KEY GROUPS
PYM Protest Auckland 1964- Key Idea: The actions of the Progressive Youth Movement (PYM) played a significant role in protesting against the Vietnam War in NZ.
Other branches of the PYM began to open across the country although these were autonomous and significantly varied. By 1970 there were larger branches in Wellington and Christchurch and smaller ones in Hamilton, Palmerston North, Rotorua and Napier. In Dunedin the Dunedin Anarchist Army took on the role that the PYM would have, further fueling the anarchistic tendencies of the group that upset politicians. Norman Kirk, leader of the Labour Party upon hearing the groups intentions of holding a march on Anzac day said 'the public is sick and tired of them and their antics. Their behaviour is a fertile seed-bed for disorder...'. The group is quoted as saying in 1976 'We believe that working people should build up movements and organisation outside parliament to represent their interests struggle for their needs, and build the kind of society that serves the interests of the working people...DON'T VOTE, STRUGGLE!'.
The PYM began in Auckland and consequently this branch was the longest running from 1964-1967 and also the largest. Many of it's members were also active members of the Auckland Council on Vietnam. It's actions of protest ranged from the publishing of their newsletter the PYM Rebel to radical protest action such as the march on the 16th October 1969 outlined in the section entitled Anti-War Marches.
The Christchurch PYM was established by several left-wing radicals in 1969. It's actions ranged from from sit-ins to hunger strikes, all in the pursuit of taking direct action against the Vietnam War. Most notably, in 1970 the group attempted to lay a wreath at an Anzac Day service in memory of 'the victims of fascism in Vietnam'. These also occurred in Auckland and Vietnam. This action provoked a serious reaction from officials including the Mayor of Christchurch, Ron Guthrey ripping up a placard, describing the group as 'dumb, long-haired louts who have nothing to contribute to our society - who damn everything we have ever fought for - and who must not be allowed to insult our war dead'.
The Wellington PYM was also established in 1969 by one Sally Lake. This was a smaller branch in comparison to Auckland and Christchurch with a core of around 20 members. This group was less successful and short lived as divides grew due to the members conflicting values such as those between the communists and anarchists. They did however gain significant attention from the media in 1970 for burning an effigy of Richard Nixon outside of Prime Minister Keith Holyoake's home and for their weekly protests outside the Vietnamese Consulate and American Embassy.
Here is an example of a 1970's Auckland PYM flyer advertising a 'March for Solidarity with the People of Vietnam', encouraging Aucklanders to welcome a delegation from Vietnam and show their support to 'a country that has stood up and DEFEATED the greatest war machine in history;the USA. A lesson to the world's people that the only way to cast away the bonds of oppression and exploitation is STRUGGLE'. It asks Aucklanders to 'show these representatives of the Vietnamese and the world that they have strong support amongst the people of AUCKLAND and that WE oppose continued participation of N.Z in aggressive military pacts...'
This also makes mention of the PYM Newspaper Rebel, produced fortnightly.
This also makes mention of the PYM Newspaper Rebel, produced fortnightly.
- Key Idea: The actions of the Committees on Vietnam (COV) played a significant role in protesting against the Vietnam War in NZ.
The Committees on Vietnam was established in 1965 with branches nationwide and was another anti-Vietnam War protest group that played a significant role in the protest movement. The COV however did not have such anarchist leanings, providing a more structured and unified model. There were a wide range of members from students to trade unionists, with their main intention being to mobilize public opinion. Alongside marches both the Auckland and Victoria University held teach-ins.
To the left is an example of Auckland Vietnam Committee action with a poster advertising a film screening. It also references a 'Progressive Bookshop'.
- Key Idea: 'Resistance' bookshops were part of protesting against the Vietnam War in NZ.
- Key Idea: The Auckland University Society for the Active Prevention of Cruelty to Politically Apathetic Humans and its successor Friends of Brutus contributed to protest against the Vietnam War in NZ.
- Key Idea: Anarchist groups contributed to protest against the Vietnam War in NZ.