Kevin Clements speaks at an International Conscientious Objectors Day gathering at the Archibald Baxter Memorial Garden yesterday.

Mr Clements’ speech paid tribute to notable past New Zealand conscientious objectors such as Archibald Baxter and Mark Briggs, who were shipped to the frontlines in WW1 and forced to endure constant military harassment.

He also spoke about the need for conscientious objection in this time of extreme events and aggression, by promoting non-violent alternatives to tooth-and-claw nationalism, violence and war.