Protesters have clashed with police in central Auckland’s Saint Patrick’s Square following the court hearing of Eli Rubashkyn, the individual charged with splashing tomato juice on British anti-trans activist, Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, popularly known as Posie Parker.
The tomato juice incident, which occurred during a speaking event on March 25, led Parker to cancel the event and subsequently leave New Zealand and has since vowed not to return.
Approximately 200 meters from the Auckland District Court, two contrasting groups assembled, leading to an increased police presence in the vicinity.

With the ‘Let a Woman Speak’ group standing on one side and The Trans Liberation Alliance (TLA) on the other, barriers and nearly 20 officers separating the two groups, however, the situation intensified around 1.30 pm when TLA supporters reportedly began to challenge the police barrier.
By 2.30 pm, while the ‘Let a Woman Speak’ group maintained their position in the square, TLA members started to disband.
Inspector Richard Sami, addressing the matter, stated that the police were well-prepared for the protests. “The safety of the public remains our utmost priority,” he said, emphasising the law enforcement’s commitment to ensuring safety and order while recognising citizen’s right to protest. As the scene continued to unfold, he advised the public to anticipate travel delays or consider alternative routes.