ŌTAUTAHI/CHRISTCHURCH — The StopWars Aotearoa coalition is calling on all New Zealanders who believe in peace and sovereignty to take to the streets this Saturday, April 11th.

The fragile and temporary ceasefire with Iran has not stopped Israel from a massive escalation of its attacks on Lebanon. The slaughter has not ended.

There will be a flag waving and music from 12.30 at the Bridge of Remembrance. Demonstrators will gather for a rally and march at 1pm.

"New Zealand cannot stay silent as Trump and Netanyahu wage war on another country and its people," said Joe Carolan, spokesperson for StopWars Aotearoa. "We have a proud tradition of nuclear-free, independent foreign policy in this country. That means speaking out — loudly and clearly — against illegal and immoral wars."

The rally will feature a powerful and diverse line-up of speakers representing politics, labour, peace and community movements:

Donna Miles-Mojab – Iranian journalist and Stuff columnist

Aurora Garner-Randolph – Peace Action Ōtautahi

Paul Watson – former First Union secretary

Kahurangi Carter – Green Party MP

Jeremy Moses – lecturer at University of Canterbury

Josephine Varghese – lecturer at University of Canterbury

Yasser Abdulaal – Gaza-born Ōtautahi activist

Nancy McShane – PSA delegate at the local health board.

Maryam Sharifkhani – Iranian academic from University of Canterbury.

There will be music along the way.

StopWars Aotearoa is a broad coalition bringing together peace activists, community organisations, unions, and concerned citizens united in opposition to war and imperialism. Saturday's action is part of a growing international movement as people around the world refuse to accept endless war as inevitable.

All are welcome. Bring your friends, your family, your banners.

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