Misleading RNZ Headline Creates False Equivalence Between Peaceful Protest and Planned Disruption – Palestine Forum of New Zealand
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand is deeply concerned by RNZ’s headline “Twin protests set to cause traffic woes for Auckland”, which misrepresents the facts and creates a false equivalence between two fundamentally different actions.
For more than two years, pro-Palestinian protests in Auckland, including regular gatherings in Aotea Square, have been conducted peacefully, lawfully, and without causing traffic disruption. These protests are well-established, responsibly organised, and coordinated with authorities. They have consistently respected public safety and the wider community.
In contrast, Destiny Church publicly signalled an intention to illegally occupy the Auckland Harbour Bridge, a major transport artery and critical piece of infrastructure. Such an action would have caused significant disruption and posed serious safety risks.
Framing these two actions as “twin protests” equally responsible for potential traffic disruption is misleading and inaccurate. It unfairly associates a peaceful social justice movement with chaos that it neither planned nor caused.
Responsible journalism requires clarity, context, and precision — particularly when reporting on public protest. Headlines matter. They shape public perception and can unjustly stigmatise communities and movements that have acted responsibly and within the law.
We call on RNZ to reflect on this framing and to ensure that future reporting accurately distinguishes between peaceful, lawful protest and planned unlawful disruption.
The right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy in Aotearoa New Zealand. It must not be undermined through careless or misleading representation.
