Why it matters:

The turnout reflects growing public anger over the Israeli genocide in Gaza, which has killed nearly 63,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian local health authorities. Solidarity marches across the world have become a focal point for pressuring governments to halt arms sales to the Israeli regime and back an immediate ceasefire.

The big picture:

Organisers of Aotearoa for Palestine said about 50,000 people attended the rally, while New Zealand police estimated the crowd at 20,000.

The demonstration, called the March for Humanity, took place peacefully with no arrests reported. Roads along the march route were later reopened.

Inspired by a rally in Sydney last month that closed the Harbour Bridge, organisers had hoped to shut down a major Auckland bridge but dropped the plan due to strong winds.

What they’re saying:

Arama Rata, spokesperson for Aotearoa for Palestine group: “This was New Zealand’s largest march for Gaza since the conflict began. It shows that people here will not remain silent in the face of genocide.”

On the ground:

• Police in Auckland confirmed there were no arrests and described the event as “well managed.
• International human rights groups and UN officials say the Israeli regime is committing war crimes and collective punishment.
• Public rallies in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and the Americas have increasingly demanded accountability from Western governments supplying the Israeli regime with weapons.

Go deeper:

New Zealand’s government has faced calls to suspend military cooperation with the Israeli regime, though Wellington has so far limited itself to humanitarian assistance pledges.