Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the New Zealand First conference this afternoon, creating chaos during party leader Winston Peters’ speech and as he left the venue.
Police recieved a report of two people being assaulted during the incident in Hamilton.
“There were no serious injuries. Two people were arrested and charges are being considered,” a police spokesperson said.
Peters, who is the Foreign Minister, paused briefly as several protesters yelled during the middle of his speech to party faithful around 3pm.
“They think that’s a cause, that’s work, that they’ve somehow appeased their social conscience. Bet they haven’t done a finger to help anyone in Palestine in terms of money,” he said, after protesters stopped yelling.
Later, protesters could be seen confronting the party leader as he walked away from the lectern, alongside a cadre of NZ First MPs.
Several people could be seen attempting to stop protesters from getting closer to Peters, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister.
The protesters mixed with Cabinet ministers and other prominent MPs, including Shane Jones, Andy Foster, Casey Costello, and others.
Protesters chanted “Free Palestine” and some yelled directly in the faces of ministers.
