Author: Steve

  International of New Zealand hosted a peace education forum under the theme “Humanistic Education – Creating Value in Today’s World” at its Auckland Culture Centre in Ellerslie.  The forum was attended by about 400 people. Among the presenters at the Forum were Daniel Sasaki from Soka University of Japan, Professor Kevin Clements from the National Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Otago, pioneering NZ peace activist Reverend George Armstrong  and Auckland City Councillor Richard Northey. Soka University lecturer Daniel Sasaki Soka University lecturer Daniel Sasaki gave the keynote address on Soka Education, which included the history of the Soka Education, its philosophy as well as anecdotes about its founder, SGI President Ikeda and students.    At the question and answer session after the address, a…

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the SGINZ Victorious March Band’s (VMB) annual friendship concert with the Manukau Concert Band (MCB). The combined band of 80 players performed to a full house of over 300 people. This year we were fortunate to have Beth Cohen, originally from SGI-USA and now living in Christchurch, as our conductor. (more…)

International of New Zealand (SGINZ) conferred the Aotearoa Peace is Precious Award on anti-nuclear activist, Alyn Ware in a ceremony in Wellington earlier this week. Alyn Ware is recognised as one of the world’s most effective peace workers, and has been leading initiatives for peace education and nuclear abolition in New Zealand and globally for more than 25 years.   One of his achievements is as the World Court Project UN Coordinator which achieved a historic ruling from the World Court on the illegality of nuclear weapons. More recently, Alyn Ware has been preparing a draft treaty on nuclear abolition which is promoted by the UN Secretary General.   He was the recipient of the Rights Livelihood Award in 2009, also known as the alternative Nobel Prize. SGINZ General Director…

Auckland City celebrated the launch of Auckland as a Peace City and the 25th anniversary of New Zealand’s nuclear free legislation on 8 and 9 June.  The events were organised by the Peace City Committee, including representatives from Soka Gakkai International of NZ (SGINZ) and other civil society organisations.  The Committee is headed by Laurie Ross, a long time anti-nuclear activist and an SGI-NZ member.Among those recognised with the Peacemakers Award was Larry Ross, a pioneering anti-nuclear activist, who passed away recently.  Larry’s daughter Laurie received the award on her father’s behalf. Among those recognised with the Peacemakers Award was Larry Ross, a pioneering anti-nuclear activist, who passed away recently.  Larry’s daughter Laurie received the award on her father’s behalf. SGI-NZ’s exhibition “Transforming the Human Spirit: From a Culture of…

Book Donation at Library Services of Fiji (LSF) facility SGI has a long history of donating books to public libraries, universities and schools, which in recent years has also been extended to Pacific island nations. Most recently,on May 7th 2012, SGI sponsored  book donation ceremonies were held at the Library Services of Fiji (LSF) facility and at Fiji National University (FNU), both located in the capital of Suva. LSF director Ms Merewalesi Vueti, said the books would inspire those that love reading and expressed her appreciation to SGI saying, "We are very grateful to SGI for the donation of the three cartons of books which will broaden and enhance the knowledge of those who are keen on learning about life." After the ceremony, both SGINZ Men's division leader, Ian Gordon…

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade Brown was among the visitors at the SGINZ Wellington Centre's Open Day on 28 April 2012. Mayor Celia Wade-Brown Members presented short studies on the basics of Nichiren Buddhism and SGI's history. The Seeds of Hope exhibition and the Culture of Peace exhibition were also on display. Open Day Coordinator, Emma Willis said "It was fantastic to share the mission of what the SGI is about - peace, culture and education - and to have some great discussion with a really wide range of people as to how you bring about a peaceful society through actions in your own life. Overall really empowering and inspiring! Such a great reminder of how the desire for peace is something that we all share." The Mayor dropped in unexpectedly…