From the outset, the Trust was keen to invite distinguished scholars and peace activists, politicians, and others inspired by Archie’s legacy of principled resistance to war to honour his memory and re-interpret his stand for peace and justice for a twenty-first-century audience.
The annual Archibald Baxter Memorial Lecture is held each year on or close to International Peace Day, 21 September.
Archibald Baxter Memorial Lecture 2025:
‘Principles for Aotearoa New Zealand’s Foreign Policy’
Delivered by Nanaia Mahuta - former Minister for Foreign Affairs 2020-2023
Archibald Baxter Memorial Lecture 2024:
‘Making Peace with our Past and Future’
Delivered by Hon Grant Robertson. YouTube link
Archibald Baxter Memorial Lecture 2023:
No lecture held
Archibald Baxter Memorial Lecture 2022:
“The United Nations & Peacebuilding and how to Invigorate the Multilateral System”
Delivered by David Shearer MBE, former Labour MP. You Tube link
Archibald Baxter Memorial Lecture 2021:
“Modern Peace Building”
A discussion featuring former Prime Minister Helen Clarke ONZ, in conversation with Prof Clement Clements, Ingrid Leary MP and Prof Robert Chapman. You Tube link
Archibald Baxter Memorial Lecture 2020:
“The Importance of Descent”
Delivered by Chris Finlayson KC, former National Party MP and Attorney General. You Tube link
Archibald Baxter Memorial Lecture 2019:
Absolutism and the Price of Dissent”
Delivered by Wellington historian, David Grant. You Tube link
Archibald Baxter Memorial Lecture 2018:
"Informed Dissent: Challenging State Secrecy”
Delivered by NZ human rights activist, Maire Leadbeater. You Tube link
Archibald Baxter Memorial Lecture 2017:
“Passchendaele’s Shadow”
Delivered by historian, Prof Tom Brooking. No video available
Archibald Baxter Memorial Lecture 2016:
“The Politics of Compassion in a World of Ruthless Power”
Delivered by Emeritus Prof Kevin Clements. You Tube link
Archibald Baxter Memorial Lecture 2015:
“The Politics of Torture: The Findings of the US Senate Intelligence Committee Report on Torture”
Delivered by theologian, David Tombs. You Tube link