Archive footage of New Zealanders protesting against the Vietnam War. New Zealand entered the war in 1965 to support the United States and its allies. The Vietnam War protests began small–among peace activists and leftist intellectuals on college campuses–but gained national prominence in 1965, after … Protests were small-scale at first, but as the war dragged on the opposition grew. Thousands of Demonstrators turn out in Washington, D.C. to protest the war. The Vietnam War, also known as the Second Indochina War, was fought between America and the Communist forces in Vietnam. From the 1970’s onwards other grievances felt throughout New Zealand society began to emerge. The Anti-Vietnam War protests began as relatively small and radical, gaining traction as the War itself escalated and our troop commitment increased. Protests were occurring nationwide, and a trend of dissent encouraged protest against New Zealand’s involvement in the Vietnam War to emerge. Flag burning at an anti-Vietnam War protest. The PYM focussed mainly on the issue of the Vietnam War and other foreign issues also, not just the ones that seemed to pose a … New techniques. It was founded in Auckland in 1964 by three young schoolteachers. Anti-Vietnam War protests in Auckland nzhistory.govt.nz. Vietnam War Protest NZ . Consequently a gradual increase in protest activity began to be seen and the era of the late 1950's-1970's became heavily identified with protest. An anti-Vietnam War protest march through central Wellington. Some protesters were pacifists opposed to all wars, while others objected to what they saw as US and New Zealand intervention in a civil war on behalf of an oppressive government. Vietnam was the first war in which New Zealand did not fight alongside the British, but there was a reassuring Commonwealth presence in the form of Australia. Key Idea: South Vietnam's premier Ky's visit to New Zealand was an immediate cause of protest against the Vietnam War in NZ. Banners with slogans like ‘This is an Unjust War’ and ‘All You Need is Love’ were used to promote the protest march’s message and solicit public support. Anti-Vietnam Protest action paved the way for protest on a wide range of issues throughout New Zealand society. They squelch through the damp grass and mud to a section of civil Vietnam - war without end - NZ Herald The Vietnam War left a strong legacy of injustice in New Zealand felt by many of the troops who served in the war.The treatment of veterans was not resolved until 1998 when the first Vietnam Parade occurred in Wellington, where veterans received recognition for their service in the Vietnam War. Protesters march on the United States Consulate in Auckland, 21 April 1972. This demonstration was held in conjunction with the National Anti-War Conference at Auckland University. https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/video/anti-vietnam-war-protest Opposition to the war was widespread ranging from young radical youth to older middle class academics. In April, protesters disrupt a reception for Vietnam War veterans of 161 Battery who accused the soldiers of being murderers and threw red paint, symbolising Vietnamese blood. Protest escalated as gruesome images of the war were broadcast on NZ television. In 1963 Prime Minister Keith Holyoake agreed to send non-combatant troops into the Vietnam War. Here are some we recommend that will help you with your search for causes, … As more NZ combat troops were sent into Vietnam the number of protests reached into the tens of thousands as more people were radicalized and the government was confronted with a significant issue. D espite the lack of impact it had militarily in New Zealand, the protest movement shifted the support for the issues of the Vietnam War from the small groups and individuals to mainstream culture. New Zealand’s effort was closely aligned with that of its trans-Tasman neighbour, especially after … New Zealand Prime Minister K.J. The arrival of South Vietnam's premier, Air Vice Marshal Nguyen Cao Ky in 1967 provided an opportunity for anti-war protesters to brand him an illegitimate leader and raise questions surrounding the legitamcy NZ's involvement in Vietnam. As the Vietnam War came to a close the anti-war protest movements began to decline. On a larger scale, SOCIETY changed as a result of the protest. Tim Shadbolt was a key figure in the anti-Vietnam War movement who spurred youth into an active protest approach. John Miller photographed the anti-Vietnam War protest movement in Auckland and Wellington in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Four Vietnam veterans arrive at Waikumete Cemetery in West Auckland with a blue chillybin. Vietnam: hostile return home. This movement consisted of the largest amount of protest from the many counter-culture movements during this era. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Key Points: Vietnam war protesters have welcomed an apology to veterans but say the Government should also apologise to the people of Vietnam. Key Idea: A shift to a broad range of protests issues in NZ was a long-term consequence of protest against the Vietnam War in NZ. Inspired by the controversial protests in other parts of the western world, they used innovative and direct action in order to generate publicity for their cause. One focus of protest was the Vietnam War. 1967: two members of the left-wing Progressive Youth Movement laid a protest wreath on Anzac Day in Christchurch and were subsequently convicted of disorderly behaviour.Further incidents followed at later Anzac Days as protestors sought to bring attention to their anti-war cause. This topic covers the anti-war protests, defence forces, action in Vietnam, apology from the Crown, compensation for veterans and refugees from Vietnam. The PYM, founded in 1964 by three young teachers, advocated for the radicalisation of protest … There are many websites that have information on the Vietnam War. Anti-Vietnam War sentiment in New Zealand followed the pattern established in the US and Australia. S090 New Zealand and the Vietnam War. 1967: 21 arrests during an Auckland protest against the visit of South Vietnam’s Premier, Air Vice-Marshal Ky. Born in 1947, Shadbolt was a student anti-war activist during the 1960s and 1970s and a leader of AUSAPOCPAH (the Auckland University Society for the Active Prevention of Cruelty to Politically Apathetic Humans) founded in 1968. The Anti-War Movement had a significant impact on New Zealand as a nation. However, New Zealand’s involvement in Vietnam was subject to much controversy and many chose to express their anti-war sentiments in protest during the 1960s and 1970s. The anti-Vietnam war protest movement was significant in society, as it brought issues of the war from radical groups to the public and political landscape. DigitalNZ. Much of the public was disillusioned with government policy and felt that the war was a horrifyingly violent one with so many deaths, a war in which New Zealand should not be contributing. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. It was one of the most active and militant groups to emerge in the counter-culture movement. The families of veterans and the veterans themselves were negatively impacted and exposed to much resentment from the public.Hippies were also impacted by the movement in being able to explore alternative lifestyles. The Committees on Vietnam was established in 1965 with branches nationwide and was another anti-Vietnam War protest group that played a significant role in the protest movement. Those who headed the protest groups radicalised protesting in New Zealand. The counter-culture movement reflected anti-authoritarian, anti-war and pacifist forces, and the increased protest activity and the radicalization of protest groups stemmed from prime minister Holyoake's decision to send New Zealand troops in 1965, as well as the visits from US president Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966 and the South Vietnamese Premier Air Vice Marshall Ky in 1967. He was still at school when he took his first images of the protest movement in … Key Idea: The actions of the Committees on Vietnam (COV) played a significant role in protesting against the Vietnam War in NZ. The Progressive Youth Movement was one of the most prominent counter-culture protest groups in New Zealand. Key Idea: An increase in protest was a long term cause of the Anti-Vietnam War Protest Movement in NZ. Holyoake was reluctant to commit troops and was drawn into the Vietnam War due to the pressure from America to uphold the ANZUS and SEATO treaty’s, which had been signed in 1951 and 1954. Watch this silent film of a 1967 anti-Vietnam march leaving Wellington’s Victoria University for a rally at Parliament. Street marches against the war occurred as early as 1964, but its escalation and mounting costs increased opposition. The protests opposed New Zealand committing troops to fight in Vietnam in support of America in opposition to the Viet Cong in communist north Vietnam. New Zealand Counter-Culture Movement The blossoming counter-culture movement in New Zealand was a huge factor in how protest movement against Vietnam … This movement soon gained a reputation as being the most militant and forceful of the counter culture groups of the time. The Vietnam War was the first war in which New Zealanders carried out significant protest. This particular protest was part of a national anti-war 'mobilisation' held on 30 April 1971. The Anti-Vietnam War protest had a large effect on the New Zealand society as it lead many changes in attitude, values, government policies and also on how people perceived situations. The Progressive Youth Movement was an important anti-war group who radicalised youth protest in New Zealand. Police leading away an anti-Vietnam War protester, 1971 (NZHerald/newspix.co.nz) Anti-war protesters disrupted a civic reception in Auckland for New Zealand soldiers returning from the Vietnam War.. 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