Protesters interrupt Act’s South Island campaign launch
The Act Party's South Island campaign launch in Christchurch was disrupted by protesters demonstrating against Israel's military actions. Despite the interruptions, the party officially adopted a policy to establish a $2 billion national cancer centre funded through public-private partnerships.
Why it matters
It illustrates the increasing trend of political campaign events being targeted by single-issue activists and the party's attempt to pivot to healthcare policy.
Act is campaigning for a dedicated national cancer centre, after Paul Henry put the idea forward. Photo / RNZ
Protesters received short shrift from Act Party faithful at its South Island campaign launch on Friday night.
There had been tight security at the Christchurch Town Hall, with bag searches for the hundreds of attendees and several people pre-emptively removed before the speeches began.
Three women calling for sanctions on Israel disrupted party leader David Seymour’s speech, but were drowned out by jeers from the crowd.
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