The @NZGreens team are shocked this happened to James and are supporting him today. All Kiwis should be able to walk to work in safety. https://t.co/YLr120jfSL
— Gareth Hughes (@GarethMP) March 13, 2019
Source:
https://scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3001684/sad-day-democracy-outrage-new-zealand-after-rare-assault Australasia
‘Sad day for democracy’: Outrage in New Zealand after rare assault on politician leaves him with a black eye
- The climate change minister was walking to work when a man punched him in the face without provocation, in a case that has shocked the laid-back nation
- James Shaw suffered a black eye and lacerations but continued to attend a meeting before going to hospital
New Zealand Climate Change Minister James Shaw. Photo: AAP
A New Zealand government minister was assaulted in a street attack on Thursday, sparking outrage among Kiwis and shaking up Wellington’s normally laid-back political atmosphere.
Green Party co-leader James Shaw was walking to the parliament building, known as the Beehive, at about 7.30am when a man grabbed him on the neck and punched him in the face in what his office described as an unprovoked attack.
While Shaw’s office played down any political aspect to the assault, Trade Minister David Parker told reporters the attacker “was said to be shouting things out about the United Nations”.
Shaw, who is Climate Change Minister and whose party is part of the ruling Labour coalition, was not seriously injured.
Two members of the public helped him and he continued on his way, attending an environmental meeting before going to hospital for a precautionary check-up, said his office.
Shaw suffered a black eye but downplayed the injury, telling news website Stuff “it looks worse than it is”.
Police said a 47-year-old man was arrested and would appear in court on Friday charged with injuring with intent.
The attack sparked outrage from New Zealanders and prompted some to question if politicians were too readily accessible to the public, in a nation where political violence is practically unheard of.
One of the greatest things about New Zealand is the open access we enjoy to politicians. Today's attack isn't just an assault on James Shaw, it's an assault on our democracy.
— Jarrod Gilbert (@JarrodGilbertNZ) March 13, 2019
Most government ministers, save for the Prime Minister, do not have a regular security detail.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said “in New Zealand, you just don’t expect these things to happen”.
“We have an environment in New Zealand where politicians are accessible, and that’s something we should feel proud of,” she told reporters. “We are after all, here to serve people. But today’s events really show we cannot take that for granted.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo: AP
There was condemnation from across the political spectrum, with the leader of the conservative National Party Simon Bridges tweeting: “Violence is never OK.”
Wellington mayor Justin Lester said it was “a sad day for democracy”.
“This is outrageous behaviour and if undertaken by a Wellingtonian, shameful,” he tweeted. “Elected representatives of all hues show courage to represent New Zealanders and we are lucky to have unparalleled access to them.”
Ardern said she had told Shaw to take whatever time off he needed to recover.