Protesters demonstrate outside the Iranian embassy in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
About 50 protesters are demonstrating outside the Iranian embassy in Wellington.
They said they were opposing what they called a brutal crackdown on protesters in Iran.
RNZ's reporter on the scene said the protesters had flags and were chanting and burning headscarves.
There was one police car outside the embassy in Hataitai and the curtains of the embassy were drawn, she said.
Megin Dastgheib said she was at the protest to "give energy" to those standing up for their rights in Iran.
"We can't just sit around and watch our country in chaos and our people fighting for their basic rights.
"We have to be here and support them and give energy from far away."
Two protesters hold hands as they demonstrate outside the Iranian embassy in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Demonstrators have been gathering in large numbers across Iran and around the world since the death of Kurdish Iranian woman Mahsa Amini in police custody last month.
Amini had been arrested for allegedly wearing her hijab "improperly".
There has been an upsurge in the protests this week, with tens of thousands taking to the streets in major cities across Iran after security forces were reported to have opened fire on protesters in Saqquez, Amini's home city, on Wednesday.
In a tweet, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said Aotearoa was "appalled" by the use of force by Iranian authorities overnight.
"Violence against women, girls or any other members of Iranian society to prevent their exercise of universal human rights is unacceptable and must end."
Aotearoa New Zealand is appalled by the use of force by Iranian authorities overnight in response to peaceful demonstrations.
— Nanaia Mahuta (@NanaiaMahuta) October 28, 2022
Violence against women, girls or any other members of Iranian society to prevent their exercise of universal human rights is unacceptable and must end.
