A man has been charged after allegedly smashing a window at the home of New Zealand’s Foreign Minister with a crowbar on Monday, leaving a note on the door saying “welcome to the real world,” according to the Minister’s spokesperson on Tuesday.
The shattered glass fell onto Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ dog, who was resting below the window, the spokesperson added.
Peters has faced criticism from protest groups and opposition parties recently, following his announcement that New Zealand would not join Australia, Britain, and Canada in recognizing a Palestinian state amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. Protests have taken place outside his home in Auckland.
Stay informed with the latest updates. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
During a parliamentary speech on Tuesday, marking the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the ongoing genocide, Peters condemned the violent targeting of private homes by some protesters as “a disgrace.”
“It has distressed our families and disrupted the peace of our neighbors. Such means taint the protesters’ ends, whatever they may be.” Peters mentioned on Monday via social media on X that he was not home, but his partner and a guest were present.
“This is truly gutless,” he stated. “When protesters, political bloggers, and MPs encourage this behavior, share politicians’ home addresses online, and act with ignorance and extremism, this is the outcome.”
“All of New Zealand should be deeply concerned,” the post continued.
Auckland City District Commander, Superintendent Sunny Patel, stated that a 29-year-old man, believed to be responsible for the incident, turned himself in to police on Monday and is scheduled to appear in court on October 10.
“I understand these ongoing incidents have caused anxiety and frustration among residents. While police acknowledge the right to lawful protest, we do not condone actions that result in property damage,” Patel said in a statement.
