I believe that the Police are completely within their rights to monitor the activities of "activist" groups -- particularly those whose modus operandi involves breaking the law, particularly laws relating to the safety and well-being of people going about their lawful business.
I don't want to single particular groups out, but animal "rights" groups and Greenpeace are amongst the worst offenders.
I have been the recipient of death threats and other forms of anonymous harassment, as have my colleagues on some projects I have been involved with, and have been grateful on a couple of occasions for the Police to bring a bit of sense, reason and perspective to those folks who enjoy nothing more than waking the focus of their disaffection up in the wee small hours.
I will reserve a more reasoned rant about Greenpeace for another day, in an effort to keep this particular discharge on topic.
New Zealand tries to be a democracy. Democracy isn't about letting every nut-job get their way. People who have an issue about political decision making should take that matter up with politicians. Putting at risk people who operate heavy equipment by sabotaging it, shooting at low-flying aircraft, or assaulting those who offer medical support services to affected communities are the despicable scum-sucking tactics of those who picket abortion clinics and harass desperate women.
Democracy will generally make decisions somewhere between the extreme views on a particular issue. Democracy generally also makes decisions that are usually in the best interest of a majority of its citizens. Disaffected two-percenters who condone violence and destruction of property are criminals, pure and simple. The general public needs to be protected from them, and I applaud all efforts the Police take to uphold the laws that tree-hugging whackos and others have no respect for.
"Hello Douglas my old friend, I've come to talk with you and Jen." [Simon & Garfunkel: Sound of Silence]
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