Punches, arrests in clash with police

Press, 7 February 1986, Page 1

Punches, arrests in clash with police

Several persons were taken away by the police during a brief but violent street clash with protesters in Wellington. The police later said six persons had been arrested and would be charged with offences of public disorder. The trouble occurred as about 450 protesters tried to stop limousines bringing guests to the ceremony from entering Parliament’s grounds in Molesworth Street.

The police formed a human wall to push back the demonstrators to allow the vehicles through. Scuffles broke out, punches were thrown, and police helmets were sent flying. Several protesters who tried to break through the line were dragged away by the police.

A woman who stood in the middle of the road and refused to allow cars to pass also was taken away. The police eventually took control and some semblance of order was resumed. Guests still had to drive through a barrage of abuse from protesters.

Several guests abandoned their cars in side streets j and entered Parliament Buildings through other entrances. Mr Lange had avoided the trouble by arriving 3> early. He watched the demonstration through a window ’ inside Parliament. One protester said, “The Government has to" learn that wherever Waitangi celebrations are held there will be protests.”

The demonstration began peacefully with a march by protesters carrying placards attacking the treaty. The protesters then sat on the grass on a hot, sunny, afternoon to hear speeches by Maori and pakeha protest leaders, listen to protest songs, and watch street

theatre. Almost as many policemen were present but they remained at a discreet distance. Speaker after speaker called on the Government to stop the celebrations and address instead Maori grievances. The audience cheered. The protest was organised by People Opposed to Waitangi. Busloads of demonstrators arrived from as far away as Auckland and Gisborne.