To know what has gone before is to gain a firmer grasp on the events and issues that concern us today. New Zealand's peace movement, now so diverse and widespread, has its origins in ancient Maori times and in the early days of colonial settlement. Its forerunners include mediators, pacifists, promoters of social justice and of peaceful relationships, and opponents of specific conflicts. These stories of amazing persistence reveal many forgotten heroines and heroes, men, women and children. "Peace people" ... explores their responses to the trends and crises of our history, and includes some of the author's personal experiences. It brings the record up to 1975, when the widley supported initiatives of the Kirk-Rowling Government towards a nuclear free Pacific were cut off by the election of the Muldoon Government." -- Back cover.