Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown is slamming the actions of people who recently defaced the offices of several Members of Parliament.
Brown, the National Party’s transport spokesperson, says vandalism and protests that block motorways will never achieve change and police and the courts should “crack down” on such behaviour.
The news media reported on December 15 that members of the protest group Restore Passenger Rail sprayed the officers of five MPs with fake blood.
Brown also criticised Transport Minister Michael Wood for meeting with the protest group before the vandalism in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin was carried out.
“This vandalism of MPs’ offices by radical rail activists who have previously blocked motorways, undermines their cause and shows that these zealots will not stop on their own accord,” Brown says.
“National is the party of law and order and I have proposed legislation which would mean that anyone convicted of wilfully blocking a motorway could face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
“Transport Minister Michael Wood was foolish or naïve to give these activists the time of day when he met with them in his office for a cup of tea and some scones earlier this month.
“As we’ve seen with Stop Oil protesters continually blocking motorways in the UK, nothing except the force of the law will deter campaigners who believe their own views are more important than the public’s right to drive on roads, or the protection of private property.
“This vandalism is illegal and unacceptable and needs to be stopped before it spreads.”
