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Jo Blair's avatar

I am a 50-year-old business owner, I’m well educated, holding two degrees in education and business. I supported the protesters at Parliament. I joined their numbers for two days, flying down from Auckland, with a friend and my parents who were in the 80s who also supported protest. I had never protested before, but felt so strongly about the direction the country was heading. I believed it was my civil right to stand up and be counted. It was a beautiful protest, until it wasn’t, and while we were only there for two days, I know the truth of those who dug their heels in. Watching the media coverage, and the events unfolded profoundly affected how I viewed both the government, and those who provided mainstream news feeds. The disinformation was the doing of the government and mainstream media outlets. I am still saddened to see the prosecution and discrediting of members of society, who stood up for their beliefs and rights, in what we all thought was a democratic and free country. Thank you for being someone who was counted. I’m sorry you had to go through the legal system and I’m sorry you were not heard. Unfortunately as a society we have lost the ability to listen to each other, openly debate and engage in discussion with respect. I’m proud to have been part of the conversation, thanks for sharing your journey.

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Wiremu Harpuka's avatar

Absolutely first rate piece, thank you. I admire your integrity and writing, both.

I don't know who you are and that would be most interesting. All best.

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