In writing the 1982-83 Annual Report of NZAVS I must thank the many people both in New Zealand and overseas who have written complimentary letters about the NZAVS newsletter Mobilise!. Your kind comments are appreciated.

During the past twelve months we have received generous media coverage from local radio stations. The 'Close-Up' television programme brought many letters of encouragement and interest and in November the NZAVS Charity Concert was a most successful milestone. NZAVS is the only organisation in New Zealand to be affiliated with the Mobilization for Animals and we are proud to represent New Zealand in the Mobilization network.

Innumerable letters of matters pertaining have been written. NATO and the United Nations refuse to acknowledge our protests that animals are being used to test nuclear weapons, however Mr Muldoon is making substantial investigations at The Hague which are ongoing. Our office maintains links with many countries in all corners of the Earth.

Special acknowledgements must be given to the Society's Christchurch Coordinator Natalie Taylor who this year for the third time in succession led a march through Christchurch on WDLA culminating in an address at Cathedral Square. Yvonne Gray is consolidating the Nelson area with considerable efficiency and rallied interest in the press and radio during WDLA activities. Other coordinators are busy in various areas on the Society's behalf and there is a steady increase in membership. Fees remain unchanged, however it is apparent that the massive cost of running a successful charitable organisation leads us to rely on donations and fund-raising rather than basic subscription. Many younger people are taking an interest in NZAVS activities.

I am grateful and privileged to announce that Mr Hans Ruesch, author of Slaughter of the Innocent and Naked Empress has graciously agreed to become Patron of our Society. Hans Ruesch is well-known for his policy of total abolition and his refusal to make artificial distinctions between medical and non-medical experiments and we are indeed fortunate to have his interest and guidance. On 22 April NZAVS launched a nationwide Petition against the LD50 Test which will be handed to Parliament in due course. From the onset we have been affiliated with the International Coalition Against the LD50 Test.

NZAVS now has the services of an Hon. Legal Adviser and an Hon. Auditor. The Society has a firm base and is efficiently administered with the assistance of voluntary labour on a roster scheme which it is vitally essential Wellington members support. In addition a handful of dedicated and hardworking members have made great sacrifices in undertaking specific responsibilities during the year.

NZAVS looks forward with confidence to the year ahead.

Bette Overell
Hon. Secretary, NZAVS
25 April 1983