Over 10,000 workers gathered across New Zealand to protest government cuts, attacks on public health and community services, and attacks on Te Tiriti.

Protesters assembled in various cities, including Whangārei, Auckland, Manukau, Hamilton, Mt Maunganui, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Greymouth, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill, joined by members of the Public Services Association (PSA).

The workers demanded better public and social infrastructure investment, education, and health, the Parliament Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi assistant secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said. 

“That’s what this is all about. It’s about a decent quality of life for all of us. It’s about an education system where every child reaches their potential,” she said.

Over 6,000 public servants, including many PSA members, have lost their jobs due to government cuts, which have affected those in public health, science, and border protection.

“It’s about an Aotearoa New Zealand that values public servants and the public services they deliver for all of us” Fitzsimmons said.

“[Public servants] know their work is important, and it won’t get done.”

A colourful, vibrant 3500-strong crowd gathered at Aotea square, according to PSA National Secretary Duane Leo.

‘People were happy to be there speaking up. It’s about time we started to do this,” he said.

“We need to change course and value and invest in our public services, for our future, for all Kiwis, and abandon this backward road to nowhere.”