Members of the Republican Party, with the assistance of Santa, Spiderman and a wizard who looked remarkably similar to Jim Bailey layed a commemorative wreath outside the Auckland Family Court in Albert St today.

As I arrived, Court security staff were telling the protesters to move off the front steps.

The wizard told them he was holding all court staff personally responsible for their actions.

There were several speeches, and a couple of rousing songs.

Soon after, the police turned up with a paddy-wagon, but soon realised they were not needed. I contemplated trying to convince Santa to volunteer to be tazered to try an whip up public sympathy, but they were obviously keen to get on with more important work.

For the first time that I know of, someone from inside the court came and took photos of the protest- security staff are obviously pleased with the result.