In 2020 and 2021, the New Zealand Government adopted strict measures to prevent the spread of the global Covid-19 pandemic in New Zealand. These measures were more successful than in most other countries and the majority of people supported the measures.

By the end of 2021, however, an increasingly forceful minority, especially those who had lost their jobs due to vaccination mandates required by law, had begun to protest throughout New Zealand. In early 2022 a group numbering over 1000 illegally occupied Parliament grounds in the capital city of Wellington, blocking public access and preventing access to nearby shops and businesses.

Assume that in March the Prime Minister responds by issuing the following statement:

The country is being held hostage by a small minority of protesters whose behaviour is no longer peaceful. This Government will legislate to make it an imprisonable offence to take part or support an "illegal demonstration" which will be defined to be one on private land without the permission of the owner or on public land with the intent to obstruct public access or thoroughfare. It will also be an offence to bring children under the age of 16 to such demonstrations and an offence to supply goods or services to those participating in one. Together with the Minister of Children, I have instructed staff at Oranga Tamariki (the Ministry for Children) to immediately remove any children found at such protests from their parent's custody. The law will also allow bank accounts of those participating to be frozen and for cancelling the driving licences of owners of vehicles used in such blockades. The Government intends to make it very difficult for people continuing this destructive path.

Jason is the owner of a bakery immediately opposite Parliament grounds. At the end of each day, he sends over leftover food that would otherwise be thrown away to the (very appreciative) protesters. He is outraged that his humanitarian gesture might lead to his being imprisoned or fined under the proposed law. He thinks there should at least be an exception for food and donations and wonders how he can convince the Government of this.

Julie is a solo parent from Gisborne who has brought her 12-year-old son to the protest in Wellington, as there is no one else who can look after him. She is concerned the Police or Oranga Tamariki might immediately take her son from him.

1. Advise Jason if the Government can make it an offence for him to supply food and how he might ensure his idea for an exception is considered. Give reasons for your answer.
2. Julie is concerned her son may be taken away from her. She thinks this may happen right away after the Prime Minister's speech. Is she right? Give reasons to support your answer.

explain the answer