New National Director Of Peace Foundation

Media Release: 4 December 2008

Newly appointed National Director of Peace Foundation brings wealth of experience in non profit sector.

The New Zealand Peace Foundation has appointed Anne Ackerman as National Director of the Peace Foundation.

Ms Ackerman has significant experience in management and governance of not-for profit organisations with roles of relevance including founding Executive Director of the Hearing House/Cochlear Implant Foundation of New Zealand and she has been a trustee of the Aotearoa New Zealand Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies Centre Trust which established a national centre for peace at Otago University.

Ms Ackerman’s Peace Foundation role will see her provide strategic leadership, promoting its vision and values and working closely with the president and council to develop vital collaborative relationships.

“Anne comes to us with extensive experience in the non profit sector with skills in strategy development, management, profile raising, networking, programme delivery and funding,” says President of the Peace Foundation Council, Mayor Bob Harvey. “Her knowledge, wisdom and enthusiasm will help attract high profile support for the foundation.”

Ms Ackerman says she is looking forward to the challenge of working for the foundation and devoting time to issues she cares deeply about.

“Right now there is such a high cost of violence and unresolved conflicts in the home, school, workplace and community. I relish the opportunity to work with the foundation and be part of the dynamic effort – there is so much that can be accomplished.”

The Peace Foundation was established in 1975. Its flag-ship programmes include the Cool Schools Peer Mediation Programme, the Media Peace Awards and Roots of Empathy. Its Wellington Director Alyn Ware works in the international arena, with a particular focus on nuclear disarmament.

In addition to the Wellington and Auckland teams, Ms Ackerman, who took up the position at the beginning of December, will work closely with the organisation headed by Dr.Kate Dewes in Christchurch; the Disarmament and Security Centre, a specialist centre of the Peace Foundation.

Retiring National Director Marion Hancock will continue with the Peace Foundation as Manager of the Roots of Empathy programme.

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