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| Fig. 1: Anti-Nuclear Protest Badge. (Source: Wikimedia Commons) |
Determining how to effectively power a city has been an issue present since the discovery of electricity. Developed countries have utilised everything, from burning fossil fuels to hydro and solar power, as means to create electricity. First generation nuclear power plant were early prototypes developed in the 1950s and 60s. [1] Moving forward, in 2011, 14% of the worlds power was generated from nuclear energy, with some countries, such as France and USA, relying on it more than others. [2] But where did the idea of nuclear power stem from? Ernest Rutherford, a New Zealander whom first split the atom, is hailed as the father of nuclear science because of his contribution to the theory of atomic structure. [3] Yet even with a New Zealander at the forefront of nuclear power, New Zealand still remains a nuclear free country. How did this come to be?
In the 1960s in New Zealand there was talk of the possibility for using nuclear power stations in New Zealand. The plans progressed with two sites on either side of the Kaipara Harbour for 1000MW power stations being chosen as viable spots. [4] It became a large political issue in the 1975 election, but when National won the election they determined that nuclear power was not necessary for the immediate future. [4]
During this same period of time New Zealand civilians had begun an anti-nuclear movement. The movement involved numerous protests, with many New Zealanders choosing to wear badges (Fig. 1) as a symbol of their allegiance to the cause. After WW2 In the Pacific region, near New Zealand, the USA, as well as their British and French allies, often tested nuclear weapons. A petition calling for a nuclear-free Southern Hemisphere was signed by more than 80,000 New Zealanders. [5]
In the year 1987, the New Zealand Nuclear Free zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control act was finally passed. [6] New Zealand was officially nuclear free, just as the people had wanted. It was a very symbolic act which stated New Zealanders opposition to nuclear war and weapons testing, and it prevented the visits by nuclear-propelled or nuclear-armed vessels (primarily US ones). [7] This resulted in a damaged relationship between USA and New Zealand, they were no longer allies, merely friends. However in the legislation, there was no mention of land-based nuclear power, which means that there is a possibility that in future New Zealand may turn to nuclear power as a source of energy.
Overall, New Zealand and its people are seen as having a very anti-nuclear perspective, wishing to remain nuclear free regardless of the consequences. But the future is not set. There is no legislation stopping New Zealand from using nuclear power plants on its own soil. There may come a time where New Zealand's current energy from hydroelectric schemes and geothermal power stations is no longer enough.
© Emma Alderton. The author warrants that the work is the author's own and that Stanford University provided no input other than typesetting and referencing guidelines. The author grants permission to copy, distribute and display this work in unaltered form, with attribution to the author, for noncommercial purposes only. All other rights, including commercial rights, are reserved to the author.
[1] "An introduction to Nuclear Power Science, Technology and UK Policy Context," Sustainable Development Commission, March 2006.
[2] "A Nuclear-Powered World," National Public Radio, 16 May 11.
[3] G. Nagendrappa, "Ernest Rutherford The Man Who found Nucleus in the Atom," Resonance 16, 1007 (2011).
[4] "Go Nuclear, Says Electricity Chief," NZ Herald, 7 Sep 06.
[5] V. Meduna, "New Zealand Set to Mark Anti-Nuclear Victory Over the United States," ABC News, 15 Aug 16.
[6] B. Brown, New Zealand in World Affairs: 1972-1990 (Victoria University Press, 1999).
[7] W. Huntely, "The Kiwi That Roared: Nuclear-Free New Zealand in a Nuclear-Armed World," Nonprolif. Rev. 4, No. 1, 1 (Fall 1996).
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