At least one person loaded into police van at Port of Auckland in Mechanics Bay this afternoon and another person pepper sprayed as protesters moved out of site.
Video / @Tameem / Mitch Powell
Dozens of pro-Palestine protesters blocked an entrance to the Port of Auckland (POAL), as a large police presence saw six arrested, including a man who threw a bottle at an officer.
The Herald learned the protest was against the importing of Israeli goods, with one protester threatening to remove ahummus product co-owned by an Israeli company from New Zealand supermarket shelves.
As of 5pm today, about 12 police cars and vans were at the scene of the protest on Solent St, which leads to the port in downtown Auckland.
Inspector David Christoffersen said police attended the Port of Auckland this afternoon to reports of protest action.
“The group were initial operating lawfully but made a collective decision to block the roadway, entrance, and exit to the port.
“The group was warned they were obstructing the roadway and port operations and ask to move, however they refused to do so.”
Pro-Palestinian protesters clash with police outside the Port of Auckland.
Christoffersen said police made six arrests, five for obstruction and one for disorderly behaviour.
“Over the course of the protest, OC (pepper) spray was deployed on one occasion, and a police officer was assaulted. They had a split lip not requiring medical attention.”
Christoffersen said police had attempted to engage with the group prior to the protest action, and had given advice on how to protest safely and legally at an adjacent location.
“However, this advice was not heeded. This behaviour is unacceptable as it disrupts the operations of a busy workplace and puts those in the area at risk.”
About 12 police cars and vans were at the scene of the protest on Solent St, Auckland. Photo / Raphael Franks
One container terminal was closed by POAL due to safety concerns.
Footage of the scene showed officers engaging in physical altercations with animated protesters and using pepper spray on at least one.
At least two people were loaded into different police vans at the scene. However, the majority of the around 40 protestors were peaceful, waving flags and placards.
“Be free, Palestine,” the crowd chanted.
Officer’s dramatic tackle of agitator
One protester threw a bottle at a police officer and then scarpered.
When the man returned, a swarm of police officers ran after him.
The man outstretched his arms and a police officer tackled him, sending them both into the air before hitting the ground.
Protesters crowded the arresting officers, shouting claims of “police brutality” and questioning the arrest. A small scuffle between police and protesters ensued, with officers pushing the crowd back.
About 30 police were at the protest and trucks were still moving in and out of the port.
POAL said in a statement it respects the right for people to hold a peaceful and safe protest.
Police are out in force as pro-Palestine protesters block an entrance to Port of Auckland. Photo / NZ Herald
“The safety of our people, the protesters and maintaining port security are our priorities. To ensure everyone’s safety we have paused road operations in and out of the Fergusson Container Terminal. All other port operations continue as normal,” POAL said.
As of 6.30pm, police said they had cleared the road and container terminal road operations had recommenced.
Protesters target hummus brand
One protester encouraged others to “get ready for a direct action weekend with people going into supermarkets all over New Zealand and taking Obela [brand hummus] off the shelves and throwing it in the bin”.
