One arrested in violent anti-government protest
An anti-government protest in Auckland that turned violent resulted in one arrest and assaults on police, SkyCity security staff and a member of the public.
Auckland Action Against Poverty protesters chanted antigovernment slogans and waved placards ahead of Prime Minister John Key’s post-Budget speech yesterday afternoon.
At least a dozen police officers backed up by SkyCity security guards had to blockade the entrances to the venue to stop protesters from forcing their way in.
‘‘People in this country are angry because our communities are hurting,’’ shouted one protester. ‘‘The reality of life under this Government for people at the top is walking in and sipping champagne with John Key.’’
The altercation became violent on more than one occasion, with RadioLive capturing video of an officer throwing a woman to the ground. Inspector Peter Gibson said he was aware of a video and commentary on the actions of police on social media.
‘‘Video which shows the full context of what police were facing paints a somewhat different picture from the selective extracts which some are choosing to show,’’ Gibson said.
Police said one person had been arrested so far and footage of the protest was being reviewed.
The aggressive protest ‘‘disappointing’’, police said.
Law enforcement staff suffered minor injuries, including scratches to the face and arms. A member of the public was also assaulted as they tried to enter the
was building. Gibson said it was a ‘‘challenging event’’. ‘‘Auckland City Police is well versed in policing such events, however the behaviour of this crowd went well beyond what is acceptable.
‘‘We work hard to ensure the lawful right of protest is upheld, however what we faced today was an aggressive crowd which had little regard for lawful behaviour, our staff and the public who were also there.’’
Inside the venue and past the strict security protocols, Key highlighted the Budget’s surprise focus on child poverty.
‘‘We are the first Government to raise benefits in 43 years.
‘‘I would have thought they’d be cheering out there, not protesting,’’ he said, to laughter from the audience.