As thousands of Aucklanders united to stand against the murder of George Floyd and show support for the Black Lives Matter movement, photographers captured powerful moments within the peaceful protest.
Rallying against racism and police brutality, the African-American's death sparked international opposition when his neck was kneeled upon by a police officer for nearly nine minutes.
Despite varied backgrounds and experiences, the message of the 4000-strong crowd was consistent marching from Aotea Square to the United States Consulate General in a show of solidarity.
Passionate chants calling on "black lives matter" and "no justice, no peace" echoed from walls of the surrounding shops and buildings along Queen Street throughout different sectors of the group.
The judgement of others stayed at home as individuals endorsed the global cause advocating the importance of equality and fairness.
An organiser from the BLM Solidarity Auckland told Newshub issues faced overseas are seen in New Zealand.
"This is not just an American issue. This is a humanitarian issue. Everyone should get involved."
The spokesperson said systematic racism is seen in New Zealand in many ways, notably the overrepresentation of the Maori and Pacific Island communities in prisons. He said it was an opportunity also to stand up to militarisation of New Zealand's police force which "will inevitably result in the disproportionate execution" of the same communities.
As the road closures lifted, three photographers on the ground shared what it was like to be a part of the crusade for a better world.
Ben Mikha Safar
Safar told Newshub he could feel the energy of the collective.
"I was looking for people who conveyed their emotions through expression. I feel the images show the passion people have towards necessary change moving forward."
Focused on finding attendees lost in a moment, he says he was proud to see how people feel about the situation and their stance on racism.
Connor Lambert
The Auckland-based photographer was determined to capture the energy of a moment that will be remembered in history.
"I wanted to record New Zealand coming out in massive numbers as they all together scream the undeniable truths around the racism and brutality that needs to be heard, seen, felt and most importantly acted on," he told Newshub.
"I hope these images convey strength; strength of people, the strength of voice."
He said marching side by side, in harmony with thousands of voices ready for change was the most powerful thing he has ever felt.
Hannah Davey
Davey told Newshub there was an intense bubbling of energy - during the march which also called to attention problems of increasing the arming of police here in New Zealand.
"Grief over the hideous behaviour that took the life of George Floyd, anger at the blatant oppression and injustices still occurring based on race, and a determination to make a change here in New Zealand," she said.
She felt the outcry of those oppressed, as well as the love and sense of togetherness of marching in unity for others determined to learn.
"I wanted to capture the protest as it was. To show the power that comes when people stand together united."
How you can help
Donate:
Official George Floyd Memorial Fund
People Against Prisons Aotearoa
Sign a petition:
Write to your local MPs about the militarisation of police:
Email: haveyoursay@police.govt.nz
Educate:
There will always be new ways to help. Stay up to date on social media, share publicly with friends new understandings, stand up to injustice and learn as much as possible about why people are protesting.
