Banners Over Bridges: The Power of Peaceful Protesting

NEWS | HEALTH

Written by Nabeelah Khan (she/her) | @nabeelahkhann | Contributing Writer

In the face of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a small but dedicated group in Auckland is determined to keep the issue in the public eye. Known informally as Banners for Palestine, this grassroots initiative waves banners over the motorways of Tāmaki Makaurau every Saturday, aiming to raise awareness about the atrocities unfolding in Gaza and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Emerging from a wider network of movements across Aotearoa and the globe, Banners for Palestine began six months ago in January. A spokesperson from the group reflected on its origins, explaining, "We thought that the rallies weren’t reaching beyond those already committed. So, we thought, why not reach out to the general public?"

The idea that sparked the movement was simple yet powerful: large banners that could speak as loudly as a rally. With this in mind, the group started positioning themselves on bridges over busy motorways, capturing the attention of passersby. “We go on the various bridges over the motorways where there's a lot of traffic, every Saturday for the past six months,” the spokesperson says.

The kaupapa of the project is not just about voicing protest but creating a consciousness among those who may not follow social media or actively engage in political discussions. “We hope it creates awareness for a lot of people who know about what’s happening in Gaza but don’t engage with it,” the spokesperson explains. “It’s about making them see that this is still happening.”

In addition to raising awareness through its banners hung over bridges, the group plans to increase its activities, shifting to a bi-weekly schedule that alternates between motorways and more centralized locations like town centres, furthering conversations within communities.

The project has not been without its difficulties. Participants have had to develop practical skills, such as crafting banners that can withstand harsh winds, using bamboo sticks for sturdiness, and perfecting their method of hanging them. Another challenge has been dealing with aggressive reactions from pedestrians, drivers, and the police. However, the group has adopted humour as a tool for de-escalating conflict. “We’ve had largely positive interactions with the police,” the spokesperson shares, “and humour really helps diffuse any tension.”

Despite the challenges, there have been several standout moments for the group. A particularly memorable event occurred at Eden Park during a rugby game, where participants braved harsh weather conditions for four hours to ensure their message was seen. Another instance was in Ponsonby where the banners sparked significant public engagement at crossing intersections, with many people stopping to ask questions and show support. An additional key moment took place on Karangahape Road, where the response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, with shop owners and restaurant patrons expressing their support for the initiative. 

As Banners for Palestine continues to grow, the group encourages broader community participation. Whether through honking in support while driving by or starting conversations about Palestine after seeing the banners, the initiative seeks new ways to engage the public. By maintaining a visible and consistent presence in public spaces, the group aims to raise awareness and spark dialogue about the war on Gaza.

For Banners for Palestine, the message is clear: this is a peaceful way of making a loud statement.

Banners for Palestine demonstrating on the Walmsley Road overbridge in Māngere. Photo by Nabeelah Khan, 24 August 2024.