Whangarei-based Zimbabweans planning to join in a peaceful demonstration in Auckland this weekend are (from left) Tamara Whytehorn, Clare Brooke-Smith, Paulette Scrooby and Josh Scrooby. Photo / Imran Ali
Northlanders have joined a series of global demonstrations and will participate in a peaceful protest this week against Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe as calls grow for him to step down from power.
Worldwide protests, both online through the #thisflag movement and staged demonstrations, followed a heartfelt plea by Zimbabwean Pastor
Evan Mawarire calling for compatriots to claim back their flag, and for an end to corruption and human rights abuse under Mr Mugabe.
Paulette Scrooby, of Whangarei, is calling on Northlanders to join her in Auckland on Saturday for a peaceful demonstration under the hashtag #thisflagnz.
So far at least 20 Northlanders - many expats - were keen to participate but that number could grow by the end of the week, she said.
Ms Scrooby was born in Zimbabwe and said the groundswell of support against the 92-year-old president - the only leader Zimbabwe has known since independence 36 years ago - was growing globally.