Chch children win posters contest

Press, 7 August 1985, Page 26

Chch children win posters contest

More than 700 children, aged from five to 12, throughout New Zealand have submitted posters as part of a world-wide contest organised by International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War. A variety of posters, all with the theme of peace, were judged in New Zealand last month before international judging held in Budapest, Hungary. A three-way tie for first place was between Melissa Smith and Perrin Jones, both aged six, of Christchurch, and Eugene Moore, aged 11 of Upper Hutt. The three will each receive a prize of $5O. In order to increase public exposure, the top three posters are being reproduced into badges which will be given to all entrants and made available throughout New Zealand. Second-place prizes ($25) will be shared by Nina Seifert (10) of Waitaki, Otago; Zarah Prince (11) of Upper Hutt; Kerry Noaro (12), of Lower Hutt; and Susannah Lees-Jeffries, of Christchurch. Seven children will receive honourable mention and a $lO book token: Wendy Smillie (12), Hastings; Jane Atherton (11), Auckland; Andrew King (12), Colville, Coromandel; Susan Cockram (12), Christchurch; Maria Kendrick (11), Wellington; Kate Bonner (6), Christchurch; and Mandy Spence, (10), of Gisborne. A Dunedin spokesman for 1.P.P.N.W., Dr David Menkes, said that he was extremely pleased by the response. “It is very encouraging to see such a lot of talent expressing the universal desire for peace. Children

have a uniquely clear and beautiful way of doing this — adults would do well to heed the children’s message.” He also emphasised that New Zealand had one of the highest per capita response rates in the world, remarkable in light of New Zealand’s geographical isolation and remoteness from armed conflict. In addition to Dr Menkes, Dr Mike Davis, of Christchurch, and Dr lan Prior, of the national headquarters in Wellington, would be involved in awarding the prizes. As a group, I.P.P.N.W. includes 140,000 doctors from over 50 countries throughout the world. Their goal is to educate doctors, politicians, and the public about the medical consequences of nuclear conflict. The organisation has a compelling message that there is but one cure for nuclear war — prevention. Doctors in I.P.P.N.W. are also convinced that the threat of nuclear war is deeply disturbing to many, including children, and results in anxiety, sleep difficulties and escapist behaviour, including drug and alcohol abuse. Dr Menkes and others plan to survey a large sample of children and their

families in New Zealand in order to study how the threat of nuclear war is perceived and responded to in this country. I.P.P.N.W. has also been involved in the organisation of activities to commemorate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 40 years ago. In each of the four main centres, activities were planned for yesterday (Hiroshima Day). In Auckland this will include a telephone link where mayors from a hundred cities worldwide will hear a message from the Mayor of Hiroshima. In Wellington and Christchurch, special three-day vigils are planned lasting until August 9, Nagasaki Day. In Dunedin, a variety of activities including speeches and poetry reading will take place at midday at the central library plaza. Also in Dunedin a special showing of the film, “Threads,” will be held at Dunedin Hospital tomorrow, at 7.30 p.m. Badges from the children’s poster competition should be available at some of these functions. In addition, children’s posters from throughout New Zealand will be available for viewing at the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington.