Protesters Demand: “No More Dirty Politics”

The Kiwis for Clean Politics protest got off to a slightly rocky start as protestors and Parliament security staff clashed over protestor’s rights to hand out leaflets. Parliamentary Security affirmed that the Speaker of the House must give permission prior to printed material being handed out, despite placards and signs being allowed on Parliament’s steps.

But despite the communication issues, Kiwis for Clean Politics message was heard loud and clear: “No more Dirty Politics”.

Organizer Melinda Gamlen said that the protest was a response to the facts Nicky Hager uncovered and published in his book; Dirty Politics.

“If John Key had no knowledge about what was going on, he shouldn't be Prime Minister” said one Protester.

While passers-bys looked initially perplexed by a sizeable caricatured effigy of Prime Minister John Key, a number joined the protest, the members of which were largely represented by Labour and Greens supporters.

Senior lecturer in Media Studies at Victoria University, Dr Peter Thompson called for changes to “closed door politics” stating: “(we need to) reclaim the Beehive, that’s ours, not theirs. We Need to reclaim democracy!”

Members of the public were also invited to talk. Every one of them calling for change and demanding a shift in the way politics in New Zealand is conducted.

ENDS

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