95bFM Counter-protestors condemn 'freedom convoy' outside parliament
24 August, 2022
Interview by Emilia Sullivan, adapted by Jessica Hopkins
Green Party MPs were among those who attended the counter-protest outside Parliament Grounds. Photo: Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand.
People from across the country converged outside Parliament once again yesterday for a protest by the Freedom and Rights Coalition led by Brian Tamaki.
Police started preparing for anticipated protests from Sunday night, enforcing road closures and parking restrictions, and placing concrete bollards around the entrances of the Parliament Grounds to prevent any vehicles from getting through.
The Destiny Church leader led about 2,000 protesters to parliament on Tuesday morning, where a "people's court" found the government "guilty" for crimes against humanity.
Tamaki also announced a new political party, fusing the New Nation Party and Vision NZ led by his wife, Hannah Tamaki, that will go by the name of "Freedoms New Zealand."
The Outdoors Party, led by Sue Grey, was said to be joining. However, the party later released a statement that while they had informed Tamaki of their intention to discuss a potential merger, he had "jumped the gun," calling the announcement "inappropriate."
However, Parliament Grounds were not only full of people claiming high crimes against the government. The "freedom convoy" also attracted a significant turnout of anti-fascist counter-protesters.
The anti-government group was greeted by "go home" chants from the counter-protesters, who were playing songs by ABBA and The Village People.
Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono told 95bFM's The Wire that the counter-protest showed that Wellington is "a city of inclusion."
"It's all about diversity and standing up against the religious right and the far-right conspiracy theorists who have been taking advantage of the crisis we find ourselves in."
"It was a reminder that what happened on the Parliament Grounds earlier this year was not okay. They burnt down a children's playground."
The demonstration was subdued compared to the 23-day parliament occupation earlier this year. As of 2 pm, most of the crowd had dispersed.
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
