MultiCultural Aotearoa
Encyclopedia
MultiCultural Aotearoa is an anti-fascist group that was formed in 2004 in response to racist attacks in the New Zealand
capital, Wellington
.
Its main policies are to:
On 23 October 2004, the MCA led an anti-racism march from Te Papa to the steps of parliament to protest an NZNF demonstration. The NZNF had originally planned to demonstrate against Asian immigration, but after the MCA march was organised the topic was changed to support for the New Zealand flag.
Estimates of attendance at the MCA march vary widely: the national television networks estimated 300, the NZ Herald estimated 800, and the MCA itself claimed 3,000. It included anarchists
and members of the International Socialist Organization
, among other supporters.
Violence broke out when the "Scary Fairies" (about 30 people dressed in comical costumes and masks) taunted the NZNF and were joined by MCA marchers and bystanders. Eventually about 150-200 anti-fascists surrounded NZNF protestors. Police created a separation barrier, but ultimately lost control of the situation and fighting broke out. An NZNF member wielding a baton was arrested, as were two counter-protesters, one for carrying a knife. One NZAF member was injured.
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
capital, Wellington
Wellington
Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range...
.
Its main policies are to:
- Oppose the actions of the New Zealand National FrontNew Zealand National FrontThe New Zealand National Front is a small white nationalist political party in New Zealand.-First formation:Mirroring developments in the UK, a group called the National Front evolved out of the New Zealand branch of the League of Empire Loyalists in 1967...
(NZNF) - Oppose humiliating immigration policies
- Stop Māori-bashing
On 23 October 2004, the MCA led an anti-racism march from Te Papa to the steps of parliament to protest an NZNF demonstration. The NZNF had originally planned to demonstrate against Asian immigration, but after the MCA march was organised the topic was changed to support for the New Zealand flag.
Estimates of attendance at the MCA march vary widely: the national television networks estimated 300, the NZ Herald estimated 800, and the MCA itself claimed 3,000. It included anarchists
Anarchism
Anarchism is generally defined as the political philosophy which holds the state to be undesirable, unnecessary, and harmful, or alternatively as opposing authority in the conduct of human relations...
and members of the International Socialist Organization
International Socialist Organization (New Zealand)
The International Socialist Organisation is a Trotskyist organisation in New Zealand. It is based in Dunedin.The founders of the ISO in New Zealand, notably Brian Roper, had developed sympathies with the International Socialism current of Trotskyism while living overseas...
, among other supporters.
Violence broke out when the "Scary Fairies" (about 30 people dressed in comical costumes and masks) taunted the NZNF and were joined by MCA marchers and bystanders. Eventually about 150-200 anti-fascists surrounded NZNF protestors. Police created a separation barrier, but ultimately lost control of the situation and fighting broke out. An NZNF member wielding a baton was arrested, as were two counter-protesters, one for carrying a knife. One NZAF member was injured.
External links
- Official website
- NZ Herald:Three arrests, police officer hurt after National Front march
- Scoop Images: Multicultural Aotearoa In Wellington Photos of march
- TVNZ:Violent clashes at anti-racism rally
- Press releases related to October 2004 march:
- March Against Racism Forces Backdown 6 October 2004
- Alliance Supports Anti-Racism March 23 October 2004
- A Backgrounder On Today's Anti-Racism March 23 October 2004
- Multicultural Aotearoa Says 3000+ Marched 26 October 2004