Try closing an airport as a protest and see how long it takes for something to be done about it.
Stuff reports: Kaitaia Airport protesters trespassed, five arrested
Ngati Kahu’s two-day occupation of Kaitaia Airport has ended with five protesters being arrested.
Northland police served trespass orders to the activists about 2pm on Wednesday.
About 15 demonstrators were on airport grounds at that time and many of them chose to leave, police said.
Five of the protesters, one woman and four men, remained behind and were arrested for trespass. They will appear in the Kaitaia District Court on Wednesday, September 17.
Far North Area Commander Inspector Wendy Robilliard said the time had come for police to take action. Police had earlier tried to negotiate with the occupiers to resolve the situation.
Robilliard said everyone had the lawful right to protest, but this group had chosen to act unlawfully, which meant police needed to step in.
The arrests happened the day after the closure of the airport.
One organiser John Popata told TV3 News the group was “pissed off” at Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Chris Finlayson for not visiting them for discussions. “We will fight for ever and ever.”
I think there may be quite a few people quite pissed off at the disruption caused by Mr Popata and hios fellow protesters.
I can imagine quite a few people being quite annoyed that their travel plans were disrupted. Medical specialists were also prevented from landing at Kaitaia.