NZ students arrested outside parliament

By Francesca Alice

WELLINGTON -- Baton-wielding police arrested 74 students on September 25 at a peaceful protest outside parliament.

The protest, organised by the Victoria University of Wellington Students Association, showed the depth of feeling against what is widely felt to be the government's privatising agenda for tertiary education.

Gathering earlier to burn an effigy of education minister Wyatt Creech, more than 1000 students then marched to parliament.

They were met at the steps of the government buildings by crash barriers and a large police presence. The first speakers demanded to have Creech come to speak to them. They were denied.

Speeches of support were given by the NZ University Students Association women's coordinator, representatives of the NZ Trade Union Federation and the Rail and Maritime Transport Union, the Labour Party's education spokesperson, Steve Maharey, and Alliance's health spokesperson, Phillida Bunkle.

Protesters began to inch forward the barriers one step for every minute Creech refused to meet them. This was the time of the only violence at the protest, as police officers rapped the fingers of demonstrators with their batons. At least one woman was injured by this.

At 1.45pm the head of parliamentary security announced that the parliamentary speaker, Doug Kidd, had declared that from 2pm the grounds would become “private property” and those who refused to leave would be arrested for trespass.

Shortly after 2pm, police began to arrest students in earnest. People with megaphones were targeted, as well as those who had climbed lampposts to lead chants. One protester was arrested outside parliament for “inciting to riot”.

At approximately 3pm the remaining students decided to march to the police station in support of their incarcerated colleagues. About 15 demonstrators elected to remain at the steps of parliament until their original demand to meet with the minister was met. These students were also arrested.

The strength of feeling by students about this campaign is an indication both that the government is undertaking the most comprehensive attack on tertiary education ever and that students are not prepared to lie down and take it any more.

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