RNZ photo
Wellington.Scoop
A protest organised by a group calling itself the “Freedom & Rights Coalition” marched from Civic Square to Parliament today, causing congestion in the CBD. About 3000 were in the march, including some with banners supporting former President Trump.
Metlink said the march caused delays, as buses were detoured away from the CBD from 10am.
The DomPost reported that about 2000 people had gathered in Civic Square by 11am, preparing to march to Parliament. The marchers had increased to about 3000 when they set out down Willis Street and Lambton Quay.
Pretty big crowd, nicely set off by that cool Neil Dawson sculpture. Pic by Sophie Cornish at Stuff. pic.twitter.com/5AAPtY2soK
— Philip Matthews (@secondzeit) November 8, 2021
RNZ reported that 150 motorbikes travelled down Willis Street behind the protestors, followed by police.
“Not once has the govt talked about health” extremely bold claim to make in a public health crisis where we hear from the director general of health almost every day pic.twitter.com/Wk7VkLKUMN
— Châtelaine of Cair Paravel (@SaigonSyl) November 8, 2021
RNZ reported: Their motives were unclear; some angry at lockdowns, the vaccine and vaccine mandates. They arrived calling themselves freedom fighters and made sure they were heard by the decision makers inside Parliament Buildings. Snaking through the city, they hurled abuse at media and the police – demanding an end to Covid-19 restrictions.
The NZ Herald reported that the demonstrators planned to present “realistic demands” on the steps of Parliament. They wanted an end to lockdowns and public health measures, and they claimed it was “time to learn to live with Covid-19”, “shut down testing stations”, and treat the deadly virus like “the flu”.
RNZ photo
At Parliament most access points were closed. The crowd filled the grounds of parliament, and speeches were delivered. RNZ reported that the crowd was booing and cheering. Some were waving Trump flags. After the speeches, some people threw tennis balls at police who were guarding the building.
Parliament is more prepped for this antivax protest than any other I’ve seen in my time here. Almost every non-main gate to the grounds shut. pic.twitter.com/o2F0ykUVdH
— henry cooke (@henrycooke) November 8, 2021
Parliament gate locked as anti-vaccination and pro Trump protesters converge on the lawn. (Also anti 3 waters thrown in for good measure) pic.twitter.com/3vYVmnna6C
— leah (@writeonleah) November 8, 2021
if i were the police commissioner i simply would not let these “protesting” nutters near the heart of our hallowed democracy https://t.co/AgtlyJvJlx
— Morgan Godfery (@MorganGodfery) November 8, 2021
Kia ora Coley, we are going to post a notice on social media today as this will impact travel around the city. Police will be present to ensure public safety and uphold the law while recognising the lawful right to protest. Ngā mihi ^Simone
— Wellington City Council (@WgtnCC) November 8, 2021
Tomorrow, Wellington City Council will close some roads for them and the NZ Police are planning to ‘be on hand’ to monitor their ‘right to protest’.
In the Urewera raids, armed special services cops in black combat gear boarded a school bus filled with children & detained them.
— Coley (@ColeyTangerina) November 8, 2021
Apparently some in the “freedom” community believe there will be 50,000 protesting in Wellington today. They are nothing if not very optimistic about their size and support. pic.twitter.com/Bi5TsLOQvq
— Dylan Reeve (@DylanReeve) November 8, 2021
People of faith – stay away from today’s protests. There has been chatter about violence, storming Parliament, arresting the Prime Minister and worse. This is not something we should be associated with or enable by bolstering their numbers. This is not who we are.
— Rev. Frank Ritchie (@frankritchie) November 8, 2021
Be the first to comment