In the aftermath of the overturning of Roe v Wade and subsequent developments (both in the United States and in the National Party here in New Zealand), feminist protests offering solidarity to the US and reaffirming the commitment to maintain & expand safe, legal, free abortion access in NZ occurred in various centers around the country. Chiefly as of writing these demonstrations have been held in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Napier, and Hamilton. On July 16th Dunedin joined this list, with a rally numbering somewhere over 150 in the lower Octagon.

There’s not so much to say about this demonstration, primarily because there was no opposition of forces to comment on and because legal, safe, free, and readily accessible reproductive healthcare is far from a controversial position for myself or I suspect most readers of this blog. Some debate could be had as to the relevance of such events in the US to NZ, and whether this is in some way allowing Americans to set the terms of political action here. However, given the paucity of protest activity at the moment it’s hard to argue the resources are being tapped from other vital social movements. Nor could it be said that the current (and quite recent) legality of abortion in NZ is a set in stone norm, I think the way the overturning of Roe v Wade played out is lesson enough there.

A repeat theme between the speakers was the very fact that serious improvements to abortion access can still be made here in NZ, and that it is far from a ‘women’s issue’ alone. I personally see these rallies as a kind of off-season training session for the local feminist movement, a practice run and demonstration of willingness to fight in the eventuality a change in government or policy direction sees access rolled back. Such activity serves a purpose in ‘quiet times’, it keeps people engaged and in high spirits, it furthermore keeps people in the practice of movement activity as well. So while one might be disinterested in a fight that is perceived (perhaps incorrectly) to be a theoretical issue, it has its uses nonetheless. There are worse ways to spend a sunny, if chilly, afternoon anyway. Below are some of the better photos I took.