From some video footage the Freedom Convoy 22 protest looks like one of the best free outdoor concerts New Zealand’s had in awhile.
Even when Trevor Mallard began his childish pranks on Friday, turned sprinklers on and bad music, the thousands danced and sang up a storm literally.
It has undeniably been a moment in history, and the first part of it started right here in Southland, thanks to co-convoy organiser Derek Broomhall.
We’re on day seven of the protest and the numbers have continued to increase from 200 initially to upwards of several thousands most days.
Organisers say they are aiming for 1% of the population to turn up, and globally the protests have also spread, from Canada initially, to Paris and now Wellington.
All walks of life from Cape Reinga to the Bluff have converged in Wellington, and you couldn’t stereotype any one of them.
Happy to be connected to other like-minded people, hugging and sharing stories and not behind the mask of a mask, there have been plenty of good vibes at this protest.
What’s on invers.nz founder Mike Sanford said, as part of the company’s balanced coverage on the pandemic, and being consistent from the start, he decided to follow the convoy at the start from Bluff.
Statistics from his Facebook footage showed an overwhelming majority of support for the coverage, with 731 likes, 691 loves, and only 20+ angry faces.
“This protest seemed to unite the whole country and has taken it a whole step further than Groundswell. The people have had enough, and these convoys around the world have brought everyone together.”
After a wild weekend of weather, soup kitchens started popping up down back streets, people started bringing in home baking, farmers dropped off hay bales to mop up the mess, and the sense of community spirit was everywhere.
By this morning, the mess was all tidied up on the ground and paths were cleared. Police are currently working with organisers to move on the vehicles blocking streets and entrances.
And Jacinda’s advice was for people to pack up and take their children home.
Today the protestors are hoping for negotiations with Senior Cabinet Ministers.
A letter read to the crowd on behalf of five different groups involved in the protest, asked for the Government to stop being disrespectful and start to engage.
They want the mandates lifted. We shall see what their response is. The letter has been given to all members of Parliament and members of the media.
Full text of Press Release:
Today marks one week since tens of thousands of New Zealanders from all walks of life, ages and ethnicities came together in a peaceful protest.
They travelled from all over the country and have been supported in many ways by hundreds of thousands of Kiwis.
They are united in condemning the government’s flagrant breach of human rights, deliberate divisiveness, and discrimination. The constant law changes are inconsistent with the government’s duties to the New Zealanders it was elected to represent.
The protest is a result of immense frustration and concern. People are outraged by the conduct of the government and its lack of respect, dismissive attitude and unwillingness to engage.
The position of protestors and the government have become entrenched, but this protest can end.
This communication summarises the views of the majority of groups present at Parliament today:
- Convoy 2022 NZ
- Freedom Alliance
- New Zealand Doctors Speaking Out with Science
- Outdoors & Freedom Movement
- The Freedom and Rights Coalition
- Voices for Freedom.
We have come together and we are in agreement that the Covid-19 Public Health Response Act and all the orders and mandates made under that legislation must be revoked immediately.
The government needs to lift the unnecessary mandates, and an urgent meeting has been requested with senior cabinet ministers to open dialogue.
The infection fatality rate of Omicron is lower than the seasonal flu. Before the global pandemic, it was considered ‘normal’ for 500-700 New Zealanders to die from the seasonal flu each year. On average, 100 Kiwis die each day from various causes. There needs to be perspective.
The Traffic Light system, the ‘no jab, no job’ laws and other mandates are discriminatory, unjustified and a breach of fundamental human rights.
Not one Government representative has engaged in dialogue with the peaceful protesters. Their response of soaking the ground with high-pressure irrigation, bright lights, blasting music and ads at the gathering is infantile and highly unhelpful to bringing about a resolution. We are concerned that unless these tactics cease, they could cause significant damage to any trust held by the protesters that their elected representatives are interested in listening to them.
In addition, the behaviour of the Police last Thursday was unconscionable. New Zealanders, our friends, and the media worldwide watched in horror the deplorable and unlawful police conduct towards peaceful protestors, including women and children.
We reiterate that our request is that the Covid-19 Public Health Response Act and all the orders and mandates made under that legislation be revoked immediately in accordance with the principles of justice, democracy, respect for human rights, equality, non-discrimination, good governance and good faith.
Until the end of the mandates, participants are determined to maintain their presence.
The media is grossly misrepresenting the situation. The protestors are friendly, peaceful, hardworking New Zealanders who are pro-medical freedom. Government and media must stop their deliberate and sustained misinformation campaign.
**PRESS RELEASE ENDS**
Protesters have sent a letter to all MPs requesting an urgent meeting with senior cabinet members to open dialogue.
The government is yet to respond.