21 Whiringa-ā-nuku 2026
21 October 2026

Newsletter No 263

Three steps for Palestinian solidarity this week

1) Click here to send this message to Wellington City Councilors

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To Wellington City Councilors
councillors@wcc.govt.nz

Thank you from Palestine

Congratulations on your decisive 14 to one vote to end procurement from companies on the UNHRC list of businesses profiting from illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land.

It is a small but significant step in beginning to hold Israel to account for ethnic cleansing, stealing Palestinian land and thumbing its nose at international law. It also helps ensure Wellington ratepayer money is not used to support companies involved in war crimes.

Thank you.

(your name)

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2 Share the All out for Gaza election ranking meme below on your social media pages:

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3 Go to the PSNA website at www.psna.nz, click on the social media link and spend five minutes liking, sharing and following our social media accounts.

Items in this newsletter

Nationwide rallies/marches/flagwavings this week
Local body campaign win in Wellington
Kaikoura District Council edges forward
“Thank you Auckland” – today’s full-page ad in the NZ Herald
IDF soldiers not welcome in New Zealand
Where do our political parties stand on sanctions against Israel?
Get Free Palestine Party leaflets
Election activity ramps up around the country
PSNA – S’bu Zikode and Hāhona Ormsby – upcoming tours
International action by dockworkers targeting Israeli goods
Tertiary Education Union puts Palestine into contract negotiations
Highly-recommended speech from Yousef Sammour
Important stories this week

Films, books, performances, Palestinian culture

“Gaza: Anatomy of a genocide” new book by
The best reason to buy a Sally Rooney book
Threads of Resilience workshop

Regular items

“Sitting on the Fence” documentary now available for general release
Your KiwiSaver may be funding violations of Palestinian rights
Join the ICC Six watch
MPs Complicit with Genocide
Keep spreading the message about the Genocide Hotline!
Annual Palestinian Solidarity Dates
How to Donate
Palestine Solidarity Groups around Aotearoa

Nationwide rallies/marches/MP protests/vigils this week

To view events around Aotearoa:

We have an events page on our website as well as a Facebook events page

PSNA Website events page:

You can find it here – www.PSNA.nz/Events

The QR code for the PSNA website events page is this:

It is updated on Wednesday afternoon and ongoing as events are notified to us. Please check back on Friday afternoon to see if there has been Additions or Changes.

Or go to the PSNA Homepage – www.PSNA.nz. Scroll down to the "Events" image on the banner line. Check back on Friday for any moves, adds or changes

PSNA Facebook events page

Go to the PSNA Facebook events page here

There are more than 30 events around the Motu this week.

Local Body campaign steps up a gear with win in Wellington last week

Hot on the heels of our procurement motion passing in Invercargill last month, Wellington City Council followed last week with our most decisive vote for Palestine yet.

Around the council table the vote was 14 to one in favour of refusing procurement from companies on the United Nations Human Rights Council list of businesses helping in the building and maintenance of illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Here is our media release on this latest win: (the release is on our website here)

Well done Wellington City Council! Thanks for standing up while the government ignores Israeli war crimes across Palestine

PSNA is congratulating the Wellington City Council which this afternoon (Thursday 15 October) voted 14 to one in favour of a motion to end procurement from companies on the United Nations Human Rights Council list of businesses profiting from illegal Israeli settlements.

It was an overwhelming vote in favour of Palestine with just Councillor Nicola Young isolated as being the only voter against the policy remit.

“This is our most decisive vote in favour of the motion so far” says PSNA Spokesperson Rinad Tamimi. “The one councillor who voted negatively didn’t even speak out against it.”

“We have positive momentum in line with public opinion which is solidly with Palestine and we expect more local bodies to follow with similar motions in the coming weeks and months”

Wellington joins Christchurch, Invercargill, Nelson, Palmerston North, Environment Canterbury and Environment Southland in taking similar action. Wellington adopted a policy last year of ceasing to invest in Israeli government bonds and Israeli state enterprises.

“This latest move by the capital city is a powerful symbol of international solidarity, while Palestinians are being ethnically cleansed from their land and homes in the Occupied West Bank and the genocide continues in Gaza.”

“Palestinians will take heart from this decision” says Tamimi. “It reaffirms Palestinian calls for Boycott Divestment and Sanctions to pressure Israel to end its genocide and apartheid practices.”

“A similar international boycott campaign helped end apartheid in South Africa and can play the same role to end Israeli apartheid.”

Kaikoura Council adopts ethical guide to procurement – needs to try harder and specify illegal Israeli settlements!

And from Gore…

“Thank you Auckland” – full page advertisement in the NZ Herald this morning

IDF soldiers not welcome in New Zealand

These two soldiers were in central Christchurch on Saturday defending genocide in Gaza, apartheid and ethnic cleansing in the Occupied West Bank.

They are welcome here by our racist Foreign Minister Winston Peters but if you see them around New Zealand let them know they are not welcome here by New Zealanders.

At this stage of the election campaign where do our main political parties stand on sanctions for Israel?

ACT: No sanctions. Has the most outspoken MPs in support of Israel.

Green Party: Introduced Sanction Israel Bill, based in sanctions against Russia. Promises ‘recognition of Palestine and sanctions against Israel’. “It is time to sanction Israel and it is time to expel the Israeli ambassador” - Ricardo Menéndez March

Labour: Supports the Greens’ Bill. States it will end procurement and investment in companies on UN Human Rights Council list, which profit from illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

National: Bans immigration of some West Bank settlers and two ministers – specifically not ‘the government of Israel’. No action at all on the Gaza genocide. Deteriorating voting record in the UN.

New Zealand First: Leader holds post of Foreign Minister. No sanctions on Israel. Welcomes Israeli soldiers and visitors.

Te Pāti Māori: Comprehensive sanctions on Israel and expel the US Ambassador too. ‘Stands unequivocally with the people of Palestine’.

TOP: Supports ‘two-state solution’ but no sanctions policy.

If they won’t sanction Israel – don’t give them your vote!

Free Palestine Party leaflets

You can order Free Palestine Party leaflets by emailing secretary@palfree.nz

And you can watch the great 15 second TV ad for the Free Palestine Party at these times:

Election activity ramps up around the country

Check out our social media channels from here https://www.psna.nz/social-media

In Tūranganui-a-Kiwa/Gisborne these posters hit the streets recently (The woman on the right is local National MP Dana Kirkpatrick)

And in Ōtautahi/Christchurch…

From Gisborne…

And Greymouth…

“A quick report: 10 October was the biggest protest we've had for a very long time with some wonderful new, young energy and a lot of toots of support plus local media interest. We're having a follow up flag waving, kite flying next Saturday. In solidarity.”

PSNA – S’bu Zikode and Hāhona Ormsby – upcoming tours

Check the PSNA website here for details or use the QR code:

International action by dockworkers

Palestine enters collective agreement negotiations at the Tertiary Education Union

Message from the Tertiary Education Union:

This week, TEU members go on strike and in many places, the claim about UniSaver divesting from genocide is one of the key issues for membership. At Te Herenga Waka Victoria University, we are striking for three Ps - pay, precarity and Palestine. On Wednesday, we encourage you to be a loud and visible supporter of this claim if you are at one of the six sites where this is on the table - take your banners, flags and placards.

One thing we are receiving questions about is why this is an issue for bargaining. Here is our response:

The higher contribution rates to UniSaver are an employer benefit and these are commonly negotiated as part of bargaining
Bargaining is one of the key mechanisms for us as a collective of workers to be in discussion with our employer. Palestine is a key concern for many of us so it is entirely appropriate that that collective concern is raised there
We should be working through our union however possible because unions have long been a mechanism for international solidarity. Palestinian university workers and students have called for international solidarity - we are responding to that in union
The status quo is members' money being invested in weapons and that is something both the union and employers should be deeply concerned about
UniSaver told us to work through VCs and a VC told us to work through the union; so we are following the process suggested to us by both the employer and the fund holder.

Finally, our friends at Justice for Palestine, Dayenu, Amnesty, and Mindful Money have all written letters to the VCs at the six universities restating why divestment is necessary, right and actually very straightforward. University money should not be used to invest in weapons, automated murder, and to steal land through illegal settlements.

Our sense is that this is a really crucial moment in this bit of work in solidarity with Palestine. So go hard.

In solidarity
Uni Workers for Palestine

Highly recommended October 10 Speech from Youssef Sammour – Tamaki-based Palestinian

The article describing Youssef’s speech is here

Important stories this week

Editor’s picks

Is Israeli prison escapee Ayham Kamamji finally free? here
Life is an endless battle in Gaza here
Luke Thomas review of Naza here (video)
Inside the fight to stop Israel-bound weapons at the East Coast’s biggest port here
Worried about Russian meddling in UK politics? Wait till you see what Israel is up to here (Jonathan Cook)

Films, books, performances, Palestinian culture:

“Gaza – Anatomy of a Genocide” by Peter Macky

Book Launch in Tamaki Makaurau

The book examines the events in Gaza over the past three years and the circumstances surrounding them.

Emeritus Professor Michael Neill, of the University of Auckland, says

"I admire this book enormously — its energy, its intelligence, its meticulous research, and its careful concern for history. I know of nothing like it."

Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026
Time: 5:30 pm for 6:00 pm start
Venue: Kahui St David’s, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland

Getting there: Kāhui St David’s is accessible by public transport. Grafton Train Station is a ten-minute walk. Bus stops on Khyber Pass Road and Park Road are nearby. For routes and departure times, please consult the Auckland Transport Journey Planner. There’s plenty of free off-street immediately adjacent to the venue and paid on-street and paid parking in the surrounding area.

Admission is free, but registration is required.

Click here to confirm your attendance: https://events.humanitix.com/book-launch-gaza-anatomy-of-a-genocide

The book is 420 pages, illustrated, and signed copies will be for sale for $40 — cash, payWave or bank deposit (no EFTPOS). It will also be available in bookshops or post-free from the publisher: info@steeleroberts.co.nz — www.steeleroberts.co.nz

“I do hope you can join me, my publisher, Roger Steele of Steele Roberts Aotearoa and our guests for what will be a memorable occasion” Peter Macky.

Threads of resilience

The best reason to go out and buy a Sally Rooney book

Sally Rooney’s books taken off shelves in Britain here

Regular items

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“Sitting on the Fence” now available online

In Sitting On The Fence, Kiwi voices speaking truth to power in Aotearoa, US and Israel over their complicity in genocide have at last been given the platform that those in Parliament, the media and diplomacy have sought to silence.” Jane Kelsey - Emeritus Professor of Law, Auckland University, Aotearoa / New Zealand

Sitting On The Fence is now available to watch online in New Zealand.

The film can be viewed at this link www.sittingonthefence.tv. Please share on your social media networks.

And from Ilan Pappe…

**Ilan Pappe, Israeli historian / author, Professor at Exeter University UK**

When asked to comment on the kiwi film by Daniel Cleary well-known Israeli historian Ilan Pappe has high praise:

“Albert Einstein said that "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” This includes those politicians in New Zealand who sat on the fence, and still do, during the most televised genocide in our times. But Sitting On The Fence and some of the brave critics interviewed in it give us hope that complicity is not only exposed but can also be challenged. This film is a tribute to the few who did not remain silent and a harsh indictment of those who will be judged for being on the wrong side of the history of New Zealand and of Palestine. This is not just a film about complicity in New Zealand, but how the silence in New Zealand tragically epitomises that of the world”

You can watch the film here: www.sittingonthefence.tv

Your KiwiSaver may be funding violations of Palestinian rights

Important message from Barry Coates – founder and CEO of Mindful Money

(Website: mindfulmoney.nz. Join our mailing list here)

The judgement won by PSNA forcing the NZ Super Fund to review its investments in four companies that violate the rights of Palestinian people was important. It also sends a warning across the bow of KiwiSaver and other investment funds funds. You may not realise it, but your KiwiSaver might be invested in those four companies.

Mindful Money is a charity that tracks investment in KiwiSaver, including companies on the United Nations Human Rights Council database of companies involved in the building and maintenance of illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. Our analysis shows there is even more invested in the four companies by KiwiSaver funds than by the NZ Super Fund.

So what can you do? Check your fund – it is free, quick and easy to do so. Go to www.mindfulmoney.nz, type in the name of your KiwiSaver fund into the Fund Checker, click the button ‘Show Companies’ and look for the companies with an OPT symbol. If you see any of those companies in your fund, write to your fund manager (the address is on your KiwiSaver statement) and tell them you don’t want your savings going to those companies.

If you want to shift to a fund that doesn’t invest in those companies, use the Fund Finder to find a Mindful Ethical Fund. You can also use the same website for non-KiwiSaver managed funds.

It’s your money. Don’t let it be used to fund companies that violate human rights.

Join the ICC Six Watch

Share the poster on social media – keep alert – email ICC6@PSNA.nz if you find where any of these six genocide deniers are due to show up.

Keep spreading the message about the Genocide Hotline!

Remember possible action for local groups

For groups affiliated to PSNA we suggest the following actions could be taken at any time in support of this campaign

Asking your local backpacker accommodation to display the poster and draw it to the attention of any Israeli soldiers here on “rest and recreation” from the genocide.
Pasting the hotline poster (use the version in this newsletter which includes a contact email) around the vicinity of backpacker venues in your local area. This is already happening in some areas.
Hand out flyers to people in the vicinity of your local backpackers
Contact us on the hotline if you come across Israeli soldiers

Merchandise for sale - please check with your local branch and/or contact us Merchandise@PSNA.nz

**Recent new material – leaflets and stickers are free the bucket hats and caps are $25**

If your local branch does not have what you are after we are ready to mail to you any of our t-shirts, long ($35) and short ($30) sleeved, hoodies ($45) bumper stickers ($3), Tino/Palestine pins ($3) flags large & medium ($10 or $7) and other items plus postage.

The watermelon and the fist stickers will be back in stock early next week.

See more on the PSNA website here.

Reminder: Annual Dates for Palestine Solidarity

28 Mar – 4 Apr Israel Apartheid Week

30 Mar Land Day Palestine

5 Apr Palestinian Childs Day

9 Apr Deir Yassin massacre - Irgun Terrorism - 107-120 Palestinian men, women and children massacred

17 Apr Palestinian Prisoners Day

11 May World Kufiya Day

15 May Nakba Day – marking the mass ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Palestine in 1948

5 Jun Nakba Day - Start of 1967 War - Land Grab – Invasion of Jerusalem, West Bank, Gaza, Egypt and Syria - 5 June 1967 – 10 June 1967

20 Jun Attack on Gaza - 6–21 May 2021 (2 weeks and 1 day)

16-18 Sep 40th anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila massacres

28 Sep Second Intifada - 28 Sept 2000 – 8 Feb 2005

2 Nov Balfour Declaration

29 Nov United Nations - International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

8 Dec "First Intifada - 8 Dec 1987 – 13 Sept 1993

Are you able to donate a cup of coffee a month to the campaign?

We will need some serious money to make our campaign as effective as possible. For example, we will need somewhere in the vicinity of $25,000 to bring speakers to New Zealand over the next year and organise large public meetings to help spread the message.

You can help. Are you able to donate a cup of coffee a month to the campaign? In other words, can you afford to make an automatic payment of $5 per month to support the Palestinian struggle? (If you can afford more that would be great!)

Our account details are:

Account name: Palestine Solidarity Network
Account number: 38-9015-0849542-00

We are happy to provide a receipt upon request (however, we are not a registered charity so this is not tax-deductible)

Nationwide Rally list

To view events around Aotearoa:

Go to the PSNA Homepage – www.PSNA.nz. Scroll down to the button “For a list of events Nationwide, please click here - Check back often for updates”. Click the button. Check back on Friday for any moves, adds or changes
Or events are on the PSNA Facebook events page here
Or Scroll down to the bottom of this Newsletter for the detailed list of events for this week.
We have added a page to the PSNA website where we now post the Events list. You can find it here – www.PSNA.nz/Events

The QR code for this is:

It is updated on Wednesday afternoon and ongoing as events are notified to us. Please check back on Friday afternoon to see if there has been Additions or Changes.

More ways you can get involved

Forward this Newsletter – If you know people who may be interested in this movement, please forward this Newsletter to them.
Join in local activities in your area - Contact Secretary@PSNA.nz if you would like to know where and how to get Flags and Banners
Help set up a Students for Justice in Palestine groups on your campus
Tell Your MP your opinions on Divestment and Sanctions of Israel.
Write Letters to Newspapers – Call Talkback Radio
Keep in touch with the campaign on social media

o NZ Palestine Solidarity Network website: https://www.PSNA.nz

o NZ Palestine Solidarity Network Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/671376706283605/

o NZ Palestine Solidarity Network email: Secretary@PSNA.nz

The Palestine Human Rights Campaign produces the In Occupied Palestine newsletter. It is a regular daily newsletter on the daily situation in Palestine, compiled by Leslie Bravery and emailed to subscribers. If you would also like to become a subscriber, please contact Leslie at “lesliebravery @ icloud .com” (remove the spaces to use as an email address) for further information.
Keep Updated on our Facebook pages and websites (listed below)
Human rights for Uyghur refugees - In line with our support for human rights for the people of Palestine we have added our name to the petition in support of human rights for Uyghur refugees so they can be included in the government’s refugee quota. PSNA members who wish to also sign this petition can do so here - https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/open-letter-let-s-show-compassion-to-the-uyghur-community