New Zealand: the "freedom convoy" blocks the surroundings of Parliament in Wellington
Hundreds of demonstrators are gathered in front of the New Zealand Parliament, some have set up their tents there.
© RFI/Richard Tindiller
Text by: Richard Tindiller
4 mins
In New Zealand, the freedom convoy movement also gained momentum.
Several hundred demonstrators pitched their tents on Tuesday February 8 at the end of the afternoon and several dozen trucks and motorhomes from all over the country blocked the streets around Parliament.
A large-scale protest to protest against the health pass.
Advertising
Read more
From our correspondent in Wellington,
A hundred tents that cover the esplanade of the New Zealand Parliament.
An unprecedented scene for this small country of barely 5 million inhabitants, unaccustomed to such events.
During this third day of mobilization, the tone hardened between the police and the demonstrators where the police made nearly 150 arrests.
But the demonstrators did not take off for all that.
Jay Wilfried, is a young farmer and he traveled from the north of the country to set up his tent this morning at the foot of Parliament.
“
I believe in freedom and I do not believe that the obligation of the health pass is fair.
It is hoped that this pass will be abolished.
We hope that New Zealand will realize like other countries that this is not fair
, ”he explains.
Police, teachers, caregivers...
Among the demonstrators, police officers, teachers and nurses even came to say their anger compulsory vaccination for certain professions.
Judie worked in a hospital as a nurse.
Now unemployed, she laments the situation.
"
This is really terrible.
I am here for freedom.
I have nothing more to lose.
In truth, I will not even be here today but what I have left?
Nothing else.
I just want to go back to work
. "
As for Suzanne, a police officer, she too did not hesitate to come in a truck to block the roads.
“
I'm happy with my choice, I'm not blushing to be here, especially for my children.
They have now agreed to vaccinate children as young as 5 years old.
It's irresponsible.
I no longer have the opportunity to do my job but it does not matter, I prefer to be able to decide for me and my body
, ”she says.
On the side of the road, Laura came with her husband and children aboard her camper van to show her displeasure.
She, who in the last elections, had voted for the current
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
, says she is disappointed by the government's reaction to the health crisis.
"
She's just gone crazy now.
She lost her mind.
The Covid is now under control.
Let her let us do what we want with our bodies.
We can do whatever we want for ourselves we are adults.
My husband and I have decided to stay here until they see us
”.
Laura came with her husband and children aboard her camper van to show her displeasure.
© RFI/Richard Tindiller
The police intend to react
The situation is likely to become a little more tense in the days to come.
Several demonstrators from the South Island have already announced that they are on their way to the capital, which they hope to reach before this weekend.
Speaking to the media this afternoon, Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell said: “
So far we have taken a very measured response with those occupying the ground here and the protesters.
We have worked hard to engage with key organizers, to encourage them to peacefully renounce some of the activities we have observed,
he explained.
What happened today, you will have seen, is a number of arrests, we have now moved to a state of action
”.
On the government side, all political parties in New Zealand condemned this demonstration, most of which preferred not to talk about it through the media.
►Also read: Convoys in Canada: provinces are letting go, in vain for the moment
Newsletter
Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
google-play-badge_FR
New Zealand
Coronavirus
Vaccines
Health and medicine
Jacinda Ardern