Media Peace Award

Just six times in the 21 year history of the Media Peace Awards has the Peace Foundation made a Significant Achievement Award. This Media Peace prize recognises a large body of work, accomplished over a long period, which contributes to the aims of the Media Peace Awards.

On November 10th 2004, Access Community Radio Auckland Inc, broadcasting as Planet FM, became the first organisation to receive the award.

Right: Receiving the prize on behalf of Planet FM were Chair, Joan Lardner, Hon. Secretary, Prof. Vamanamurthy, Broadcast Manager, Terri Byrne and recording engineer, Elizabeth Reddy.

Below:  Terri Byrne joins Peace Foundation co-founder Bob Harvey, Guest Speaker James McNeish and Dr. John Hinchcliff, longtime supporter of the radio station,  futures researcher and author.

Previous winners of the Special Achievement Award are: film maker and photographer John Miller, cartoonist Malcolm Evans, photographer Gil Hanly, broadcaster Jenni Anderson and photographer Kapil Arn.
The Media Peace Awards seek to recognise media that actively contributes towards reducing conflict, addressing differences and counteracting prejudices in our society and the wider world.  In honouring Planet FM, the Foundation was recognising our years of providing an open and tolerant environment for New Zealanders of all backgrounds, of giving voice to those with mental illness, disabilities, of different sexuality, beliefs, culture and language, of supporting the desires of many to build community, based on meaningful and relevant communication.