Protests come in many forms. These movements can be small or large, highlighting a variety of issues. Events in February of this year on the Parliament grounds will forever be remembered in the nation’s history.
Considerable condemnation was directed towards those gathered with the protesters, largely viewed as a fringe element opposed to vaccines and mandates. Politicians in general were dismissive and unwilling to engage with them. Winston Peters, however, seized the opportunity to briefly appear, looking immaculate as always under a media glow of cameras and reporters. It appears though he may also have been heading in the direction of his favourite Wellington restaurant.
The standing of Parliament’s Speaker was undermined when he directed sprinklers to be turned on, adding to the protesters’ discomfort in the already wet conditions. His decision to then blast Barry Manilow music over loudspeakers in an attempt to further unsettle those gathered also backfired, resulting in an upsurge of additional convoys and protesters. The appearance of vaccinated Sir Russell Coutts helped lift spirits when he expressed concerns about border restrictions together with ongoing mandates and the detrimental effect these were having.
Despite some unruly and inappropriate behaviour by some, the protesters were mostly peaceful and good-natured. Unfortunately, the occupation ended with unsavoury and violent conduct from a small and unrepresentative element intent on causing trouble. Appropriately, a number of arrests were made and charges laid. This left a sour taste and detracted from what had been several weeks of relative calm.
In my opinion what this protest highlights is the strength of our democratic system in which a diverse range of individuals and groups from across the country were able to gather together and express their opinions and frustrations on the back of what has been an unprecedented period of two years for New Zealand. It has been suggested by some that protests such as in Wellington and Ottawa were an attempt to subvert democracy. On the contrary, I would suggest they were arguably shining a light on it.
The police should also be commended for reversing their initial combative approach early on to a more measured and non-confrontational mode that significantly reduced tensions and misunderstandings. Despite considerable public criticism of their tactics, they largely maintained order in a dignified and respectful manner.
Interesting, too, that many of the mandates and restrictions complained of have been, or are about to be, lifted. Notable, too, is that the Government, having previously ignored the extensive and nationwide protests of farmers, is now sounding more conciliatory and has even suggested some sort of meeting. One might well ask: Why now?
More than ever we need to cherish the right of our citizens to be able to protest. This has always been a hallmark of democracy irrespective of whether the numbers involved are large or small. It is also irrelevant whether one agrees or disagrees with the protesters’ cause.
Protests can often be a catalyst for change. This is in contrast to authoritarian regimes, where protests are often violently suppressed, the events in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in 1989 being a chilling example of this. Dissent is no longer tolerated in Hong Kong, with large numbers now being detained or imprisoned. Many protesters in Russia opposed to the invasion of Ukraine are currently facing the prospect of long prison terms. The Wellington protest, despite its controversies, can be seen as an affirmation of our democratic values and freedoms.
- Joss Miller is a retired Dunedin lawyer.
