Pacific islanders join Auckland 'Black Lives Matter' protest [1]
Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - 23:43. Updated on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 - 09:26.
Thousands of protesters gathered in the Auckland CBD yesterday 1 June, to show their solidarity with protests in the United States against police brutality. Among the protesters were Samoan and Tongan flag wavers. The protesters attempted to reach the United States Consulate, which was closed off by New Zealand police.
Waving banners, the crowd chanted and screamed “black lives matter!” and “no justice no peace!”.
The protest was initiated by a number of activists and groups in New Zealand, including UFC champion Israel Adesanya, the Polynesian Panthers and Parris Goebel, a popular Kiwi-Samoan hip hop choreographer in Auckland.
Parris Goebel said via twitter prior to the protest, "NZ STAND UP. If you are as frustrated and heartbroken as I am, meet me at Aotea Square tomorrow! ... It is easy to sit back and watch all of this on your phone from the other side of the world, but will you get up and march with us?"
A “fashion activist” and New Zealand Polynesian Panther supporter, Jaunnie 'Ilolahia told Matangi Tonga: "I’ve been watching the shocking and saddening story of George Floyd, the updates and protests all week. I shake my head because it reminds me of Rodney King and the countless other black men and women killed in police custody.”
“I am immediately grateful for our Pasifika history, the family I was born into, and firm fair leadership from a government that cares about its people. I feel blessed to be born in Aotearoa, NZ, and I'm proud of my Tongan culture and heritage...Auckland showed up!” she said.