Coronavirus: Jacinda Ardern blasts Black Lives Matter protesters over virus risk

Jacinda Ardern has scolded thousands of New Zealanders for breaking coronavirus restrictions at Black Lives Matter protests.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Picture: Getty Images

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has scolded thousands of New Zealanders for breaking coronavirus restrictions at Black Lives Matter protests.

New Zealand has just one active case of COVID-19, a 50-something Aucklander in isolation, and will achieve elimination of the disease this week without the discovery of another positive test.

Ms Ardern’s coronavirus response has insisted on strict social distancing and caps on gatherings, both of which were flouted at rallies in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch on Monday. Ms Ardern said that was unfair to Kiwis who had abided by the rules, including those who had postponed weddings or funerals.

“They had breached the rules. It was not right,” Ms Ardern said. “Many New Zealanders have sacrificed an enormous amount and we continue to expect that of our team for everyone. I need to keep asking the team of five million to stay together so that we can reach the finish line.”

New Zealand’s protests included powerful hakas and were conducted peacefully. Ms Ardern agreed with the anti-racism message, but not the method. “All I ask is that while we’re in a pandemic in New Zealand and while we try to keep one another safe, that we find other ways at this point in time to express that solidarity.”

AAP