Dear Editor
There have now been multiple protests around the country opposing what the government is doing on a number of fronts. While the media likes to present these as anti-vaccine, there is a lot more to it than that. Sure, many are protesting vaccine mandates and passports, but there is plenty of opposition to the way this government is pressing ahead with law changes that are based on idealism rather than practicality, such as 3 waters and abolition of the 3 strikes law.
Then there is the imposition of borders around Auckland, claimed to be for health reasons, but widely considered to be something else entirely.
It has to be pointed out that the thousands of people who have been involved in these protests are voters, constituents in their electorates, and as such, deserve representation. Where is that representation?
Prime Minister Ardern is continually talking about having conversations with all of the sectors of society, yet has made no effort to engage with protestors and understand their concerns. She has not seen fit to even send any of her underlings to do this if she doesn’t have the guts to do so herself.
But what about the Opposition? None of them are in evidence either. I believe that Judith Collins expressed support for farmers and the Groundswell movement, but apart from that, zilch.
The groups that have formed and organised protests around the country in most cities and towns of any size have the right to expect their members of parliament to front up and listen to their concerns. Not only to expect it, but to demand it.
It appears there will be another protest at Parliament on 16 December, the last sitting day of the year. I hope it is huge. If it’s good enough for the Prime Minister to come out and listen to the concerns of Greenpeace, then the requirement for her to extend the same courtesy to the people of New Zealand is a given.
The public does in fact have the right to expect representatives of all parties to address the gathering. I also consider that the size of the gathering will be unprecedented, which should trigger a request by some member for an urgent debate on the issue.
It’s far bigger than the urgent debate triggered by ACT over a handful of people dying in MIQ; it concerns the many deaths resulting from lockdowns, suicides following business losses, delayed medical treatment, and of course the ongoing effect on the mental health of thousands of citizens.
Rod
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