Two people involved in a protest that blocked Nelson's main street have been arrested for obstruction.
Motorists were advised to avoid the intersection. Photo: RNZ / Samantha Gee
A demonstration blocking Nelson's main street was the launch of Extinction Rebellion's candidate for the upcoming local body elections.
XR Whakatū closed off one end of Trafalagar St this morning and erected two bamboo tripod structures on the road with a sign hanging between them that read, "Participatory Democracy is Key".
The action was to launch "The People", a candidate for this year's local body election.
Spokesperson Ami Kennedy said a Te Tiriti based people's assembly was a form of decision making that put everyday people in charge.
"It is clear that our current political process isn't working for anybody, including elected councillors. There are reports of bullying and an adversarial culture and this gets in the way of making effective decisions for our community."
She said the current decision making system was not inclusive or agile enough to make the progress that was needed.
"I would love to see a process that unites people in respect and puts the wellbeing of life before all else."
The Te Tiriti based people's assembly was similar to a citizens assembly, but unique to Aotearoa.
The group said it would remove corporate influence and ensure evidence-based decision making, while upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embedding mana whenua's place at the table.
XR Whakatū has been protesting for action on climate change outside Nelson City Council's Civic House building every Friday for the last three months.
They say in that time the council has not been out to engage with them.
Te Wehi Ratana, who was hanging from one of the structures as part of the demonstration, said it was time for change as the climate and ecological crisis proved the political system was broken.
"Three years ago Nelson City Council declared a climate emergency. We have been waiting to see the action and leadership promised. It is clear that we must do something to force the change we need to see."
There was a heavy police response to the demonstration, with at least 15 officers in attendance who talked the protesters down from their hanging structures shortly before 1pm.
Two people were then arrested for obstruction.
XR Whakatū said it was the first of many actions the group would be taking to establish a Te Tiriti based people's assembly in the leadup to the election.
Photo: RNZ / Samantha Gee