'Stop the Gulf War' poster

This poster advertised a march to Parliament on 15 January 1991, the deadline set by the United Nations for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait after its invasion on 2 August 1990. The three gas masks illustrate the fear of the use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons if war was to go ahead. The red ink and mixed fonts bring a visceral and urgent feel to the poster.

Many New Zealanders took to the streets in protest during the Gulf crisis and war. When Iraq invaded Kuwait, New Zealand joined many other countries in condemning the invasion as an illegal act of aggression.

New Zealand was part of the coalition force to liberate Kuwait, which was led by the United States and mandated by the United Nations. Gulf crisis coalitions were formed in Auckland and Wellington to campaign for a peaceful resolution. National Days of Action were held throughout New Zealand on 15‒16 January 1991 as the war was about to start.

Operation Desert Storm began on 17 January 1991, with New Zealand providing limited military support. During January and February there were protest marches, petitions, vigils, picketing of the United States consulate, white-ribbon days, street stalls, street theatre, church services, and graffiti and anti-war posters on city walls throughout the country calling for peace. The United States and Iraq announced a ceasefire on 28 February 1991, but harsh economic sanctions and military actions against Iraq continued during the 1990s, and were supported by the New Zealand government.