IPPNW seeks to prevent all wars, to promote non-violent conflict resolution, and to minimise the effects of war and preparations for war on health, development, and the environment. IPPNW works for:

• Abolition of all nuclear weapons.

• Demilitarisation of the global economy and an end to the arms trade.

• Re-allocation of resources from military to civilian needs, especially to basic health care and human necessities.

• Sustainable and ecologically sound economic development.

IPPNW is the only international medical organisation dedicated to the abolition of nuclear weapons. Our principal programme areas beyond the core mission of nuclear abolition include projects to end the threats posed by landmines, small arms and light weapons, chemical and biological weapons, and the burden of debt on developing nations.

The New Zealand Affiliate of IPPNW has particularly focused on the abolition of nuclear weapons issue - given the established status of New Zealand as an antinuclear nation. Specific activities are as follows:

• Promoting constructive dialogue with decision-makers: IPPNW (NZ) is active in engaging politicians, diplomats and officials (eg, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade) in disarmament issues.

• Advocacy work with other peace groups: IPPNW contributes as an active participant in the Abolition 2000 movement within New Zealand.

• Education: IPPNW (NZ) produces and disseminates key information of peace and disarmament issues (through publications and public events). Key documents currently being distributed to decision-makers include:
  • "Fast Track to Zero Nuclear Weapons: The Middle Powers Initiative" (Robert Green & the MPI).
  • "Security and Survival: The Case for a Nuclear Weapons Convention" (IPPNW, IALANA, INESAP).
  • "The Naked Nuclear Emperor" by Robert Green.
  • Abolition 2000, IPPNW (NZ). Abolition of Nuclear Weapons: A New Zealand Perspective. Wellington: Roger Steele, 1998.

• Curricula development: IPPNW is exploring ways to develop and promote curricula for peace education (particularly for medical students and public health students).

IPPNW (NZ) PO Box 1702 Wellington, New Zealand. Email: nwilson@actrix.gen.nz