15 Jun 2022

Three Waters, funding of media, Covid-19 vaccine protested as PM visits Te Aratai College

11:45 am on 15 June 2022

About 60 protesters have gathered outside Te Aratai College in Christchurch in response to a visit to the newly opened school from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

The protesters held signs about a range of issues, including human rights breaches, opposition to three waters and taxpayer funding of media. Photo: RNZ

The protesters were holding signs complaining about a range of issues, including human rights breaches, opposition to three waters and taxpayer funding of media.

About half a dozen police officers were stopping the protesters entering the school grounds.

The protesters heckled police and media with accusations of links to freemasons, police brutality at the Parliament protests and supporting the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, among other things.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was taken into the college using a back entrance. Photo: RNZ

Some passing motorists tooted their horns in support but other passersby criticised them for protesting at a school.

The protesters were also regularly honking horns themselves, shouting and playing music.

Protesters outside Te Aratai College.

The protesters held signs about a range of issues, including human rights breaches, opposition to three waters and taxpayer funding of media. Photo: RNZ

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was greeted by a Pōwhiri at a back entrance to the school and some students were heard calling out "We love you Jacinda" from a classroom windows as she arrived.