Global Peace and Justice Auckland
Encyclopedia
Global Peace and Justice Auckland (GPJA) describes itself as "a network of people who provide a platform for individuals and groups to discuss and organise co-operatively on peace and justice issues." They are well known for organising the Auckland component of the global February 15, 2003 anti-war protest
that attracted 10, 000 people to protest the impending United States attack on Iraq.
GPJA also became notable when on March 19, 2005 a GPJA organised march of around 300 people who marched up Auckland's Queen Street
and into the ANZ Bank on the corner of Victoria and Queen Streets.
As a result of the bank occupation a stand off between GPJA organisers and police began. After about an hour of occupying the bank and the road outside five people were arrested for allegedly blocking the road. Police tried to arrest GPJA organiser Simon Oosterman
and protestors attempted to stop them resulting in violence between protestors and police.
February 15, 2003 anti-war protest
The February 15, 2003 anti-war protest was a coordinated day of protests across the world expressing opposition to the then-imminent Iraq War. It was part of a series of protests and political events that had begun in 2002 and continued as the war took place....
that attracted 10, 000 people to protest the impending United States attack on Iraq.
GPJA also became notable when on March 19, 2005 a GPJA organised march of around 300 people who marched up Auckland's Queen Street
Queen Street, Auckland
Queen Street is the major commercial thoroughfare in the Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand's main population centre. It starts at Queens Wharf on the Auckland waterfront, adjacent to the Britomart Transport Centre and the Downtown Ferry Terminal, and runs uphill for almost three kilometres in a...
and into the ANZ Bank on the corner of Victoria and Queen Streets.
As a result of the bank occupation a stand off between GPJA organisers and police began. After about an hour of occupying the bank and the road outside five people were arrested for allegedly blocking the road. Police tried to arrest GPJA organiser Simon Oosterman
Simon Oosterman
Simon Oosterman is a New Zealand political activist, trade unionist, and anarchist. He is best known for coordinating the Unite Union campaign Supersizemypay.com which targeted the fast food industry and contributed to the abolition of youth rates, a $12 minimum wage and the , and for his...
and protestors attempted to stop them resulting in violence between protestors and police.