Anti-mandate protesters are determined to have their voices heard, camping on the lawns of New Zealand’s parliament to the frustrations of police and the Speaker.
On Tuesday, more than one thousand Kiwis rallied outside parliament on the first sitting day of the year, calling on the government to “restore freedoms” taken away during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the most part, the boisterous rally did not tip over into anti-social behaviour, though several shouted abuse towards Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and other MPs – none of whom attended – and journalists.
A small number displayed signs calling for politicians to be hanged or tried for war crimes. More told Ms Ardern to resign.
Many were part of a group which travelled the length of NZ to arrive in the capital, setting off from the very top and bottom of the country over the weekend.
Trucks, vans, cars and buses departed from Cape Reinga in the north and Bluff in the south, picking up supporters en route as part of the Convoy 2022 NZ protest.
On Tuesday night, about one hundred camped on the lawns – contrary to the Speaker’s rules for parliament – waking up on Wednesday to continue their protest.
Newshub reported many plan to stay all week.
According to Speaker Trevor Mallard, the group broke several rules, including loitering, disrupting traffic, using loud speakers during parliamentary business, erecting tents, and possibly, the drinking and smoking ban.
In response to the occupation, police increased their presence, sending dozens of officers to separate the group and the parliament.
“Police have engaged with protest leaders and encouraged them to follow the advice of the Speaker of the House last night, who provided guidelines about protest activity,” Superintendent Corrie Parnell said.
“Police are asking protesters to dismantle any structures that have been erected on the grounds, such as tents and marquees.
“Police will continue to have a significant presence at parliament today and will deal with incidents as they arise, recognising individuals’ lawful right to peaceful protest.”
Ms Ardern appeared unbothered by the protest, declining to call on the group to move on, saying it was a matter for police.
“I’ve seen a range of protests over my time and this is certainly not large in scale … it’s a small group,” she told Newstalk ZB.
Wellingtonians might disagree. Many have voiced their anger at convoy vehicles parked in the streets around parliament, restricting their movement and lengthening their daily transit.
Mr Mallard has told protesters their tents are could be confiscated, and trespass notices issued, should they attempt to linger after dark on Wednesday.
Measures taken to limit the spread of COVID-19 in NZ – including vaccination, and mandates in many workforces – have enraged a fringe group, including the Convoy 2022 NZ group.
Their views are well outside the mainstream.
As many noted on social media, on the same day 1000 protesters rallied at parliament, 61,000 Kiwis received a vaccine.
As of Wednesday, 94 per cent of eligible New Zealanders are double-dosed, with booster uptake growing.
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