Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Throwing dildos at politicians not an appropriate way to celebrate New Zealand, says PM

That clears that up then.

DILDO THROWING IS not a good look for New Zealand and an “appalling way” to behave on the country’s national day, Prime Minister John Key said today, angered by an attack on a senior government minister.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce was hit in the face by a pink dildo thrown at him by a protester during national day celebrations in the northern town of Waitangi yesterday.

dold1

“It’s appalling because that image has gone around the world and there are now people in countries all over the world saying the way New Zealanders theoretically commemorate or celebrate their national day is with a senior politician having a sex toy thrown at them,” Key said.

That’s the way now that people from overseas are viewing how we have a celebration on our national day. It just isn’t the right image for New Zealand.

Key added that the protest was “crude and basic” on what should be a family occasion.

RT UK / YouTube

Waitangi is traditionally the centre of New Zealand’s national day as the town where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British Crown and indigenous Maori in 1840, paving the way for European colonisation.

However, celebrations are often marred by protests with Key refusing to attend this year because of fears of violence.

© AFP 2015

Read: Chef loses battle to stay in New Zealand after being declared too fat

Read: New Zealand has chosen the flag that could be set to replace this one 

Author
View 41 comments
Close
41 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds