Seeking Candidates For Peace Awards

The Auckland-based Peace Foundation has sent out a call nation-wide for advertising and public relations campaigns that contribute to peace,to be entered in the 2003 Media Peace Awards.

In 2002 there were just two entries in the Public Relations category, says Awards committee member and past judge, Joseph Peart. One of them was rich in advertising, so the category has been widened to "Advertising and Public Relations Campaigns".

To compare entries fairly, the judges will be including "value for money" as an award criterion. Entries for this year close on August 11, 2003.

The Media Peace Awards have sustained an extremely favourable profile in the New Zealand news media since 1984, says Peart, and are presented in a stylish ceremony by top media personalities in November each year.

Usually a highly respected journalist, peace activist or media commentator is guest speaker. These have included John Pilger and Noam Chomsky.

Journalists from all media vie for the honours.

The Public Relations Institute became involved with the awards in 2000, in a working party including PRINZ president Tim Marshall and PRINZ fellow Bruce Rogers, which saw the introduction of a category for public relations projects that contributed to social equity, peace and understanding.

Joseph Peart, long-time advocate for the positive and ethical effects of managed communication and principal lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, says: ³There is no doubt that the public relations profession will benefit from taking part. The awards recognise published works, which advance human understanding and tolerance and shed more light than heat on issues of equity and tolerance. PR does this all the time.

"'Peace' is interpreted broadly in these awards. Any media activity that is brave and challenging about conflict resolution, mediation or opposes discrimination may be suitable".

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