Rainbow Warrior: 40 Years On – Why France Sank Greenpeace's Flagship in Auckland Harbour

Forty years ago, two bombs exploded in the dark of night in Auckland Harbour, destroying the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior. What began as a warning to protesters turned into a deadly act that would shake New Zealand and the world.

On July 10, 1985, the Rainbow Warrior—used to protest nuclear testing in the Pacific—was anchored in Auckland Harbour. Under the cover of night, French agents planted explosives on the ship. By morning, the destruction was clear. The ship was sinking, and a crew member, Fernando Pereira, was killed. The incident sent shockwaves through New Zealand and beyond.

For the French government, the attack was intended as a blunt warning to Greenpeace. They believed the organization was interfering with their nuclear testing program in the Pacific. However, the death of Pereira changed the course of events. What followed was a complex web of lies, espionage, and political maneuvering, as New Zealand authorities worked to uncover the truth and France tried to cover its tracks.

Now, a new six-part series from the NZ Herald and Bird of Paradise Productions, titled Rainbow Warrior: A Forgotten History, revisits the events leading up to the attack and its aftermath. The series explores the real reasons behind France’s actions, includes interviews with those involved, and asks whether the world has learned anything from this tragedy.

The attack on the Rainbow Warrior was not just an act of sabotage. It was a moment that exposed the lengths to which governments would go to protect their interests, even at the cost of human lives. It also sparked a global debate about the dangers of nuclear weapons and the power of environmental activism.

As the 40th anniversary approaches, the story of the Rainbow Warrior continues to resonate. It serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between national security and human rights, and the lasting impact of political decisions on innocent lives.

While the world has changed in many ways, the lessons from the Rainbow Warrior attack remain as relevant as ever.