Each month, we share the stories of World BEYOND War volunteers around the world. Want to volunteer with World BEYOND War? Email greta@worldbeyondwar.org.
Location:
Christchurch, New Zealand
How did you get involved with anti-war activism and World BEYOND War (WBW)?
I was introduced to WBW by my friend, fellow Quaker and now Vice President on WBW’s Global Board, Liz Remmerswaal.
In my youth we sang protest songs like “…I ain’t going to study war no more…” but in fact, in order to understand more about war, we actually need to study it. I therefore enrolled in WBW’s online courses, WAR ABOLITION 101 in March 2019 and WAR ABOLITION 201 in April 2020. These were demanding courses with examples mainly from the northern hemisphere so when I wrote my assignments I tried to bring in examples from Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.
In 2021 I decided to put my money where my mouth is and start contributing a small amount each month towards the running of the organisation.
When I thought about how much taxpayers’ money gets wasted on preparing for wars that never come, I followed the Peace Tax Seven in the UK in the 2000s. My submission to the New Zealand Defence Force for the 2023 Defence Strategy Review was a recommendation to replace the military with a Civilian Action Team (CAT) which would cost less and give much greater benefits.
What kinds of WBW activities do you work on?
John Reuwer, the treasurer of WBW, a retired emergency room physician, came to visit Aotearoa NZ in February 2024. Liz Remmerwaal organised the tour and asked for the help especially of the Quaker community. I organised for John to speak at Ngāmotu New Plymouth in Taranaki Province near Parihaka, the Peace Pā (village) in the North Island. John wanted to know about the two Māori leaders of Parihaka and their peaceful activism when their land was being taken in the 1880s. In my city of Ōtautahi Christchurch my local Quaker Meeting underwrote and played hosts for the evening at which John addressed the question: “A World BEYOND War: Is it possible?”
Since the end of 2024 three of us have been working on founding a new WBW Te Waipounamu South Island chapter. While we await charitable status we have received a grant from QPSANZ (Quaker Peace and Service Aotearoa New Zealand) which has allowed us to buy such things as banners and have bookmarks printed, which carry the QR code leading straight to our page on the international website.
In 2025 we have regularly attended the PSNANZ (Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Network) rallies and marches. We were allowed to be present at the choral performance of “The Armed Man” for people to sign the Declaration of Peace. On ANZAC Day (Australian New Zealand Army Corps), our national day of mourning for wars, we took our white poppy wreath to the war memorial well after the dawn parade and set up an information table. White poppies are for all victims of war, most of whom are civilians. The WBW Peace Wave was filmed at our beautiful Peace Bell in the Botanic Gardens where many peace events such the 80th commemoration of Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear bombs also take place. We have taken opportunities to speak to any groups who invite us such as the Peace Foundation and Interfaith. A highlight for me was to attend the IPRA (International Peace Researchers Association) Conference in the North Island where we heard our local peace stories and those from around the globe. I write often to Ministers in the government and my local Member of Parliament and have made several submissions to our Parliament on contentious Bills.
From the 20 to 25 January we will have an Art Exhibition on “A Culture of Peace” which we hope will provoke a lot of discussion.
19 September 2024 Bobbi Laing, Liz Remmerswaal, Deborah Wlliams, Maan Alkaisi
What’s your top recommendation for someone who wants to get involved with anti-war activism and WBW?
First educate yourself about the issues and attend online seminars and courses, not only at WBW. Take notes to keep yourself focused.
Read the book “A Global Security System: An Alternative to War,” which is well written and easy to read. I chose the “Peace Almanac” as my gift when I started my financial contribution. My husband and I read it to each other every evening. As a result I am starting to compile a positive Peace Almanac for Aotearoa NZ and possibly in a year or two another one on the Pacific.
Talk to not only like-minded people but try to find out what those who promote war are saying. Have a simple business card so that you can network easily and make sure you get the other person’s details while you are talking to them!
What keeps you inspired to advocate for change?
I have been blessed in so many ways from a safe, happy childhood to a life rich in travel and experiences I never expected to have. I would wish that every person on the planet could have a decent life and be treated with respect.
For the last two years a group of Quakers in Aotearoa NZ has been studying Marshall Rosenberg’s method of nonviolent communication online through his books “Speak Peace” and “Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion”. I also did a two-day in-person course which was a great help. Of course I still fall down big holes and make mistakes like anyone else but some progress has been made!
I have been a Quaker for about 35 years. Since 1660 we Quakers have been opposing war as a means of settling conflict. Peace still stands as one of our testimonies which guide our daily lives. Going to Quaker Meeting each week and worshipping mostly in silence is my powerhouse which renews my batteries.
Lastly I should mention that I have the wonderful practical support of my husband, David, and our ginger and white cat, Foxy.
Posted January 17, 2026.
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