About the day
Global Day of Action events will be happening in more than 50 countries around the world.
"Momentum is building across the globe for the Global Day of Action against War and Occupation on March 20, the one year anniversary of the US bombing and invasion of Iraq.
On that day millions around the globe will take to the streets to say YES to peace and NO to pre-emptive war and occupation. Joining with growing numbers of military families and soldiers, we will call for an end to the occupation of Iraq and Bush’s militaristic foreign policies. March 20th will be the first time the world's 'other superpower', as the New York Times described us, will take center stage since February 15th, when more than ten million people across the globe expressed their opposition to Bush's looming war on Iraq.
The US protests will also take on the war at home. We will express the growing opposition to the so-called Patriot Act, authorizing political arrests, indefinite detentions, domestic spying, and religious and racial profiling. We will call for an end to the mass detentions and deportations of innocent immigrants in the name of fighting terrorism. We will say no to massive military spending amidst vast cuts in vital domestic social and economic programs." More information is at United for Peace and Justice.
Resources
End NZ support for the 'war on terrorism' national petition.
Alert! NZ military escalation in Afghanistan - HTML | Word doc for printing.
George'n'Helen poster, Peace Action Wellington - JPG | Word doc for A4 printing.
All Day Peace Presence at the US embassy, Peace Movement Aotearoa and Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.
Form letter to US Ambassador, Peace Action Kapiti.
Events in Aotearoa / New Zealand
Nationwide
NZ Spend for Peace Boycott Day - part of the International 'Buy USA? No way!' Boycott Day on the anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq. For more info check out Spend for Peace or contact email.
Auckland
March and rally on the anniversary of the invasion of Iraq - Bush has US sights set on Syria, and the occupation of Iraq continues; starts at 12 noon from the bottom of Queen Street, then march to the Town Hall for the rally. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation; organised by Global Peace and Justice Auckland, for more info contact email or email.
Rotorua
Rally and march - sign a letter to Prime Minister Helen Clark calling for an end to the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan and withdrawal of all New Zealand military contributions, including troops, military equipment and intelligence; then march to MP Steve Chadwick's office to present signatures; assemble at 12 noon, at City Focus. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation; organised by Rotorua Peace and Justice, for more info contact Bernie tel (07) 345 9853 or email.
Palmerston North
Rally, followed by Palmy Peace Convoy to Wellington - three main strategies and demands: No New Zealand support for the wars of occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan; Defend civil liberties / No racist attacks; No nukes, never! Bring your friends, cars, noisemakers, banners, placards and flags to the rally, 9am in the railway land, Main Street; there will be a 'Palmy Peace Convoy' banner for those signing by who can't make it to Wellington, and the Convoy will leave from there. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation; for more info contact Kane tel (06) 354 7290 or email.
Kapiti Coast
Peace rally - with speakers, including Dame Laurie Salas, United Nations Association; and launch of public letter to the US ambassador; 11am, at Speakers Corner, outside Kapiti library. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation; organised by Peace Action Kapiti, for more info contact John Murray tel (04) 902 8855, Lei Clifford tel (04) 299 0012, Wickham Pack tel (04) 904 0409, or Paul Hockey tel (06) 364 5643.
Peace stall - 9am to 11am, outside the Post Shop, Coastlands. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation; organised by Peace Action Kapiti, for more info contact John Murray tel (04) 902 8855, Lei Clifford tel (04) 299 0012, Wickham Pack tel (04) 904 0409, or Paul Hockey tel (06) 364 5643.
Displays - in the Kapiti, Waikanae, Levin, and Otaki libraries in the week leading up to 20 March.
Wellington
All day peace presence at the US embassy - to mark the anniversary of the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Come along and be part of the peace presence for all or some of the day - there will be leaflets and other information, peace banners, and an area set aside for those who wish to engage in silent, contemplative or prayerful vigil. From 8am to 8pm, on the grassy area beside the embassy, Murphy Street; bring your peace banner/s, your leaflets, your family and friends, long strips of red ribbon or streamers to tie to the fence if you wish, and candles to light as it grows dark. Organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa and WILPF (Wellington), for more information contact tel (04) 382 8129, or email.
Rally at Civic Square then march to Cenotaph - all people and groups are invited to bring their messages of support for the people of Iraq and victims of the so-called 'War on Terrorism' everywhere; starts at 12 noon in Civic Square. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation; organised by Peace Action Wellington, for more info contact Valerie Morse, tel (04) 383 9315 or email.
Christchurch
March and rally on the anniversary of the invasion of Iraq - starts 2pm at the Museum, then heads to the Square. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation; organised by Peace Action Network Otautahi, for more info contact email.
Dunedin
Rally to mark the anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq - with speakers including Mayor Sukhi Turner; and collection of signatures for an Open Letter to local Labour MP and senior cabinet minister Pete Hodgson, demanding the immediate recall of all NZ military forces from Iraq and Afghanistan and respect for the right of the Iraqi people to their own political self-determination; 2pm in the Octagon. Part of the Global Day of Action Against War and Occupation; organised by Dunedin Coalition Against War, for more info contact Tim Bowron tel (03) 477 9525, email or Shaun Presow tel (03)477 7458, email.
More events will be listed on this web page as they are confirmed. If you wish to have details of your event included, please send the details to Peace Movement Aotearoa.
Peace Movement Aotearoa | Not in Our Name