Justice for Palestine will lead a protest march on Saturday 4th October 2025, starting at 11am from Pukeahu War Memorial Park in Wellington, to mark 2 years of Israel's escalated violence and genocide against Palestine. The march demonstrates the steadfast commitment of the people of Aotearoa to justice for the people of Palestine, while condemning the New Zealand government's unconscionable refusal to act against genocide.

Palestinians have endured 78 years of occupation, displacement, and violence since the Nakba of 1948, when over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their homes and land. What began with the violent seizure of Palestinian territory has continued through decades of military occupation, apartheid, settlement expansion, systematic oppression, and violence.

Over the past two years, the world has witnessed with unprecedented clarity what Palestinians have always known. The veil has been lifted. Global consciousness has shifted as millions have seen undeniable evidence of Israel's violations of international law, brutal violence, and human rights abuses. Yet despite this global awakening, the New Zealand government continues its profound failure of leadership, refusing to take a principled stand when courage is required and international law demands it.

While 150+ countries including Canada, Australia, France and the UK have recognised Palestinian statehood, New Zealand's leaders have chosen diplomatic cowardice over moral courage. This tacit enabling of violence through inaction stands in stark contrast to any of their hollow statements of concern.

Our hīkoi represents not just anger, disappointment, and sadness, but affirms the steadfast commitment the people of Aotearoa have to Palestine. We stand together with Sumud (Palestinian steadfastness) and Kia Manawanui (Aotearoa's perseverance) and demand immediate:

• Sanctions against Israel
• Recognition of Palestinian statehood

When the march arrives at Odlins Plaza, speakers will address the crowd, solidarity stalls will offer ways to take action in support of Palestine, and we will demonstrate that while our government may fail to act, the people of Aotearoa stand firm in our commitment to humanity and to justice for Palestine.

Event details

• 4th October 2025 - start at 11am
• Route: Pukeahu War Memorial Park to Odlins Plaza (arriving at c. 12.30pm)

Confirmed speakers:

• Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau
• Adi Leason - Samuel Leason’s (who was onboard the flotilla headed to Gaza) father
• Reverend Philippa Young - Anglican Priest and representative of Aotearoa Christians for Peace in Palestine.
• Ayah Kayed - Student Justice for Palestine Pōneke
• El-Matary - Justice for Palestine

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