Rising Number of New Zealanders Believe Violence Necessary to Solve Country’s Problems

Support for violence is strongest at the left and right ends of the political spectrum.

A man faces off with police near the Parliament as law enforcement move in to clear protesters in Wellington, New Zealand on March 2, 2022. Dave Lintott/AFP via Getty Images

A new poll reveals that around 25 percent of Māori Party supporters and 20 percent of ACT Party supporters believe violence is necessary to “get New Zealand back on track.”

While predominantly race-based, most Māori Party policies are to the left of any other parties in Parliament, while ACT is a libertarian party. In total, one in seven people thought violence may become necessary.