Bashed Shaw fronts for climate talk

Politicians from all parties condemn assault on minister

Green Party co-leader James Shaw was bashed in an unprovoked attack as he walked to work yesterday, but still turned up to an important meeting to discuss climate issues before going to hospital to have his injuries checked.

Those attending the Environment, Energy and Climate Cabinet Committee yesterday morning were told Shaw, who is the Minister for Climate Change, had been assaulted and that he would be late for the 11am meeting.

Shaw was “hell bent” on attending the meeting, and his items were pushed back so he could speak, a source told the Herald.

When he did arrive he had a black eye, a bloody nose and a box of tissues.

He didn’t volunteer any information about his appearance when he got to the meeting just before it ended.

Shaw was attacked as he walked to work in central Wellington just before 8am yesterday.

A man confronted him as he walked near the entrance to the Botanic Garden on busy Glenmore St.

The spot is only a short distance from Parliament and also from the Prime Minister’s official residence.

A spokesman said Shaw was wearing headphones when the man grabbed him before punching him a number of times in the face.

The man appeared to recognise Shaw and they had a brief but “random” conversation. Shaw asked the man to let go of him before he was punched.

“He’s feeling a bit tender and a bit shaken up,” the spokesman said. He said Shaw did not know the man.

Passers-by went to Shaw’s aid, and he was helped at the scene by ambulance staff and spoke to police before he carried on to work.

It was only following the meeting that Shaw went to Wellington Hospital to have his injuries checked.

He was kept for observation, but it was understood he was released last night and spent the night at home.

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson told reporters yesterday Shaw was shaken by the attack.

“We are all upset for our friend, but we are all pulling together.”

She said there was no indication the attack was linked to Shaw’s work or that of the Green Party.

Politicians from across the political parties expressed their shock at the attack and offered their support to Shaw and the Greens.

Many commented on the fact that the attack was possible only because New Zealand’s MPs were so accessible to the public.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the attack showed New Zealand couldn’t take that for granted.

“We have an environment in New Zealand where politicians are accessible — and [we should feel proud of that]. But today’s events . . . show we cannot take that for granted,” she said.

National co-leader Paula Bennett said politicians should be able to go about their business in public without such attacks.

A 47-year-old man will appear in Wellington District Court today charged with injuring with intent to injure.