Stop Wars Coalition Unites Against War. Our movement is growing. On Saturday 13 June, Aotea Square became a gathering point for unified action as activists, workers, faith leaders, and political voices came together for the Stop Wars rally. The focus and determination of those involved was a sign that the anti-war movement in Aotearoa is broadening and finding its voice. Joe Carolan set the tone, calling for a strong, unified movement that confronts US military aggression in all its forms. The wars waged to maintain American capitalist hegemony do not just destroy lives abroad, they produce the refugee crises that the right then exploits, blaming displaced people for the poverty and insecurity created by decades of neoliberal austerity at home. Connecting these dots is essential if we are to build the movement we need.

Chris Sullivan, Catholic deacon, reminded us of who we are as a people. New Zealanders have never simply accepted the world as it is handed to us. We fought for a nuclear-free Pacific. We stood against apartheid. We have a history of carving out an independent foreign policy and that history is a living resource for the work ahead.

Kelby, speaking on behalf of Americans Abroad Against the War, brought a sharp and personal perspective on the chaos and suffering generated by US military operations worldwide. He spoke to the ever-deepening integration between the United States and Israel with shared surveillance infrastructure, military systems, and strategic frameworks that New Zealand is being quietly drawn into. This must stop. The billions spent on militarism are billions not spent on people, communities, and our environment.

Sandra Grey of the Council of Trade Unions spoke of the impact on workers and made the economic case plainly: every dollar poured into military spending is a dollar taken from healthcare, education, infrastructure, and the communities that sustain ordinary working people. The choice between militarism and wellbeing is not abstract, in fact workers feel it every day.

Ricardo from the Green Party delivered a clear and urgent message: New Zealand must pull back from Five Eyes, assert a genuinely independent foreign policy, and redirect our national priorities toward a future that works for people and the planet. Camilla Belich from Labour was also clear on the need for an independent foreign policy. There were many other inspiring speakers such as Bibi Amena speaking about the widespread devastation caused by US wars and by ongoing American support for illegal Israeli military actions. A memorable part of the day was the great performance by new music group the Kerosene Kocktails.

What’s Next: Join us on July 4th. The movement is not slowing down. Stop Wars Aotearoa and Americans Abroad Against the War will be coming together on July 4th for a special event — a celebration of revolution against empire. What better day to reclaim the spirit of popular resistance and demand a world free from war, domination, and the rule of the powerful over the many? More details to follow. Watch this space.