MultiCultural Aotearoa
(MCA) is an anti-fascist group that was formed in 2004 in
response to racist attacks in the New Zealand
capital, Wellington
.
Its main policies are to:
On
October 23, 2004, the
MCA led an anti-racism march from Te Papa
to the steps
of parliament to protest an
NZNF demonstration. The NZNF had originally planned to
demonstrate against Asian immigration, but after the MCA march was
organised the topic was changed to support for the New Zealand
flag.
Estimates of attendance at the MCA march vary widely: the national
television networks estimated 300, the
NZ Herald estimated 800, and the MCA
itself claimed 3,000. It included
anarchists and members of the
International
Socialist Organization, among other supporters.
Violence broke out when the "Scary Fairies" (about 30 people
dressed in comical costumes and masks) taunted the NZNF and were
joined by MCA marchers and bystanders. Eventually about 150-200
anti-fascists surrounded NZNF protestors. Police created a
separation barrier, but ultimately lost control of the situation
and fighting broke out. An NZNF member wielding a baton was
arrested, as were two counter-protesters, one for carrying a knife.
One NZAF member was injured.
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