Russian band stages ‘Kiwi riot’
Russian feminist protest group Pussy Riot has thrown its support behind a campaign against a controversial housing development near Auckland International Airport.
The group, which shot to global fame in 2012 when its members staged a performance in Moscow Cathedral, marched on Parliament with members of Save Our Unique Landscape (Soul) yesterday.
Soul members presented Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson a petition with more than 18,000 signatures opposing plans for the construction of 500 apartments on 32 hectares of land by Fletcher Building.
The petition asked the Government to review the decision to grant Fletcher Building the rights to build on the land.
‘‘For me, it’s an honour to be part of this campaign,’’ said band member Maria Alyokhina.
The land is considered to be one of the longest inhabited Ma¯ori settlements in New Zealand, confiscated under the New Zealand Settlements Act in 1863.
Soul co-founder Pania Newton was grateful for the solidarity and support shown by Pussy Riot.
Twenty-three members of Soul travelled from Auckland to Wellington over three days, stopping at Parihaka Marae on the way.
‘‘It is frustrating that the Government can find money for Weta Workshop but can’t find any money to secure this rare and historical landscape,’’ Newton said.
Pussy Riot will perform in Nelson tomorrow.