National Front marchers clash

National Front protesters at Parliament. Picture / Mark Coote

National Front members clashed with protesters as they marched on Parliament yesterday, shocking tourists but leading to only one arrest.

Around 30 members of the National Front were in Wellington for their annual rally to "celebrate the New Zealand flag". National Front Director Sid Wilson attacked multiculturalism, describing it as "genocide" and "holocaust" against white and Maori New Zealand.

The rally was met by an 80-strong counter-protest.

Parliamentary security was tight after scenes of chaos and violence in previous years. Two dozen police officers escorted the National Front members as they marched. One protester was arrested after an altercation involving a Soviet flag, but was later released without charge.

Senior Sergeant Marty Parker said police were happy that there was no injury or property damage, but it has been a drain on police resources.

"At the end of the day, we're here to protect the public and we have to do this sort of thing."

The confrontation also made its way to the Hutt Park Holiday Park, where National Front members were staying. The park's details were posted on the internet, and it is has received abusive phone calls about the National Front's stay. Others at the park said that they were not told of the group's presence and some were worried about safety.

Park management declined to comment.