Capital braces as protesters set to return
Thousands of Wellington students and office staff have been given the option to work remotely ahead of major protests next week.
The Freedoms & Rights Coalition has released details on social media of a road map of their “great Kiwi roadtrip” from each end of the country starting at 8am today in the deep south.
Protesters will converge at Parliament on Tuesday, almost six months after summer’s 23-day anti-mandate occupation there came to a violent and fiery end.
The coalition has said it will host a “people’s court” on Parliament’s steps for “crimes against Kiwis”.
Timed to coincide when Parliament is sitting, the protest organisers say they intend to present a vote of no confidence and challenge the Opposition to call for the same before forcing a snap election.
Those travelling from the South Island have been told to picket in Picton if they don’t have ferry tickets.
Marlborough District mayor John Leggett said the council has been working with police.
He said people should only travel if it was essential considering the devastating wild weather lashing the top of the South Island.
In Wellington, Mayor Andy Foster questioned the justification of this latest protest.
“It seems to be a celebration of February’s occupation — the reasons for which have now passed.
“Many of the restrictions they were protesting against have now been removed.”
Foster said the council’s incident management team was liaising with police and other agencies ahead of the protest.
Council staff have been advised to avoid the protest site if possible and have been given the option to work from home.
At this stage, Victoria University’s Pipitea campus will remain on Tuesday.
“Staff and students have been informed so that they can decide whether to work and study remotely if they prefer,” a spokesperson said.
February’s protest temporarily closed the campus and resulted in Vic Books shutting for good.
Parliamentary Service chief executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero said its security team continuously monitored all activity that could affect staff and visitors to Parliament.
“When necessary, security will liaise with police and additional measures will be put in place to ensure the safety and security of everyone at Parliament.”
Police have been in communication with organisers of this week’s protest to discuss potential routes and plans, a spokesperson said.
“Police recognise the lawful right to protest. We also recognise the rights of the public to go about their lawful business. We will monitor and respond to the situation accordingly.”
Last month, a mass rally and march brought Auckland’s Southern Motorway to a standstill when demonstrators walked a stretch of the busy state highway, catching motorists by surprise.
Four people, including Brian and Hannah Tamaki, were sent traffic infringement notices and fined $250 for walking on the motorway.
It seems to be a celebration of February’s occupation — the reasons for which have now passed.
Andy Foster