Police are clearing Parliament; petition is closing

Kia ora

Well, it might have taken too long by the standards of many, but the Police are actively clearing the Parliament precinct of the remaining occupiers. As expected it is far from peaceful and the occupiers have become full on rioters. It is going to take Wellington months to fully repair the damage from the last few weeks. 

I want to acknowledge that now New Zealand Police have started what for them will be the most upsetting thing that they've probably had to do since the Springbok Tour of 1981. The difference is that the vast majority of New Zealand want this over and done with and are overwhelmingly behind them this time. And that brings me to my next point.

With the cops now doing their job and the Police Commissioner having finally got his act together - I was semi-confident that he'd given up on it - my petition is essentially redundant. As such I am closing it as soon as I send this message.

I want to be clear that I am still no fan of Andrew Coster. I think his style as Commissioner of Police has much to answer for, but I don't believe with the Police now doing some very hard work on Parliament grounds that there is any point in continuing this petition. 

On that note, I'd like to thank everyone who has signed this. THANK YOU. To everyone who has donated to this, THANK YOU. To everyone who has spread the message THANK YOU.

In the days and weeks following this some of you may have some harsh conversations with family and friends. I wish you all the best in dealing with those.

In solidarity,

Rob