Brian Tamaki is condemning some politicians for their attitude towards the Israel / Hamas conflict. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
At a rally in the grounds of Parliament attended by about 400 people, Bishop Brian Tamaki said "we have to stand on the right side of history and standing with Israel is right".
Bishop Tamaki and members of Destiny Church organised the rally as an expression of support for Israel.
Tamaki asked Foreign Minister Winston Peters not to call for a ceasefire.
The group presented a petition to the ACT Party's Simon Court which he accepted and spoke to the protesters about.
Tamaki thanked the ACT Party which received his petition to Members of Parliament calling for the Hamas and Hezbollah organisations to be declared as terrorist organisations and for any MPs who support them to be expelled from Parliament.
About 400 people attended the rally at Parliament grounds. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
In a statement released beforehand, Tamaki said there was no place in New Zealand for "Palestine/ Hamas sympathisers" or for anti-Semitic behaviour.
He said it was "shameful" to see Green MPs wearing keffiyeh (scarves) in Parliament on Tuesday and "embarrassing" Te Pāti/ Māori wanted the Israeli ambassador to New Zealand expelled from the country.
He also accused Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of being weak by calling for a ceasefire in the Israel/ Hamas conflict.
The rally at Parliament grounds Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
ACT's Simon Court told the group the petition would be read out in the House.
Court said it was important to stand with Israel.
The crowd did a haka once Court had finished speaking.
Police earlier said officers would be present at the protest to keep the peace and ensure people's safety.
About 250 people arrived early for the rally.
A pro-Palestian protest ahead of a rally at Parliament organised by Bishop Brian Tamaki as an expression of support for Israel. Photo: RNZ / Krystal Gibbens
Meanwhile, several hundred Palestinian supporters gathered on the corner of Lambton Quay and Whitmore Street, holding Palestinian flags and signs and chanting. Some said 'Aroha not hōhā, ceasefire now and toot for Gaza'.
Police had said there were no road closures or cordons planned, but they would be monitoring the event as a precaution.
They said they had advised organisers on how to protest safely and legally.
An RNZ reporter at the scene said the counter-protest had been peaceful although a couple of people going past with Israel flags were met with a rousing chant to free Palestine, while vehicles going past have been tooted their support.
The counter-protest ended with a karakia and organisers urged everyone to leave in groups for safety.
Earlier today, RNZ reported Foreign Minister Winston Peters is expected, later today, to call on all parties involved in the Gaza conflict to "take urgent steps towards establishing a ceasefire".
Parliament's agenda for this afternoon states that Peters will ask Parliament to express grave concern at the ongoing violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.
He will also "unequivocally condemn" the Hamas terror attacks of 7 October and call for the release of all hostages.
Peters will also move that Parliament recognises Israel's right to defend itself acting in accordance with international law and that all civilians be protected from armed conflict.
He had released a statement last Friday saying New Zealand was calling for all countries with influence in the region to work urgently towards a long-term ceasefire, but today's move will set that down on the Parliamentary record and allow the political parties to debate it.
