Month: March 2019

Nearly 4,000 people gathered in central Auckland yesterday in a brilliant display of solidarity with the victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks, and in opposition to racism, Islamophobia and fascism. The march, organised by Love Aotearoa Hate Racism, began in Aotea Square, with the names of the victims of March 15’s mosque shootings read out by Bosnian refugee and trade union activist Hana Obradović. This was followed by a two-minute silence before the march moved off up Queen Street. The mood was defiant and energetic, with chants of "when migrant lives are under attack, stand up fight back!" and "the people, united, will never be defeated!" Up the front were a mix of flags and banners representing tangata whenua, the Migrant Workers Association, Dayenu: NZ Jews Against the Occupation, several…

Elliot Crossan interviewed Anu Kaloti of the Migrant Workers’ Association and Sher Singh of E tū Union on Sunday March 17, on behalf of Love Aotearoa Hate Racism. What was your first feeling when you heard about the attack? Anu: It was one, of disbelief.  Shock, horror, then fear, despair, anger.  All of those emotions, like a roller coaster within seconds. Sher: What the hell’s just happened?  What the hell has happened in this country?  At first it was like, ‘Am I awake? Is it a dream?  Is this really happening?’ Because, you know, especially for Aotearoa, no-one expects something like this. Straight after that, coming into the emergency meeting we had here [at Unite union], that’s when it really kicked in.  Especially when our comrade said, ‘This is a…

Love Aotearoa Hate Racism Press Release Love Aotearoa Hate Racism (LAHR) is anticipating an unprecedented turnout at our rally against Islamophobia and racism at Auckland's Aotea Square this Sunday, March 24, at 2pm. Organisers expect thousands to gather in a passionate and defiant display of unity following last Friday's massacre at two mosques in Christchurch. During a week of immense sorrow, with the families of the Muslim victims preparing to bury their loved ones, LAHR organisers and volunteers have been hard at work to ensure this is the biggest protest Aotearoa/NZ has ever seen. There will be an extensive list of speakers, including: Ibrar Sheikh, Secretary of the Federation of Islamic Associations of NZ;Campaigning journalist Nicky Hager;Ian Rintoul from Refugee Action Coalition SydneyGreen Party co-leader Marama Davidson MP;Mike Treen from…

After a beautiful day in which thousands of young people across Aotearoa marched for a better future, a chill has descended across this country. Far-right murderers have shot innocent Muslims in their holy mosques, and livestreamed it on Facebook and 4Chan. The true face of fascism is revealed once again. This is what happens when you believe the lies that they merely want “free speech” to advocate their genocidal ideology. They hate people of different ethnicities so much that they are prepared to commit terrorist crimes. Now more than ever, we must stand up in our millions as the true people of Aotearoa, and fight racism, fascism and Islamophobia in all forms. This is the inevitable consequence of politicians using rhetoric bashing migrants in order to gain support and votes.…