Unmasked police officers apologises for hugging protester amid criticism of lack of presence at rally

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An unmasked police officer who was seen hugging an anti-mandate protester at a large protest rally in Christchurch says he made a mistake.

The officer was observed hugging an unmasked female protester by a Stuff reporter. He was also seen chatting to members of the crowd and appeared to be taking photos on his cellphone before he headed back to his police car.

When asked why he hugged a protester, he said the woman had come up to him to say ‘thank you’ for being there.

He “inadvertently” didn’t have his mask on.

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“It was a mistake, and I’m sorry about that.”

Police superintendent Lane Todd said he “acknowledged” the hug had happened while the policeman was unmasked.

“The officer was caught unaware and reacted politely.”

Todd said the officer had reported the incident to his manager immediately.

STACY SQUIRES/Stuff

Over 1000 people turned out for the Freedom and Rights Coalition protest.

All active police officers are required to be vaccinated.

He and one other officer were the only visible police presence at the beginning of the Freedom and Rights Coalition rally that started at Cranmer Square on Saturday morning.

Led by Destiny Church pastor Derek Tait that large crowd of over 1000 protesters made their way to Riverside Market. There were several altercations with bystanders along the route as tensions escalated.

Tait spoke to the protesters at the end of the march and called for the vaccine mandate to end on March 1.

Occupiers have been camping at the square for a week and show no signs of leaving, much to the dismay of some local residents who have had enough.

One resident said she had written to Police Commissioner Andrew Coster to ask him to “back up” the Christchurch city council.

She believed weekend rallies were designed to be intimidating and provocative and said police were making a dangerous mistake in allowing the occupation to grow.

“It only takes one touchstone to be lit, and it could go off…we are absolutely helpless.”

JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON/Stuff

Protestors have now been camped at Cranmer Square for a week, police are continuing to ‘monitor’ the situation.

Another resident who watched the rally from their residence on Saturday was shocked there appeared to be no police on the protest route.

“What would happen if something did start?”

The elderly man said the small group occupying the square appeared to be peaceful and respectful, but he did not think the rallies were held in the “same spirit”.

Residents spoken to by Stuff asked to remain anonymous over fears of backlash from protestors.

As the Wellington occupation grows and strengthens the commissioner has faced calls for his resignation.

But he continues to assert that de-escalation is the best way to resolve the stand-off.

“This can’t go on forever, very clearly.”

Meanwhile, the Christchurch occupation continues to be at a stalemate with a police spokesperson saying they recognized that people had a right to peaceful protest.

The spokesperson said they would continue to monitor the situation.

“Police and Christchurch City Council are continuing to work in partnership to positively engage with protesters and ensure there is minimal disruption to the wider public.”

Stuff understands police officers spoke to the occupiers last week and suggested they moved to Hagley Park if the 60 people currently on site continues to grow.

Currently, occupiers of the square are in breach of the Council Parks and Reserves 2016 bylaw, but council authorities remain unable to resolve the situation without police assistance.

CHRIS SKELTON

An anti-mandate occupation of Cranmer Square continues on Monday.

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