City centre buzzes for democracy

Photo: Brendon O'Hagan

Protesters 'marching for democracy' up Auckland's Queen St yesterday.

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THOUSANDS MARCHED up Auckland's Queen St yesterday in a "March for Democracy" to protest against the government's failure to heed a citizens-initiated referendum calling for the repeal of anti-smacking laws.

One man was arrested for being drunk and disorderly at the end of the march.

Organiser Colin Craig, an Auckland property manager who has spent "several hundred thousand" dollars on the event, said he was "thrilled" by the turnout, estimated at up to 4000 people.

His actions were intended to raise "the issue of democracy" – in particular, the government's failure to act on three citizens-initiated referendums, reduce the number of MPs, create a more victim-centred justice system, and amend the anti-smacking legislation.

The march's confusingly broad banner brought together interest groups with diverse agendas – fathers' rights, Maori, and super-city activists.

Counter-demonstrators turned up with placards which ridiculed the marchers, reading "Hit my baby one more time", "Bring Back Dancing with the Stars" and "Huh?"

The march was launched in surreal fashion by singer Yulia MacLean, who was the main person to address the crowd before it set off up Queen St.

"It's great to be here sharing the love for democracy. Do you love New Zealand? I love New Zealand," she told the crowd, before launching into a set which included "Pokarekare Ana", "Dancing Queen", and "From Russia With Love".