MultiCultural Aotearoa (MCA) is an anti-fascist group that was formed in 2004 in response to racist attacks in the New Zealand capital, Wellington.
Its main policies are to:
On 23 October 2004, the MCA led an anti-racism march from Te Papa to the steps of parliament to protest an NZNF demonstration. The NZNF had originally planned to demonstrate against Asian immigration, but after the MCA march was organised the topic was changed to support for the New Zealand flag.
Estimates of attendance at the MCA march vary widely: the national television networks estimated 300, the NZ Herald estimated 800, and the MCA itself claimed 3,000. It included anarchists and members of the International Socialist Organization, among other supporters.
Violence broke out when the "Scary Fairies" (about 30 people dressed in comical costumes and masks) taunted the NZNF and were joined by MCA marchers and bystanders. Eventually about 150-200 anti-fascists surrounded NZNF protestors. Police created a separation barrier, but ultimately lost control of the situation and fighting broke out. An NZNF member wielding a baton was arrested, as were two counter-protesters, one for carrying a knife. One NZAF member was injured.