Anti-System was a seminal anarcho-punk fanzine that emerged from Wellington, New Zealand, in 1985, created by local activist and punk enthusiast Simon Cottle. Initially launched as Anacho-Pacifist, the zine was renamed Anti-System after its debut issue and later evolved into Social Dis-Ease in 1990. Spanning 17 issues over 12 years, with a final issue in 1997 after a six-year hiatus, Anti-System was a raw, uncompromising voice of the Wellington punk scene, embodying a straight-edge, anarchist ethos.
Born out of Simon’s political activism, which began with protests against live animal exports, Anti-System reflected his deep commitment to anarchist politics and social justice. The zine was shaped by the turbulent socio-political climate of 1980s New Zealand, particularly the mass protests against the 1981 Springbok tour, which left a lasting impact on the nation’s activist culture. Simon’s involvement in local and international causes – ranging from animal rights to anti-nuclear campaigns – infused the zine with a passionate, confrontational spirit.
Produced on a low-quality photocopier with a cut-and-paste aesthetic, Anti-System chronicled the Wellington punk scene while advocating for non-violent direct action. Regular features included reports on animal rights activism, such as smashed windows and graffiti targeting butchers’ shops and pharmacies, and an ongoing tally of such actions. The zine also served as a platform for Simon’s musical endeavors, notably his brief stint as the vocalist for the anarcho-punk band One Less Customer for the Butcher. Interviews with New Zealand bands, reprints from international zines, and articles on anarchism, the anti-nuclear movement, and the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) were staples of its content.In 1990, Anti-System transitioned into Social Dis-Ease for two issues, reflecting a subtle shift in tone but maintaining its radical core. After 1990, Simon took a six-year break from publishing to focus on work, travel, and intensified campaigning against vivisection. The zine’s final issue in 1997 marked the culmination of over a decade of grassroots punk journalism and activism.
| Editors | Simon Cottle |
| Writers | Simon Cottle |
| Frequency | sparodic |
| Publisher | Simon Cottle |
| Founder | Simon Cottle |
| First Issue | 1985, November |
| Last Issue | 1997, March |
| Number | 17 |
| Based in | Kilbirnie, Wellington |
Anarcho-Pacifist #1
November 1985
Animal liberation action, anti-nuclear campaigns, NZ MP Gary Knapp’s vivisection bill, anti-TV, London Class War, anarchists at the Henley Regatta, Smash the Mac, Compos Mentis
Anti-System #2
January 1986
ALF in Wellington, punks banned from Manners Mall McDonalds, poetry by Brenda Crooks, Redfern Black Rose Anarchist bookshop, Brothers Gorgonzola interview.
Anti-System #3
April 1986
Northern Ireland, Greenham women, Anarcho-syndicalism, Five Year Mission interview, reviews
Anti-System #4
May 1986
World Day for Laboratory Animals, May Day, No Idea, Italian Punk, Armatrak, reviews
Anti-System #5
July 1986
Taranaki Underground zine seized by the police under indecent publications act, anti-butcher shop attacks in Kilbirnie, non-violent direct action, interviews with Casualty and Compos Mentis
Anti-System #6
October 1986
Interviews with Skank Attack, Flesh D-Vice, ?Fog, Wazzo Ghoti, West German anti-nuclear protests, libertarian workers, Slaughter of the Innocent book review, record and tape reviews, poems, cartoon, gigs
Anti-System #7
November 1986
ALF, Neil Roberts, Compos Mentis interview, Hidden Crimes, non-violent direct action
Anti-System #8
January 1986
Anti-vivisection, This Way For The Gas Ladies and Gentlemen, 1981: The Tour, Screams from the Concrete Playground photos, The Warner interview, Gary Knapp, ALF actions
Anti-System #9
June 1987
UK anarchists, Wellington ALF, gig photos One Less Customer for the Butcher, Acid Reign, Nazgul, Microwave Babies
Anti-System #10
August 1987
Anarchism and Pacifism, May Day, World Day for Lab Animals, Acid Rain, Nazgul interview, Wellington ALF actions
Anti-System #11
February 1988
The Warners reply, anarchism and pacifism, recording and gig reviews, ALF actions, Neil Roberts Day 1987
Anti-System #12
August 1988
Microwave Babies interview, S.A.F.E, ALF, UK anarchists, Queensland scene, World day for lab animals
Anti-System #14
December 1989
Shihad, Bygone Era, Vas Deferens, AK89 Auckland report, ALF, patriarchy, skating, poetry
Social Dis-Ease #15
October 1990
Das Unter Mensh interview, TAB, Project X, AK vivisectors, skate report, protest report, ALF
Social Dis-Ease #16
February 1991
Wellington from A-Z, protest reports, letter from New York, Anarcho-satanism, Casualty, Anarchism/ Feminism, Auckland report, Fatal Jelly Space, Salad Daze, ALF
Social Dis-Ease #17
March 1997
The Freedom Shop, Anarchy organisation, All You Can Eat, Screaming Asylum, On yer bike, Riot Grrrl, slammin, ALF
