28 Auckland Arrests (Press, 11 March 1972)

On 10 March 1972, a significant demonstration took place outside the Auckland Magistrate’s Court in response to the court case involving Dr Germaine Greer, who had made controversial statements that led to her being summonsed for using an offensive term. The demonstration attracted approximately 500 participants, primarily young adults and university students, and escalated into violent confrontations with police. The event started peacefully with demonstrators gathering around 10 a.m., and their numbers increased throughout the morning. Dr Greer made a plea for them to maintain order, stating that she was unfairly bearing the consequences for a larger societal issue regarding the law. However, tensions rose when there were remarks about another individual, Miss Patricia Bartlett, causing police to intervene. The situation deteriorated when police made initial arrests of two individuals, leading to violent resistance from the crowd. Panic ensued as demonstrators attempted to prevent police from detaining their peers, resulting in clashes, with projectiles such as eggs and tomatoes being thrown at law enforcement. The police eventually arrested 28 individuals on charges including assaulting police and disorderly behaviour, all of whom appeared in court later that day. They were remanded on bail, with most pleading not guilty. In the course of the confrontation, four police officers sustained minor injuries, while the demonstrators spent several hours chanting slogans and expressing their frustration. The mood shifted dramatically when Dr Greer was found guilty and fined $40 for one of the charges. News of her conviction sparked further outrage among the crowd, leading to more scuffles and aggressive behaviour directed at police. Following the demonstration at the Auckland courthouse, a smaller group of around 80 protesters gathered outside the Wellington Magistrate’s Court the same day to express their dissent regarding the previous day’s arrests of 20 demonstrators. Overall, the events highlight the intense public sentiment and contentiousness surrounding issues of free speech and law in New Zealand at that time, exacerbated by Dr Greer’s provocative statements and the handling of the demonstrations by police.

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