It was business as usual at ‘camp freedom’, they had a quiet night without any ‘police events’, and there was only the regular homeless people to deal with.
Continue reading “A last glimpse of the Wellington protest (for now)”
Day 4
I’ve spent most of today working as a volunteer security guard for the protest. This involved keeping drunk and other disorderly people out initially in the early hours of the day, but later on, it evolved into mostly helping people out, and giving directions in much the same way a tour guide would. The day went very quickly and it was quite a positive and rewarding experience.
It was interesting when a guy started casually ‘interviewing’ the other volunteer guard I was with. He spoke with her for quite some time, and it soon became obvious he was a journalist trying to make a news story, rather than report one. His questions were designed to persuade her around to a certain point of view. She was on to him thou, and said nothing that was useful to him. He left the site several hours later in a non-talkative mood.
The police have been steadily reducing the area that the protest resides in. They have been letting cars leave the protest area, but not return. This strategy suffered a setback overnight when the protesters managed to move one of the barricades, which allowed some cars to get back in.
This set the scene for another drama that happened just in time for the 6PM news. The Police in riot gear moved forward to allow a forklift to put more blocks in place. The protesters held a line and shouted ‘peace and love’ at the Police, who retreated once their work was completed.
It remains to be seen how this situation will evolve, as reinforcements are likely to turn up for the weekend.
Day 3
It was much quieter today. The tension between the protesters and police has been de-escalated and the Police have simply been maintaining their routine guard positions all day.
About every hour or so, a group of officers come out and relieve them. It’s all done to a strict routine, and it’s rather like watching soldiers on parade, as they march about in a very serious fashion.
Meanwhile, the local school children, etc, just walk casually thru the protest area, which speaks volumes about the goodwill of the protestors in general.
There were some very good speakers on the main stage today, and the occassional not quite so good one.
It seems the vibe of the protest seems to change a bit every day (no two days are the same), which is probably due to it’s dynamic nature.
I did spend a bit of time in the ‘Blues lounge’ and listened to some really good musicians. They were all strangers to begin with, but they played together well, like they had played together as a band for years.
That sort of encapsulates this protest. We are all strangers here and we are all different, but we have a common purpose and we all relate to each other very well. We have all suffered somehow, and we are all here for a reason, and what we believe in.
Thats it for now, I’ve volunteered to help out tomorrow and I suspect it will be a long, but rewarding day.
“A decision unmade is still a decision. It won’t go away. Neither will problems or more options.” ~Emily Grabatin
“You can’t make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen.” ~Michelle Obama
Day 14 of the protest
The impasse continues with the Government unwilling to communicate with the protesters. They are protesting about mandatory vaccinations.
A recent survey shows that the protesters broadly represent the NZ population in general.
https://theplatform.kiwi/opinions/parliamentary-protest-poll-results-february-2022
In other words, you can’t just write them off as radicals.
A recent poll has also shown 30% support from the public, which shows just how out of touch the Government is.
It is very well organised with several food area’s, first aid, a children’s area, admin, security, hairdresser, massage, main stage, etc.
The police at this point appear to be probing the protesters somewhat to test them. These ‘probes’ tend to be somewhat theatrical and happen after the media have setup in just the right location, and also, just before the news on TV. (In other words, staged for the media)
On the protesters side, they have a fringe element that’s looking for trouble. The organisers have been booting these people out and/or handing them over to the police.
The impression I get from all this, is that the real battle going on, is for public opinion.
It’s common for passers-by to come to the protest for a look, or offer their support. I’ve met a few of them over the last few days. This underlines the friendly vibe the protest has in general.
A couple of politicians have shown some support today. Firstly, Winston Peters of NZ First came for a visit.
An ex Prime Minister (Jim Bolger), has come out and said that the Government should talk to these protesters in the media.
and Matt King (ex-National party), generally turns up everyday and speaks to the crowd.
Update
The former ACT Party leader and Member of Parliament has written an article on the current situation.
https://www.bassettbrashandhide.com/post/the-protestors-have-won
The protest group have released another statement as well
In conclusion thou, it’s been a full on day, but also quite relaxed despite the occassional tension in the air.
Uncoffined 
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