About 70 people gathered outside Rangitata MP James Meager’s office in Canon St in Timaru on Saturday, as a show of solidarity with Palestine.
It was among a series of protests around the country as part of a ‘‘National Day of Action for Palestine’’ organised by the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.
The march began at the tranquillity statue in Sophia St, past the Timaru District Council chambers and through Stafford St to finish outside Mr Meager’s Canon St office.
Empty pots and pans, as well as cardboard placards carrying messages such as ‘‘stop the genocide, sanctions now’’, were left at the site.
Seven-year-old Taiga Oishi said he and his family were at the protest because they were ‘‘saving a country’’.
‘‘They are getting bombed and they have no food. They are starting to look like skeletons.’’
For him, being at the protest was a way ‘‘to say we don’t like it’’.
Group spokeswoman Kate Elsen said protesters were calling for Mr Meager to utilise a conscience vote.
Mrs Elsen said the group was planning to hold regular vigils as part of the nationwide campaign to encourage the government to impose consequences for Israel’s actions.
She said the group had received many messages of support from people who were inspired by the march.
The next event will be held on Saturday at 10.30am.
This time they would meet at the Caroline Bay Piazza and would march again to Mr Meager’s office.
