Photo: AP
Demonstrators take a stand across the pond.
PARLIAMENT PROTEST
Thousands of anti-government demonstrators gathered outside New Zealand’s parliament today to vent their frustration on a range of issues, nearly six months after occupying protesters were forcibly removed.
The protesters, organised by the Freedom and Rights Coalition, arrived from around New Zealand and assembled on the lawns outside of parliament in the capital, Wellington.
Protesters gathered in Wellington early, before marching through to parliament.
Attendees, many with placards calling for freedom, were protesting over a range of issues, including tighter environmental regulations for farmers, a government bid to take over regionally owned water assets and COVID-19 restrictions witnessed over the last two years.
Barriers were erected in front of parliament and there was a heavy police presence around the grounds.
Protesters say the government is not listening to people on the issue of the ownership of water assets.
“Our government, they’re not really working for us,” said protester D. Hanif.
Many in the crowd carried inflammatory signs as they marched through the city centre, including one which read ‘Free NZ, Ditch the B*tch’.
The protesters have staged a mock trial at a ‘people’s court’ outside New Zealand’s parliament in a display of defiance towards Jacinda Ardern’s government.
The mock trial heard speakers who told of business struggles and family separations due to lockdowns.
The crowd declared the government guilty by acclamation, but did not give a sentence, with Mr Tamaki saying ‘watch this space’.
Police ended an anti-vaccine protest in dramatic scenes in March, dismantling an encampment in the same location, towing away vehicles and arresting dozens.
This time, the event was peaceful and no arrests were made.
The protests come at a time when Prime Minister’s popularity is slipping across the country.
ARDERN POPULARITY
In recent months, Jacinda Ardern’s approval rating as Prime Minister has slipped to its lowest level, a new political poll shows – with experts predicting she will have a tough time remaining in power.
Approval ratings for Ardern have plummeted to 33 percent, down from 41 percent at the end of 2021.
The nation of five million has been divided by constant lockdowns, closed borders and vaccination mandates – with some weary residents turning their back on Ardern’s Labour Party.
The New Zealand prime minister’s zero-COVID approach has partially fuelled the dip in ratings, with Kiwis growing tired of the oppressive nature of her legislation.
Minor party ACT is up four points on 11 percent, putting it in position to form a ruling Coalition with the National Party and kick Labour out of office.
David Farrar, a leading political pollster who works as a consultant for the National Party, says he believes it’s ‘more likely than not’ Ms Ardern will be voted out at the next federal election.
She faces a stiff challenge in the form of a hugely successful Kiwi businessman, Mr Luxon, who became the leader of the opposition party National last November, and was formerly the boss of Air New Zealand.
The election is due late next year.
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