Pro-Palestine demonstrators make their way down Queen Street in Auckland, demanding the government impose sanctions on Israel. Photo: Nick Monro / RNZ
Main roads in Auckland's CBD are being re-opened by police after a pro-Palestinian demonstration.
About 20,000 people participated in the 'March for Humanity', calling on the government to sanction Israel.
The march started at Aotea Square on Saturday morning and finished at Victoria Park that afternoon.
Counter-protesters followed the large wave of people as they made their way through the city, waving Palestine flags and slogans reading "Don't normalise Genocide" and "Grow a Spine, Stand with Palestine".
At the back of the protest, police provided a human barrier separating them from a group of counter-protesters chanting "Free the Hostages" and "Down with Hamas".
Meanwhile, a second group of about 50 people, believed to be affiliated to Destiny Church, earlier shouted at the main protest group and performed a haka, before being moved on by police.
Police said just before 2pm protesters had started dispersing, and they would continue to monitor those who remained gathered.
They said there were no major issues during the protest action.
Although initially intended to proceed across the Auckland Harbour Bridge, that plan was abandoned due to forecast high winds.
MetService said wind gusts could reach up to 70kmh on the bridge at the time of the march, and protest organisers said that meant it would be too dangerous to walk across.
Aotearoa for Palestine spokesperson Nadine Mortaja said it would be the largest march for Palestine in New Zealand's history.
In addition to their key demand for New Zealand to sanction Israel, organisers were calling for an immediate unconditional ceasefire; and an immediate end to the blockade and reinstatement of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) to allow life-saving aid to safely enter Gaza.
Green Party co-leader, Marama Davidson, said the pro-Palestinian protesters showed leadership where the government hasn't.
Davidson, joined by fellow Green MPs Ricardo Menéndez March and Steve Abel praised the strong turnout, and said she's grateful to be a part of the movement advocating for Palestine.
See how today's march unfolded:
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