NZ marchers say ‘we are watching Trump’
Amid the defiance and solidarity, sadness bubbled to the surface for many of Wellington’s expat Americans over the weekend.
Hundreds gathered in the capital on Saturday in support of the Women’s March Global movement, and to protest the inauguration of new United States president Donald Trump.
Raised in Los Angeles, but now a Green Party MP, Julie Ann Genter found it hard to hide her tears before she spoke in front of those who had gathered at the steps of Parliament.
‘‘Politics is not a war. Not a sport. We are not in it to win, it’s about working together,’’ she told the 600-plus crowd.
Timed to coincide with Trump’s first day in office, the movement was in response to the rising rhetoric of far-right populism around the world, which many believe has overtones of misogyny.
One of the protesters, Ingrid Downey from Arizona, said she came to New Zealand from the US 10 years ago, but has family ‘‘still there, living through it’’. ‘‘I haven’t spoken to my sister for some time, it’s hard to find the energy because it’s all so much for them over there,’’ she said.
‘‘I never thought this would happen. I feel guilty that I get to live here and enjoy New Zealand and all it’s diversity. It’s an emotional time for me.’’
Deneen Baker-underhill, originally from San Diego and a Kiwi since 1989, wanted her children to see what it meant to stand up for equality.
‘‘I feel a little guilty that I didn’t exercise my right to vote. I’ve been a Kiwi so long, and I thought it would be a landslide for Hillary [Clinton],’’ she said.
‘‘I want him [Trump] to know people are watching. I want him to know we are nipping at his heels.’’
Emily Bergan, 25, from New Hampshire, was also at the protest, holding up a sign that read: ‘‘Girls just want to have fundamental rights’’.
‘‘Not only is this about standing up to Trump, it’s about celebrating US culture and values,’’ she said.
‘‘It feels nice to know that people here and around the world have got our back.’’
Wellington march organiser Bette Flagler, who hails from Chicago, found the number of young people connecting with the march ideals heartening.
‘‘They’ve never been politically active, and this has made them say basic civil rights and social justice are really important to me.
‘‘You know, it’s a funny thing; we are thrilled with the turnout but at the same time we are disappointed that we have to be doing this.’’ – Fairfax NZ