The IPCA report, titled “The Review: Policing of the Protest and Occupation at Parliament 2022,” investigated 1905 complaints regarding the police response to the significant demonstration against the Labour government led by then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
The large protests, dubbed an ‘occupation’ by NZ media, signalled the beginning of the end of Ardern’s government, with her resigning as PM in January 2023 and Labour’s subsequent electoral defeat.
New Zealand police move in on Freedom Convoy outside parliament.
Putin isn’t a threat to New Zealanders. Jacinda Ardern is.
Don’t fall for the distraction.
pic.twitter.com/wpeH5Brguy— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) March 2, 2022
While NZ Police faced strong criticism, the IPCA determined only six instances of excessive force during the events of February 10, when police attempted to clear Parliament grounds.
Three cases justified the use of force, two found it excessive, and one couldn’t make a finding.
Meanwhile in New Zealand, police are busy knocking out old men daring to protest vaccine mandates.
I don’t see Putin treating Russian anti-war protesters like that.
Jacinda Ardern is a disgrace.
— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) March 2, 2022
During the 2022 Wellington protest, Labour minister Michael Wood referred to the protest as a “river of filth” and claimed that protesters were motivated by violence, antisemitism, and Islamophobia.
Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming acknowledged the challenging circumstances, claiming:
“They were faced with a level of violence and vitriol that we have never before experienced in New Zealand.”
Where is the world outrage?
New Zealand police KNOCKED OUT an anti-mandate protester live on air.
Even Putin treats anti-war protesters better than Jacinda Ardern.
Time for international sanctions.
— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) March 2, 2022
McSkimming praised the ‘exemplary work’ of the majority of officers but admitted to ‘isolated incidents’ where the police “didn’t get it right.”
The IPCA affirmed its commitment to transparency, promising summaries of each complaint on their website.
