Anti-Nuclear Protest in New Zealand took place over a number of decades in the 20th century, from the late 1950's through to the 1990's. There were many causes as to why New Zealanders began to protest nuclear weapons and testing. An underlying cause was the fear of the potential for nuclear weapons to be the foundation of a worldwide nuclear war. Concerns over the health effects of nuclear testing were held by many people and this was a  significant social cause of anti-nuclear protest for many New Zealanders. The 1950's was the beginning of New Zealand becoming more involved in its regional security and role in the South Pacific and this was a short term cause of the protest. Protest action was varied and widespread across New Zealand, with marches, petitions, and the tussles out in Auckland Harbour being some of the main methods. Anti-nuclear protest in New Zealand had both political and social consequences. The deterioration of the ANZUS alliance and relationship with the United States, the reaction of the French with the Rainbow Warrior and the subsequent ill feeling this produced are consequences of the protest. The anti-nuclear protest ultimately led to the passing of the Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Act by the Lange government in 1987. The long-term consequence of the protest is the legacy the protest has left in the minds of New Zealanders in the 21st century and around the world.


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