Nationwide Protests Expected as New Zealand Government Inaugurated with Conservative Policies
Te Pati Maori said the protest would be held on the same day as the opening of the parliament, where MPs pledge an oath of allegiance to the King of England.
Te Pati Maori, a New Zealand political party advocating for Maori rights, has organised nationwide rallies in the early morning to protest the incoming centre-right government.
The protest took place during the rush hours, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., local time, in at least 20 different locations across the country. Around 600 people, led by Te Pati Maori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, reportedly marched to the Parliament grounds in Wellington.
It caused significant disruption to the traffic in some areas, including Auckland’s motorway. Te Pati Maori said they chose Dec. 5 to protest as it’s the opening of the parliament, where “all the MPs are required to swear an oath of allegiance to the King of England.”
The left-wing party, which was supported by the International Socialist Organisation, claimed that the pledge was “symbolic of the colonial power” and the “constraints that are placed on Maori MPs.”
Police confirmed on Dec. 4 that they were preparing for the protests, with officers to be “highly visible across the roading network throughout the morning” and that put measures would be placed in some areas to deter any violent behaviours.
“Police recognise the right to peaceful protest and will be reminding protestors about lawful behaviour on our roads,” said Assistant Commissioner Sandrea Venables.
“Unlawful behaviour will result in enforcement action, either at the time or following the event.”
Those travelling to the airport or to any other time-sensitive commitment were advised to allow more time for their journey.
Te Pati Maori has objected to the swathe of changes introduced by the new government, a three-way coalition government formed by the center-right National, the libertarian ACT Party, and the nationalist New Zealand First Party.
It has been met with fierce pushback from Te Pati Maori, which accused the government of attempting to “whitewash Aotearoa” and warned that if a referendum “ever does go ahead,” the government “must prepare for a Maori revolution.”
