Valentine’s Day Protest Slings Arrows at U.S.

Valentine’s Day provided an anti-nuclear group with just the right setting for a light-hearted protest of the new government’s pro-U.S. stance.

An actor wearing a mask of Foreign Affairs Minister Don McKinnon stood outside the U.S. Embassy on Friday, clutching flowers and a big, bright-pink cardboard heart while declaring his love for America.

Hired by the Coalition Against Nuclear Warships, the man managed to get as far as the security post before the big iron gates clanged shut.

His affections spurned, the mock McKinnon left a Valentine Day’s message:

Dear George and Dan, this Valentine,

I’m wishing that your nukes were mine,

My heart burns with atomic fire,

Your every wish is my desire!

Since the National Party won a landslide election victory in October, 1990, McKinnon has led moves to normalize relations with Washington.

Since the National Party won a landslide election victory in October, 1990, McKinnon has led moves to normalize relations with Washington.

Relations have been decidedly icy since 1986, when New Zealand passed anti-nuclear legislation which effectively banned all U.S. Navy ships.