Table of Contents
Convoy 2022 NZ
Freedom Alliance
New Zealand Doctors Speaking Out with Science
Outdoors & Freedom Movement
The Freedom and Rights Coalition
Voices for Freedom
18 February 2020
Good afternoon
This is not a media statement.
Instead, it is a very personal message (from the leadership of the main groups present) to apologise about the treatment some journalists have received when trying to cover the Wellington protest.
We have only recently become aware that reporters trying to enter the site were turned away. We are also now becoming more fully aware of the personal abuse some received.
For that we are genuinely sorry.
In return, we ask that you give consideration to the organic nature of this protest and the new experience for all that is unfolding.
While the ‘combined groups’ do not represent everyone present, we nevertheless take responsibility for the gaps in our internal communication, between ourselves and the security team, in particular, that’s resulted in you not being made welcome.
We have to acknowledge many protestors’ frustration and concern towards the mainstream media. But, while we cannot speak for everyone here, we are prepared to do our absolute best to support you to properly report on the events and cover the stories at the protest site.
Accordingly, from today we have created a media liaison role which you will be able to connect with for on site visits.
We have re-briefed the internal security team and will continue to implement our internal communications strategy – whereby speakers will talk to the crowd throughout the day about the need for continued tolerance and respect to everyone including the media.
This communication from the combined groups doubles as an invitation for media to visit and walk the site with us, to meet the people present and hear their personal stories.
You will be escorted, should you wish, by our internal security team and a media liaison person (however please note this person is not a spokesperson). Should you wish to conduct any interviews in private, without our security present, just let us know and our media liaison people will facilitate.
Before visiting, please ensure you email us on endthemandatesnz@protonmail.com and a media liaison person will contact you to coordinate timing etc.
A final word about spokespeople: We have been working over the past few days to decide on a suitable person or persons to represent us publicly. We are nearly there. Thank you for bearing with us.
UPDATE:
Media are not required to be escorted into and around our site. We note in this story the reporter writes: “Reporters are now required to email and report to a media liaison officer before approaching anyone for comment.“ This is not correct.
The media liaison role is to provide comfort to any media who might be worried about coming on site and give any other media a tour should they wish.
This communication summarises the agreed position of groups representing the majority people at Parliament:
Convoy 2022 NZ
Freedom Alliance
New Zealand Doctors Speaking Out with Science
Outdoors & Freedom Movement
The Freedom and Rights Coalition
Voices for Freedom.
