Green Party co-leader James Shaw was punched in an unprovoked attack on his way to Parliament.
The attack on Green Party co-leader James Shaw shows New Zealand can't take for granted how accessible its politicians are, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says today.
"I think all of us will probably be united in wanting to ensure we have the kind of political environment where everyone can hold their views, but they can do that safely," Ardern said this afternoon.
Ardern said that when she spoke to Shaw after he was punched, he told her he was "doing fine".
"I tried to encourage him to take whatever time he needed to recover," she said.
"My thoughts are with James and also Annabel. When you go into politics in New Zealand you just don't expect these things to happen, and I know it will be especially challenging for loved ones.
"I would like to acknowledge the members of the public who quickly came to Minister Shaw's assistance. I understand their quick actions assisted in the arrest.
"We have an environment in New Zealand where politicians are accessible - and that's something we should feel proud of. We are after all, here to serve people. But today's events really show we cannot take that for granted," she said.
Shaw was punched in the face in an apparently unprovoked attack as he walked to work through central Wellington this morning.
Shaw, 45, was walking to the Beehive from his home in Kelburn when he was confronted by a man who stepped out, spoke to him and identified him then hit him in the head, a spokesman for the Green Party told the Herald.
Green Party co-leader was punched in an unprovoked attack. Photo / file
Shaw suffered a black eye in the attack, which happened at 7.50am at the entrance to the Botanical Gardens on Glenmore St, a busy road.
Two passers-by came to Shaw's aid. He was assessed by ambulance staff at the scene before carrying on to the Beehive, just 500 metres away, and attending a Cabinet committee meeting.
Shaw wasn't robbed, and the spokesman said it appeared to be an unprovoked attack.
Shaw then went to Wellington Hospital for an assessment given he received a blow to the head.
Police said they had arrested a 47-year-old man over the attack.
Kia ora whānau. First of all - arohanui and thank you for all your messages of kindness for James. We're making sure he's resting up and getting checked out. We'll let you know more later today.
"We understand members of the public have assisted the victim and we believe there may also be other witnesses to the incident," police said in a statement.
The party had sought leave from the House today from the Speaker for Shaw.
Shaw was attacked in Glenmore St near the entrance to the Wellington Botanic Garden.
As well as being the Greens' co-leader, Shaw is also the Climate Change and Statistics Minister and an associate minister of finance, health and transport.
This is outrageous behaviour and if undertaken by a Wellingtonian, shameful. Elected representatives of all hues show courage to represent New Zealanders & we are lucky to have unparalleled access to them. This is a sad day for democracy. Arohanui James.https://t.co/EaWWLjPJVO
"Elected representatives of all hues show courage to represent New Zealanders & we are lucky to have unparalleled access to them. This is a sad day for democracy. Arohanui James," he said on Twitter.
National Leader Simon Bridges said on Twitter that violence was "never okay".
"From myself and The National Party we wish Shaw] a fast recovery. We're thinking of you & look forward to seeing you back at parliament soon."
Violence is never ok. From myself and the @NZNationalParty we wish @jamespeshaw a fast recovery. We’re thinking of you & look forward to seeing you back at parliament soon.
Ministers don't, as a matter of course, have police protection when they travel. That is reserved for the Prime Minister and ministers who may have received threats.
