“Legislation passed that allows illegal iwi roadblocks to now become legal is pure legislative separatism,” says Winston
Peters Leader of New Zealand First.
“Not only does it allow the government to continue their dangerous separatist agenda, it makes a mockery of the policing
system in New Zealand.”
“The concept of the ‘Public Highway’ is a long standing and inalienable right for all kiwis to have freedom of movement
- that right should not and cannot be taken away because of the whim of some vigilante groups who think they know better
than everyone else.”
“The government has just made the taking away of this freedom legal through a poorly thought out, dangerous, and
precedent-setting piece of legislation.”
“What’s more, the backing down to these groups who conduct these illegal roadblocks has allowed the policing of our
streets and deployment of our stretched police force to now become controlled by agenda-setting vigilantes.”
“Constables will now need to be at these roadblocks 24/7 instead of dealing with real crimes and keeping our communities
safe.”
“Instead of pushing through legislation that made these iwi roadblocks legal, the government should have clearly
identified the ‘Public Highway’, protected kiwis’ right to freedom of movement, and backed the police to shut down
anyone who chooses to ignore it,” says Mr Peters.
“One law for all is the biggest protection for all New Zealanders – including Māori. It should be of great concern that
we have a government who, instead of protecting and enforcing the rule of law, decides it’s easier to change it in order
to appease an apparent ‘untouchable’ vocal few.”