Disturbing footage of parliament, where protesters are being arrested, sets a chilling tone for Kiwi freedom of speech, says Free Speech Union spokesperson Jonathan Ayling.

“The 2022 convoy, which gathered on the lawn of Parliament on Tuesday in opposition to government vaccine mandates, was clearly out of place in so many ways, and beyond free speech. Yet their right to assemble peacefully in front of their House of Representatives and use the floor to advance their cause, however unpopular, must be preserved.

“Reports that Newstalk ZB senior reporter Barry Soper has been reprimanded by the Speaker of the House for speaking with protesters challenges the very purpose of the media and its crucial role in free speech. Such interference is a shameful attempt to undermine the independence of the media.

“Equally, Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson’s comments calling on the police to ensure the law is enforced are a clear breach of section 16 of the Police Act 2008. Ministers should not influence police operational decisions regarding law enforcement. and maintaining order. The Prime Minister noted that this was an operational matter.

“There are several examples of previous protesters also gathering on the lawns of Parliament and camping out, sometimes for several weeks. We watch these expressions of free speech, such as the SpringBok tour or Dame Whina Cooper’s Maori land rights hikoi, with great pride now. The speech rights of those gathered now must be respected in the same way as those who gathered then.

“Grant Robertson’s unlawful interference sets a troubling precedent and puts the police in an impossible position; Trevor Mallard’s decision to pressure the media not to report on the events risks confirming the protester’s greatest fears. Unpopular as they may be in and around Wellington, the current protesters have just as much right to gather and demonstrate peacefully as any other New Zealander.”

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