Causes of the Anti-Vietnam War Protests
There were many causes which contributed to the anti-Vietnam War Movement in New Zealand.
The most significant and direct social cause of the protests was the emergence of a counter-culture movement in New Zealand society.
New Zealand's search for security in the form of retaining alliances was one of the most direct political and militarist reasons as to why the government chose to commit troops to Vietnam, later resulting in protest.
New Zealand's previous involvement in Southeast Asia meant that the government felt pressure to continue this policy and commit troops to Vietnam, despite growing opposition, and so was an underlying political cause of the protest movement.