Two Catholic organisations who had been planning participation in Saturday’s post Budget rally in Auckland withdrew support following a New Zealand Herald story about the civil disobedience intentions of some participants.
The Herald reported that Meredydd Barrar, spokesman for newly formed Coalition for Social Justice, said that they intended to take action during the World Cup which might include flour-bombing Eden Park.
Lisa Beech from Caritas said that Caritas and the Auckland Catholic Justice and Peace Commission “absolutely do not support, and do not want to be seen to endorse, any suggestions of flour-bombing Rugby World Cup games.”
“The New Zealand Herald article is misleading, presenting views of some individuals as if they were representative of the wider Coalition,” she said. “The primary concern of Catholic groups is the mission to speak out for the human dignity of all, and to work for the common good.”
Barrar told ONE News that comments he made have been taken out of context. He said he is not planning a repeat of the 1981 Springbok tour protest.
Source
- New Zealand Herald
- Image – TVNZ