Thousands of protesters took to Parliament’s lawn on Wednesday to object to what they described as relentless and unprecedented attacks on the rights of workers.

“Hey-hey, ho-ho, austerity has got to go,” the crowd of workers chanted with the hope of getting the attention of those inside Parliament.

Backed by unions and the Public Service Association (PSA), the crowd included nurses, public servants, teachers, and transport workers. Also among them was politicians including Labour leader Chris Hipkins and several Te Pāti Māori members including leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

This was one of several hui being held across the country protesting policies including the Government-directed public service cuts, scrapping of fair pay agreements and re-introduction of 90-day trials.

Public Service Association national secretary Duane Leo said this was the “most anti-worker Government we’ve seen in decades.”

Thousands of PSA workers and other unionists during their protest at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

“PSA members have been on the receiving end of attacks from the coalition Government, which have led to mass layoffs, cuts to services we all rely on, and relentless attacks on Te Tiriti and Māori rights.”

“Government cuts and unprecedented attacks on the services we provide are doing long-term damage and risk eroding public faith in these services. Workers who keep their jobs are shouldering additional workloads. This has health and safety impacts as well as threats to service delivery.”

In response to the protests, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden said the Government was delivering for all workers, including the over 85% of New Zealand’s labour force who are not union members.

Thousands of PSA workers and others gathered to protest outside Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

She said the fair pay agreements – which she moved quickly to remove at the beginning of her term - would have made life harder for businesses, rather than helping employees.

“New Zealanders elected a Government that would get government spending under control and deliver more efficient and effective public services. We make no apologies for starting to put things right.”

Public Service Minister Nicola Willis “explicitly rejected” the suggestion her Government was introducing policies in austerity – as the crowds outside Parliament chanted “hey-hey, ho-ho, austerity has got to go.” She said that was not the Finance Minister she wanted to be.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis address media at the post-Cabinet press conference. Photo / Mark Mitchell

“My goal is the strengthen the economy so it delivers better incomes for New Zealand workers and their families.That’s why we delivered tax relief to New Zealanders.”

Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said the turnout was “awesome” and “an amazing demonstration of people power.”

“Across this country, we hear consistently from New Zealanders that they are utterly exhausted by the status quo and the relentless cruel and callous cuts this Government is making across the public sector.”

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said New Zealanders’ working rights should be improved.

“They deserve to be paid more and I think we should have a Government focused on that rather than a Government focused on eroding people’s rights and employment at the moment.”

Julia Gabel is a Wellington-based political reporter. She joined the Herald in 2020 and has most recently focused on data journalism.