Pro-Palestine protests and sanctions calls

The story so far

In July, Dunedin's mayor and councillors were flooded with more than 2,200 emails each after supporting a Green Party proposal to sanction Israeli politicians, which was described as a highly orchestrated backlash.^{23 Jul 2025} On a Saturday in mid-August, the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa organised national rallies in major cities and smaller centres, demanding that the government sanction Israel over the war in Gaza.^{16 Aug 2025} Organisers of the 'March for Humanity' planned for thousands to walk across the Auckland Harbour Bridge on 13 September, a plan that police said was being prepared and would close the bridge.^{29 Aug 2025} Strong winds and unsafe wind speeds led organisers to change the route, so the march went through the Auckland CBD instead of the bridge.^{12 Sep 2025} Up to 20,000 people took part in the march from Aotea Square to Victoria Park, calling for government sanctions against Israel, and police reported no major incidents despite counter-protesters.^{13 Sep 2025}

Latest

Reports differ on the day: one says the march happened on Friday, while earlier reports had the bridge closure set for Saturday morning.^{12, 13 Sep 2025}

Key moments

1. 23 Jul 2025Dunedin councillors flooded with over 2,200 emails each after sanctions proposal support.
2. 16 Aug 2025National rallies across New Zealand demand government sanctions on Israel over Gaza.
3. 29 Aug 2025March for Humanity announces plan to cross Auckland Harbour Bridge on 13 September.
4. 12 Sep 2025Southbound Harbour Bridge lanes to close; wind forces protest to move away.
5. 12 Sep 2025High winds force route change; march to go through CBD to Victoria Park.
6. 13 Sep 2025Up to 20,000 march from Aotea Square to Victoria Park; no major incidents reported.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.