Former National MP Matt King banned from Parliament grounds for two years

  • 02/05/2022
Former National MP Matt King has been banned from parliament for two years.
Former National MP Matt King has been banned from parliament for two years. Photo credit: Newshub

Former National MP Matt King has been banned from Parliament grounds after taking part in the anti-mandates protest in Wellington earlier this year.

King was issued a trespass notice, which stated he was banned from the Parliamentary precincts for two years.

"In accordance with the above Act and section, you are hereby warned to stay off the place known as the parliamentary precincts," the letter read.

Anyone who was identified at the Parliament protest was issued the letter. It warns anyone who breaches this condition will receive a fine of up to $1000 or up to three months in prison.

King sent the trespass notice to Newshub and described it as "pretty pathetic and undemocratic".

The former police officer and Northland MP resigned from the National Party in February before attending the protest in Wellington.

Earlier this year he launched a new political party, DemocracyNZ, citing the "gradual erosion in our democracy, whether it is Three Waters or vaccine mandates".

In a statement in February, King told Newshub: "It has become abundantly clear that Kiwis are calling out for leadership and somewhere to put their vote because none of the parties in the current political landscape provide a credible alternative to the status quo.

"I have begun discussions with an experienced group of people regarding a political party that represents our fundamental rights as Kiwis. 

"After one term in Parliament, I feel I have unfinished business, I will have more to announce in the coming days."