New Zealand Car Tour from Auckland to Wellington Against Article 23

From March 17, 2003 to March 18, Falun Gong practitioners from New Zealand initiated a car tour against Hong Kong's Article 23 from Auckland to Willington. Along the route their car tour drew the attention of the local media. In front of the Parliament Building in Willington, MP Graham Kelly spoke to the audience on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressing their support to this car tour. MP Robinson of Progressive Union Party said, "The door of the parliament is always open to you, you can always voice your opinion here without worrying about being arrested by police... " Ced Simpson spoke on behalf of Amnesty International. He said that there were many cases where the Chinese government used the excuse of subversion to persecute people with different opinions, including the Chinese democratic movement, Falun Gong and many other groups. He hoped such things would not happen in Hong Kong.

After having concluded the activity, people walked to Chinese embassy to hand in an appeal letter, but they were rudely refused.

Before the car parade, a press conference was held in downtown Auckland

Practitioner from Hamilton speaking	Practitioners accepting interview from local radio station at Rotorua

Practitioners accepting interview from local newspaper at Palmerston North

Practitioners accepting interview from local newspaper at Taupo Lake	Practitioners and MPs holding joint press conference in front of the Parliament Building.