'Flash mob' protest blocks Queen St

Protestors stand on the edge of Queen Street outside Aotea Square in Auckland city. Photo / Herald on Sunday

A "flash mob" of protesters blocked off part of Queen St today intent on showing the world that New Zealand isn't "100 percent pure".

Some of the protesters were booed by onlookers as they chanted for the All Blacks to lose the Rugby World Cup so the National Government gets voted out in Novermber's election.

"There was a body of research that shows that if the All Blacks do lose then we get a change of Government," said one speaker, Denise Messiter.
The protesters plan further action during the tournament, which they see as the best way to have their voices heard.

"I think also it's the reason that the cops haven't arrested anyone yet. If this was another time then we wouldn't still be here," Ms Messiter said.

One woman was eventually arrested for breach of the peace when she refused to leave the road after the protest had moved to nearby Aotea Square, Senior Sergeant Scott Rees said.

This prompted a call for "peaceful civil disobediance" where some protesters tried to push through police lines and occupy the road again.
One organiser, John Popata Junior, said the protest encompassed a range of issues affecting New Zealanders.

"It's just bringing all these issues - workers' rights, human rights, deep sea oil drilling, strealing of Maori land, youth rights, women's rights - all into one."

Protester Alvina Barrett said the "flash mob occupation" of Queen St had not been planned but it was seen as the best way to carry their message.

"We can't afford this Rugby World Cup and when you saw the opening and the amount of money that was injected into it - I think it was $9 million - you've go to to think about the poverty that's out there too.

"I think it's a farce, but it's a platform, hopefully, where we can say to some of these tourists that there's lies in this country and if you scratch the surface you'll find out it's not 100 percent pure".