Protesters Demand: “No More Dirty Politics” By Elizabeth Beattie
10 September 2014
The Kiwis for Clean Politics protest got off to a slightly rocky start as protestors and Parliament security staff
clashed over protestor’s rights to hand out leaflets. Parliamentary Security affirmed that the Speaker of the House must
give permission prior to printed material being handed out, despite placards and signs being allowed on Parliament’s
steps.
But despite the communication issues, Kiwis for Clean Politics message was heard loud and clear: “No more Dirty
Politics”.
Organizer Melinda Gamlen said that the protest was a response to the facts Nicky Hager uncovered and published in his
book; Dirty Politics.
“If John Key had no knowledge about what was going on, he shouldn't be Prime Minister” said one Protester.
While passers-bys looked initially perplexed by a sizeable caricatured effigy of Prime Minister John Key, a number
joined the protest, the members of which were largely represented by Labour and Greens supporters.
Senior lecturer in Media Studies at Victoria University, Dr Peter Thompson called for changes to “closed door politics”
stating: “(we need to) reclaim the Beehive, that’s ours, not theirs. We Need to reclaim democracy!”
Members of the public were also invited to talk. Every one of them calling for change and demanding a shift in the way
politics in New Zealand is conducted.
ENDS