Batchelor takes Stop Co-Governance tour to Picton backyard

MAIA HART Local Democracy Reporter

Julian Batchelor’s ‘Stop Co-Governance’ tour has become an “underground movement” as venues continue to cut ties with his meetings.

In Waitohi Picton, his meeting on Thursday was relegated to a backyard under a marquee. But a small crowd first gathered at the Picton Yacht Club Hotel at about 2.30pm as people got confused about where they were supposed to go.

However, signs on the door, and on the grass outside, indicated the club’s stance.

“Functon [sic] cancelled,” they read. “Picton Yacht Club does not support any group. Please do not abuse the property and staff for any issues.”

The neighbour said she decided to host Batchelor’s meeting because everyone was entitled to free speech.

At this point during similar meetings Batchelor had stood at the entrance and decided who could come through the door (or in this case, the driveway).

No one appeared to be turned away at the Picton meeting, but Batchelor did tell a Local Democracy Reporter he had the right to refuse anyone entry because it was a private meeting.

But ultimately “the media” were let through, they just had to be “respectful.”

Batchelor told the group of about 50 people the tour was “never boring” and acknowledged he had been met with protest.

“We’ve been cancelled out of buildings all around the country.

You’d think we’re the villains, but we’re the good guys fighting for democracy,” Batchelor said.

“Yet somehow, we’re the bad guys. That tells you how sick the country is at the moment.

“We’re an underground movement, and we shouldn’t be.”

He asked if any Māori were in attendance but none were. This was a “shame” as Māori were always at his meetings, and he had thousands of Māori who supported him across the country, he claimed.

“This is a political war, it’s a war of words and ideas. The only weapons I will ever use are my brain, my mouth and my pen.

“Give me a clap for that.”

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