University of Otago senior politics professor Dr Leon Goldsmith spoke to The Front Page podcast this month about the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestine supporters are expected for a march across the Auckland Harbour Bridge next month, with planning under way for the potentially disruptive protest.
Police confirmed this morning that protest organisers “have signalled the intent to march over the Auckland Harbour Bridge next month”.
The march aimed to reinforce demands that the New Zealand Government sanction Israel, spokeswoman Nadine Mortaja said.
“The genocide in Gaza is undeniable. Forced starvation is being used as a weapon of war, along with mass killing and the destruction of Gaza’s health system.
“New Zealand has a moral and legal obligation to act, and must sanction Israel now.”
Organisers are calling for an immediate unconditional ceasefire, an immediate end to the blockade of Gaza and reinstatement of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to “allow life-saving aid to safely enter Gaza”.
Authorities are understood to be looking at how safety was managed for previous foot crossings of the bridge.
Police said they were “in contact with our partner agencies at this early stage, and planning is well under way”.
A spokeswoman said they were in contact with the organisers, though she did not name the group.
“As planning develops, the public can expect they will be informed around the situation and how this may impact them.”
Earlier, Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) co-chairman Maher Nazzal confirmed the group was organising a protest next month, but wouldn’t say exactly when, where or what was planned.
“Nothing has been announced. I can’t comment on this.”
There have been many protests about the situation in Palestine in the past two years, including this one in Auckland in November 2023. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
More would be known tomorrow, he said.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said he’d “heard nothing” about a march.
However, an Auckland Council spokeswoman said its events team was aware of a potential protest.
It was speaking to the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Auckland Transport (AT), “who are leading discussions with PSNA”, she said yesterday.
“I believe the protest activity has not yet been confirmed by PSNA.”
NZTA is responsible for state highways – the Harbour Bridge is part of State Highway 1 – and AT is responsible for local roads, which could also be affected by disruption on the bridge.
NZTA referred the Herald to police, who were the lead agency for protest action.
“There’s no further comment from NZTA at this stage.”
Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti protesters cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge in November last year. Two northbound lanes were closed to allow marchers to walk across the bridge. Photo / Michael Craig
The Herald also contacted AT for comment, but has not heard back.
Walking on two closed northbound lanes just after the morning rush hour, it took two hours for all the protesters to cross the bridge.
Next month’s planned march comes after the Sydney Harbour Bridge was closed for a planned pro-Palestinian protest on August 4.
Tens of thousands took part in the March for Humanity, which was cleared to go ahead after a last-minute Supreme Court decision.
AFP reported yesterday that the Israeli military had stepped up operations around Gaza City, as US President Donald Trump prepared to host a White House meeting on postwar plans for the shattered Palestinian territory.
Israel is under mounting pressure both at home and abroad to end its almost two-year campaign in Gaza, where the United Nations has declared a famine.
Palestinians displaced by Israeli attacks flock to a US aid distribution center to receive food assistance in Rafah, Gaza, earlier this month. Photo / Abed Rahim Khatib /Anadolu via Getty Images
Mediators have circulated a truce proposal, which has been accepted by Palestinian militant group Hamas, whose October 2023 attack on Israel triggered the war, AFP reported.
But Israel has yet to give an official response.
Cherie Howie is an Auckland-based reporter who joined the Herald in 2011. She has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in general news and features.
