Warning given to Waitangi Day protesters
PA Whangarei The police commander in Northland, Superintendent R. P. Silk, yesterday warned protesters to stay within the law in any stance they take during Sunday’s Waitangi Day celebrations at Waitangi.
The spokesman for the Waitangi Action Committee. Ms Rebecca Evans, said in Auckland on Tuesday that her group’s aim was to stop the celebrations for longer than the disruption last year. Asked how this would be achieved she said. "Anything is possible.” Last Waitangi Day explosive devices were thrown near the’treaty grounds and protesters were arrested. Mr Silk said yesterday that the police would be on the grounds at Waitangi and in
the surrounding area in strength and that any protest action would have to be peaceful. "The police accept the right of individuals to peaceful protest. It is not police policy to institute incidents," he said. "As long as protests stay within the law there need be no confrontation. Any violence that does occur will originate from the protesters and not from the police.” Mr Silk said. Ms Evans said she was not willing to say there would be no confrontation with the police “because confrontations are started by provocation from the State." Mr Silk said police leave would be "severely” restricted and supporting staff would be drafted from throughout New Zealand. About 70 people began a
march yesterday from Auckland to’ Waitangi to protest against the celebrations, according to a Press Association message from Auckland. The marchers, including several children, set off from Bastion Point about 8.30 a.m. They were ferried across the Auckland Harbour Bridge in motor-vehicles. The protesters reassembled and began to march along the side of the motorway. The police told them to use secondary routes. The march was orderly and no trouble was reported. “Our main thrust of protest is to stop the celebrations. in more ways than one,” said Ms Evans. Protests against Waitangi Day would also be held throughout New Zealand, with support groups holding meetings and rallies. Ms Evans said.
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Press, 3 February 1983, Page 1
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336Warning given to Waitangi Day protesters Press, 3 February 1983, Page 1
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