A free public lecture at the University of Waikato Tauranga campus this week will feature internationally renowned peace advocate and former Tauranga local Alyn Ware, who will explore global initiatives for peace, nuclear abolition, and climate protection.

Born in Tauranga, Ware studied at Ōtūmoetai College and graduated from the University of Waikato in 1984 with a Bachelor of Education and Diploma in Kindergarten Teaching.

In 2009 he was recognised by the University of Waikato for his contribution to international peace advocacy with a Distinguished Alumni Award.

Now based in Europe, Ware is a distinguished campaigner for disarmament and international security. He has been instrumental in shaping policies for nuclear non-proliferation, human rights, and environmental protection. His impact in global peace has been recognised through several awards including the Right Livelihood Award (Sweden, 2009), United Nations (UN) International Year for Peace Award (New Zealand, 1986), Peace is Precious Award (Soka Gakkai International, NZ, 2012) and the Loxley Peace Award (Quaker Peace and Service, NZ, 2009).

Mr Ware continues to work on global solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues. He is currently back in New Zealand for meetings at Parliament and with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and in the Bay of Plenty to visit family.

“Many people today feel powerless in the face of relentless bad news about wars, climate-related disasters such as droughts, floods, bushfires, severe storms and landslides, and the erosion of civil liberties around the world,” says Mr Ware.

“We need to hear more of the good news, including conflicts being resolved, effective climate policies being adopted and global cooperation in action. The Pact for the Future, agreed upon last September by all UN members, and the winning policies of the World Future Policy Award on Peace and Future Generations provide hope and a clear direction for a better tomorrow. I am proud that New Zealand is part of these efforts.”

The University is pleased to host Mr Ware at its Tauranga campus where he will share insights into international peace efforts, including the UN Pact for the Future, a landmark agreement forged at the 2024 UN Summit of the Future.

The lecture will also touch on the recent movement of the Doomsday Clock to 89 seconds to midnight, which is an urgent reminder of the risks posed by escalating conflicts, nuclear weapons policies, and climate change. Despite these challenges, Mr Ware will share reasons for hope, including the International Court of Justice case on climate change and innovative policies recognised in the 2024 World Future Policy Award.

The free public lecture will take place at 1pm on Wednesday 12 March, at the University’s Durham Street campus in Tauranga. Interested attendees can register via Eventbrite.