Tensions after three days of gathering. Clashes broke out on Thursday, February 10, in Wellington, near the New Zealand Parliament, between the police and anti-vaccine protesters against Covid-19. The security forces intervened to disperse this gathering and in particular to dismantle the impromptu camp set up near Parliament. More than 120 people were arrested.
Hundreds of motorhomes and trucks had been installed since Tuesday. Most left after 24 hours but a hard core remained, determined to stay there “as long as necessary”. This gathering echoed the “freedom convoy”, initiated at the end of January, by Canadian truckers denouncing the vaccination obligation to cross the border with the United States.
Police advanced into the parliament building but retreated behind barricades in the late afternoon as protesters cheered and cried victory. The authorities closed the precincts of Parliament, which happens very rarely, to prevent protesters from receiving reinforcements.
Activists sang Maori haka, shouting “Hold the Positions” in the face of advancing police. The latter received punches and kicks while being insulted by slogans such as “It’s not democracy”, “shame on you” or “Give Up the Obligation”. “It was a peaceful protest, what they did is a disgrace,” charged a woman wishing to remain anonymous. “I never imagined seeing this in New Zealand”she added.
Evacuation could take days according to Wellington Police Commander. He accuses some activists of using children as human shields to ward off the police. “It is regrettable that despite the square being officially closed to the public earlier today, a number of protesters are refusing repeated urgings to leave the compound”, did he declare. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said residents’ patience with the disruption caused by the mobilization was exhausted.
Residents of the capital have complained of being attacked for wearing a protective mask. Several businesses close to the Parliament were forced to close because their employees asked to check the health passes. Wellington Town Hall has warned that its agents will start ticketing vehicles blocking the streets as part of the anti-sanitary measures mobilization.