A man will face two charges relating to the burning of a New Zealand flag during a protest at Parliament on Monday.
Inspector Marty Grenfell, Wellington Area Controller, said one charge, under the Flags, Emblems and Names Protection Act 1981, deals with the desecration of the flag, and carries a maximum penalty of $5000. The second charge is one of criminal nuisance and relates to public safety.
"We know there were other people involved in the flag burning and we’re continuing our inquiries into this," he said.
"The use of fire in crowded situations can cause alarm," he said. "We are always concerned when situations arise where public safety is put at risk.
"People have the right to protest as long as it is within the law. However if people commit offences and choose to break the law they will be arrested."