An Open Letter to the Commissioner of Police, Mr Sharpe

"Justice must not only be done, it must also be seen to be done," This quotation summarizes perhaps one of the most fundamental aspects of the law in this country. It is taken as read by anyone about to have dealings with either the N.Z. Police Force and/or the N.Z. Courts that they will be treated fairly and justly, regardless of their age, sex, income, status, occupation, political, religious or other beliefs.

Reluctantly, I am forced to write to you at this state, in this form, about an incident which I believe to be of serious magnitude. It is a matter which I believe throws seriously into doubt the validity of the beliefs stated in the introductory paragraph. It is a matter which has affected and worried a great many well-meaning and responsible people. Many of these people have approached me and urged that I take this matter up with you. That I have done so the form of an Open Letter is because I believe the matter is far too serious to go unacknowledged by the community at large.

It concerns the actions of members of the N.Z. Police Force on duty at Waimairi beach, Christchurch, on the afternoon of Saturday March 6.

On the day in question, the New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Association were holding a carnival on Waimairi beach. Also taking part in the carnival was a team from the Republic of South Africa, a team which many believed to have been chosen on racial lines.

Feeling genuinely compromised by the presence in this country of such a racially chosen team, a group of people resolved to demonstrate their opposition to its presence. It was resolved that a demonstration should take place at Waimairi beach on the afternoon of March 6, during the running of the Surf Lifesaving carnival.

The organizers of the demonstration had beforehand had discussions with members of the Police Force. One of the key matters which came out of this discussions was that there was a feeling that there was a real possibility that trouble could erupt when the demonstrators and spectators met on the beach. We were assured by the Police that as long as we stayed within the area which had been alloted to us, we would be protected at all times. The right of peaceful dissent, it was stated, would be upheld. The meeting between the Police and the demonstration organizers had been cordial, business-like and worthwhile. We each knew where the other stood. Or so we thought.

On arrival at Waimairi beach, a demonstration of about 200 people proceeded to walk directly to their alloted area and sit down. The spectators on the beach then seemed, as a person to turn, and in a horseshoe shape, surround us. About twenty feet separated the demonstrators from the crowd - at least nine or ten deep, and in excess of 1500 people.

For the next fifteen minutes two forms of activity ensued. The demonstrators, still seated, as they were in fact to remain throughout, enacted, in the area which had been set aside for them, a mime depicting the consequences of violation of South African micegination laws. At the same time I attempted, with the assistance of a loud speaker, to address the crowd, trying to explain to them why it was we were demonstrating on the beach.

While this was happening the demonstrators became the targets for eggs, sand-bombs, pieces of wood, brandished fists, pies and obscene and provocative language. Any number of demonstrators are prepared to give sworn statements to this effect. They are also prepared to give sworn statements stating that at no stage was there more than five policemen in sight, and that those that were present did little if anything to stop any of the above mentioned missiles being thrown at us. The mood of the crowd was ugly. Several of the demonstrators were genuinely fearful as to their immediate safety. The promised protection had not been delivered.

This situation became so serious that the leaders of the demonstration, seeing that the police were making no real attempt to control the crowd, decided that the demonstration would have to be abandoned. In the words of one of the demonstrating organizers, "I was not prepared to have anyone who turned out in support of a demonstration which I had organized beaten up by the crowd. This is what I considered would have happened had we remained on the beach any longer. I consequently instructed those present that the demonstration was over."

Commissioner Sharpe, I consider that the 'protection' given us by members of your Police Force was pitiful. Because your force at Waimairi beach was either incapable, or undesirous of controlling the crowd, the democratic right to dissent was severely curtailed. After the demonstration I was confronted time and time again by demonstrators who asked me what on earth the police thought they were doing. To many of them it seemed that had we, the demonstrators, been throwing eggs, pies, pieces of wood, etc., there would have been at least several, if not-many (justifiable) arrests. There certainly would have been more than five policemen standing around.

A very serious situation is developing in this country Commissioner, one which you and the community at large should be aware of. It is a situation which relates back directly to my opening observations. A growing number of people are increasingly coming to believe that members of your Police Force, either on instructions, their own accord or latent prejudice, consider that the rights of demonstrators are not equal to the rights of non-demonstrators. Whether this is, or is not true, I do not know. What I do know, is that this is what appears to be true. And not without justification.

Please realize that the majority of demonstrators do not live for, or even vaguely want a 'stoush up' with the Police. The vast majority of demonstrators are young idealistic sincere and deeply committed. Unreasonable, unwarranted and indefensible Police activity, such as witnessed at Waimairi. Can only but give credibility to those elements which wish to paint your Police Force as being comprised of a bunch of 'fascist pigs.' Stripped of rhetoric, emotional connotations and translated, this phrase simply means that 'the police are with you if you are shorthairea, establishment and unquestioning, but against you if you are longhaired, anti-Government and establishment policies and beliefs, and questioning.' Clearly, Waimairi could only but confirm the validity of such extremist cries.

Commissioner Sharpe, on behalf of those demonstrators at Waimairi beach on March 6, I ask you publically to explain the non-performance of your Police force at Waimairi beach.

Silence on your part can only increase the credibility gap presently existing between the N.Z. Police Force and certain sections of this community.

I look forward to your reply.