Author: Steve

On 6th August, Soka Gakkai International New Zealand and Te Ao ote Rongomaraeroa, the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Otago had co-hosted a Peace Symposium on “Envisioning Peace in a Time of Uncertainty” at Auckland University of Technology. The following are video record of speeches delivered at the event. https://youtu.be/qo102Ot0RbQ Youth Session: Haris Murtaza - Co-chairperson of the National Islamic Youth Association. https://youtu.be/uGw_wFdUCkc Youth Session: Ashlyn Baines - Youth Coordinator (North Island) of The Peace Foundation https://youtu.be/Tf0S2OndudM Youth Session: Julia Guthrey - Youth Representative of Soka Gakkai International New Zealand https://youtu.be/X1xwClqDpwA Youth Session: Kevin Clements - Director of Toda Peace Institute and Foundation Chair of Peace and Conflict Studies https://youtu.be/r36jawgqXRk Academic Session: Malakai Koloamatangi - Ministry for Pacific Peoples https://youtu.be/DQcIXg4yYvQ Academic Session: Anahera Gildea -…

On behalf of the Soka Gakkai International New Zealand Buddhist community we offer our condolences and deepest sympathy to the loved ones of those who lost their precious lives as well as those wounded in the senseless act of terrible violence that occurred in Christchurch. We stand together in mourning and in solidarity with the affected families, the Muslim community and people of Christchurch. (more…)

Report by Laura Gow On 6 August 2017, the opening ceremony for Tūmanako was held outside Whakatāne library. It was an amazing community celebration with over 450 people attending. The ceremony began with a Karakia and blessing, and included items from the Schools throughout Whakatane. This was followed by words from Whakatāne’s Mayor, Mr Tony Bonne and a waiata sung by members of SGINZ. A representative from each of the nineteen schools that took part in Tūmanako cut the ribbon at the entrance of the library to open the exhibition. Due to exhibition space being limited, the Whakatāne District Council decided that rather than ask each child to create an artwork for peace, instead they would encourage children to design and create a peace flag for Tūmanako.  Preschools and primary…

Tokyo, 13 November, 2017: Hiromasa Ikeda, Vice President of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist association, joined other participants in stressing the moral case for ridding the world of nuclear weapons and urged increased efforts in raising awareness at the conference on ‘Perspectives for a World Free from Nuclear Weapons and for Integral Disarmament’ held at the Vatican in Rome on 10/11 November. Mr Ikeda stated: ‘Nuclear weapons are dangerous from a security perspective. From an ethical and moral perspective, they are wrong. This renders them unacceptable in any hands. With the geopolitical risks of nuclear conflict rising to unprecedented levels, it is vital that this awareness be shared widely by all people.’ He also stressed the SGI’s educational focus on creating opportunities for dialogue. ‘This can foster a shared awareness…

In an event organised by the Peace Foundation and supported by SGINZ the 30th anniversary of New Zealand's nuclear free legislation was celebrated in Auckland with 100's of people forming a giant peace symbol. The SGINZ brass band and behind the scenes support groups contributed to the event which was covered in local media Stuff and TV1