
57 Bealey Avenue
St Albans
Christchurch
Phone 03 379 1465

If you are planning to fly, I'd advise keeping a very close eye on Grab A Seat (Air NZ) because in the run up to Christmas they're offering some pretty amazing specials!

 

Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand has accepted the invitation to become one of the United Nations Association of New Zealand's Patrons for the duration of his term in New Zealand. The invitation was extended to him following 2009's May Annual General Meeting.

The Governor General has expressed eagerness to be involved in suporting future events and functions held by the Association, saying that he convey's his "best wishes for the success of the worthwhile work of your organisation".

Sir Anand Satyanand joins Rt Hon Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, as one of the Association's current Patrons.

UNANZ looks forward to working with Sir Anand Satyanand in the near future.

 

The United Nations Association of New Zealand is calling for submissions for the 2010 March edition of UNANZ News. The deadline for submissions is 22 February.

The UNANZ News is a quarterly newsletter which goes to all members, and affiliated organisations. It discusses current events in UNANZ, UNYANZ and the UN. If you would like to make comment on events happening within the UN then we would like to hear from you.

For a copy of the November 2009 newsletter, or to register you interest in contributing the the UNANZ News, please contact Shannon Steven, at the National Office: office@unanz.org.nz or (04) 496 9638

 

Rt Hon Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, and former Prime Minister of New Zealand, has recently agreed to become a patron of the United Nations Association of New Zealand. 

Ms Clark, who was appointed Administrator of the UNDP in April this year,  accepted the invitation saying: "Over the years I have come to value the role of the United Nations Associations, both in New Zealand and abroad, as important champions of the United Nations Organization's mandate, agenda, and activities. Reaching out to national constituencies - particularly the youth - is more important than ever as we focus on the pressing challenge of reaching the Millennium Development Goals and combating climate change." 

UNANZ looks forward to working with Ms Clark in the months ahead. 

 

This video gives a great overview on the work of our organisation and our international body, The World Federation of United Nations Associations.

 

 

 

UNANZ has entered into correspondence with Hon. Murry McCully, New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the importance of the UN to New Zealand's international relations. The Minister replied, largely agreeing with UNANZ sentiments.

Another letter was sent on the recent controversy over New Zealand withdrawing from the Durban II Review Conference on Racism. Response has not yet been forthcoming.

For more information ...

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