Of fission and fallout: New Zealand in the nuclear age.

Rutherford's studies of radioactivity and the structure of atoms led after his death to the discovery of nuclear fission, and subsequently the rapid development of reactors and nuclear weapons. Historic proposals for research and power reactors in New Zealand and safety assessments of nuclear-powered ships are reviewed. Atmospheric weapons tests gave rise to contaminated sites and dispersed radioactive fallout. Some studies of these, particularly of test sites in the Pacific region – Christmas Island, Marshall Islands, French Polynesia – and other nuclear issues in New Zealand in which I have had a role are described. Further details are included in McEwan (2004. Nuclear New Zealand. Christchurch: Hazard Press). Eight decades after Rutherford's death worldwide nuclear power plays a very important part in both electricity supply and limitation of green house gases, and nuclear science and technology and radiation applications are an integral part of modern society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]