Thousands turn out in Auckland to protest the killing of George Floyd despite covid-19 restrictions. Video / Jed Bradley
New Zealand protesters have today joined thousands of Americans demonstrating against the killing of Minneapolis man George Floyd.
In Wellington one person went as far as temporarily tying himself to the fence of the US Embassy following a vigil attended by around 500 people.
Earlier in the day an estimated 4000 people gathered in central Auckland to attend the Black Lives Matter March for Solidarity. The group travelled from Aotea Square to the US Consulate General on Customs St. Other demonstrations occurred in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Very little social distancing occurred at any of the main protests, prompting concerns from deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, Act leader David Seymour David Seymour and microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles about the risk of spreading Covid-19.
Despite constant calls from organisers for social distancing, people gathered close due to the sheer immensity of the crowd.
"Scenes of thousands of protesters shoulder to shoulder makes a mockery of the Government's Covid-19 restrictions and insults every New Zealander who's followed them," Seymour said.
A spokesman for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declined to comment on the protests or on the death of George Floyd.
Microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles is calling for anyone who attended protests today to self isolate for the next 14 days.
Absolutely gutted to see so many people joined the NZ BLM gatherings/marches without taking covid precautions. If you went today, please please please self isolate for the next 14 days. The last thing any of us want is to see a surge in cases.
The man at Embassy has untied himself. Police said they were aware of the protest at the Embassy "but there's no issue with that at this stage".
A protester has tied himself to the fence at the American Embassy in Wellington. Photo / Twitter
7.20 - No social distancing
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says the protesters ignored social distancing and if authorities don't take action then we should move to level 1 tomorrow.
Protesters in Auckland showing that our team of 5 million are being let down by a small group who think they know better than everyone else. If the authorities allow this to occur then we should be at level 1 tomorrow.
Police said in a statement just after 6pm they were aware of the planned events but not aware of any issues in relation to them.
6.50 - Protester
A Wellington protester has tied himself to the American Embassy to protest the killing of George Floyd. He says he insists on staying until he's removed.
A protester has tied himself to the fence at the American Embassy in Wellington. Photo / Twitter
5:50 - Tears shed
About 500 people have turned up outside Parliament.
Tears have been shed as names of American victims who had died because of racial injustice were read out.
"I can't breathe" and "Black Lives Matter" signs pepper the crowd.
About 500 people have gathered in Wellington for BLM solidarity vigil. Photo / Derek Cheng
Volunteer Billy Brownlie, 15, said she couldn't watch the whole video of former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin with his knee on the back of George Floyd's neck, but fellow volunteer Justin Felderhof, 16, had persevered to watch it, saying it was important to him to recognise what was happening.
"We're here to stand with the black communities in the US in solidarity," Felderhof said.
