Tensions grow between rival groups at anti-government protest in Auckland Domain

• Demonstrators from the Brian Tamaki-led Freedom and Rights Coalition have been met by a counter-protest in central Auckland.
• Police intervened between the two groups when tensions flared around midday.
• Road users have been warned to expect traffic disruption and police have closed two links to the Southern Motorway.

Tensions are growing between protesters from the Brian Tamaki-led Freedom and Rights Coalition and a rival group at the Auckland Domain.

The two groups have been edging closer together since the protest began at 11am and police saw fit to intervene as some rival protesters faced off around midday.

Police have formed a line between them, as protesters from the Freedom and Rights Coalition camp move towards the smaller group of counter-demonstrators.

A small number of counter-protesters have held firm, continuing to wave rainbow flags and play disco music.

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A war of words has been taking place, with both sides calling for the other to “go home”.

Shortly before 1pm, tensions between the two protest groups had eased, with the line of police officers keeping the peace.

Police had earlier warned road users to prepare for traffic disruption as a result of the protest, which has also resulted in the cancellation of several children’s football games at the domain.

The Freedom and Rights Coalition, led by Tamaki’s Destiny Church, described the latest protest as a ‘Kiwi Patriots Day and March’ and farmers market.

A man who identified himself as a security guard said the intention was to march past Auckland City Hospital and onto SH1 via Gillies Ave.

He said he hoped more protesters would arrive despite it being “a cold morning”.

A police spokesperson confirmed the Southern Motorway on and off-ramps at Kyber Pass were closed to minimise disruption.

However, at about 12.40pm, Tamaki took to a stage in front of around 300 people and told them they were not going to walk on the motorway.

Auckland City East Area Commander Inspector Jim Wilson said police were actively monitoring the protest to ensure safety for all involved and members of the public.

“Any unsafe or dangerous behaviour occurring throughout the event will be followed up by police and appropriate action taken.”

“Police recognise the public’s right to protest peacefully and lawfully but we will take action where required.”

It comes two weeks after the group led a protest along a section of the Southern Motorway between Mt Eden and Newmarket. No charges have yet been laid, but police inquiries continue.

This week the protest will contend with a counter-protest dubbed ‘FARC off Brian’ – a play on the Freedom and Rights Coalition acronym – organised by Mark Graham in objection of Tamaki’s “message of exclusion and hate”.

The Freedom and Rights Coalition says its protest is over “unworkable” regulations for farmers, “reckless” spending of taxpayer money and the “never-ending” lockdowns causing businesses to suffer.

It is also calling for better property market conditions for first home buyers, better mental health services, the protection of religious rights and tino rangatiratanga (sovereignty) for indigenous people

As of 11am, conflict between the two protests had involved a competition over the volume of music with both John Farnham and Sister Sledge echoing on the Auckland museum grounds.

Counter-protest attendees were asked to protest in a fun, peaceful and non-violent manner and wear pink or bright colours.

“We will not be looking to prevent anyone walking on to the motorway – that isn’t our job. We are not looking for a confrontation, but to show that a diverse and inclusive community has a positive message for New Zealand,” Graham posted to the Facebook event.

Auckland Council director of customer and community services Claudia Wyss wrote to the Freedom and Rights Coalition on Tuesday to warn the group its event and farmers market may be in breach of a bylaw prohibiting events and trading in a council-controlled public place without a permit.

Wyss also warned that the group would be responsible for any damage to council property during the event and asked that they “honour the importance of those who have served our nation” by not occupying the Cenotaph and Court of Honour in front of the Auckland War Museum.

Additionally, it was important protesters not interfere with sports groups using the domain on Saturday.