Mobilise April 30 badge

item details

NameMobilise April 30 badge

ProductionNational Anti-War Mobilisation Liaison Committee; producer; 1971; New Zealand

Classificationbadges

Materialspaper, ink, metal, plastic

DimensionsOverall: 44mm (width), 44mm (height), 4mm (depth), 44mm (diameter)

Registration NumberGH024506

Credit lineGift of the Estate of Ron and Carmen Smith, 2015

Overview

This badge called for an anti-war mobilisation on 30 April 1971 to demonstrate against the Vietnam War (1959-1975) in which New Zealand troops were involved (from 1964 to 1972).

The Wellington-based National Anti-War Mobilisation Liaison Committee was formed in March 1971 to coordinate planning for the nationwide protest on 30 April 1971. The committee spread its message through badges, posters, leaflets, newsletters and newspaper advertisements. 'Out Now!' was a protest call used the anti-war movement around the world.

30 April 1971 saw the largest anti-war demonstration ever seen in New Zealand and was deemed a huge success for the anti-war movement. Up to 35,000 people took part in street demonstrations (which were mainly peaceful and orderly). Auckland had the largest turnout (10-15,000), followed by Christchurch (7-8000), Wellington (5000), and Dunedin (2300).* Protests were also held in many provincial cities: Hamilton, Masterton, Fielding, Wanganui, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Nelson.

*Statistics from Roberto Rabel (2005). New Zealand and the Vietnam War: Politics and Diplomacy. Auckland University Press: Auckland. Page 309.