Kyle Chapman (New Zealand activist)

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This article is about the New Zealand far-right activist. For the American far-right activist, see Kyle Chapman (American activist).
"Right Wing Resistance" redirects here. For the Australian group, see Right Wing Resistance Australia.

Kyle Chapman
A white man holding up a smartphone and biting his fingernails
Kyle Chapman in 2023
Born
Taumarunui, New Zealand
OccupationActivist
Political party
Spouse
Claire Clifford
​
​
(m. 2009; div. 2009)​

Kyle Chapman is a New Zealand far-right political activist and the former national director of the white nationalist New Zealand National Front (NZNF). He has stood unsuccessfully three times for the Christchurch mayoralty: first for the NZNF (2004); then for the National Democrats Party (2007); and then for the Resistance Party (2013).

Chapman founded Right Wing Resistance, a neo-Nazi group, in 2009. He said in March 2019 that he was no longer interested in such politics, and was focused on his family and spirituality, however Chapman has since been tied to the resurgence of the neo-Nazi movement.

Personal life[edit]

Chapman was born in Taumarunui, New Zealand.[citation needed]

In May 2009 Chapman married Claire Clifford, a Mormon,[1] but they separated in October of the same year; Chapman had vowed to give up his far-right activities but Claire ended the relationship when he did not.[2][3][4]

Activities[edit]

Chapman was the founding member of the New Zealand Hammerskins.[5]

He was convicted of fire-bombing a marae during the late 1980s and early 1990s.[1][6][7] He admitted to hurling Molotov cocktails at various buildings, including Ngāi Tahu Murihiku Marae and a school.[8]

In January 2009 an email was sent out concerning Chapman's plans to create a European culture "protected community" in North Canterbury. The email stated that his intention was to "build a unified mini state that we could build up in future to be a base for other like minded Europeans to come to from other dying countries". The email claimed the compound would have a school, accommodation, a meeting house for leaders, and a training area for sport fighting and survival training.[9]

Running for offices[edit]

In 2004, he unsuccessfully contested the mayoralty of Christchurch, New Zealand, placing 5th out of 10 with 1.9 per cent of the vote (1665 votes).[citation needed]

In 2005, he was the tenth-ranked list candidate for the Direct Democracy Party.[10] The party, which only contested the 2005 general election, did not achieve representation.

He unsuccessfully contested the Christchurch mayoralty again in 2007, running this time under the National Democrats ticket.[11]

In 2013, Chapman ran again for the Christchurch mayoralty, but was unsuccessful, securing 499 votes. He also ran for the Ferrymead-Pegasus Local Board, securing 641 votes, but was also unsuccessful there.[12]

Turning his back on politics[edit]

After the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings Chapman said he had "fallen out" with others in groups he used to belong in and "turned his back" on them to focus on family and religion.[13] This was disputed by a holocaust historian, who said his statement was "an object lesson in the tactics these groups use to legitimise themselves through media manipulation".[14]

COVID-19 pandemic[edit]

On 20 August 2021, Chapman and two other individuals appeared in the Christchurch District Court after they broke COVID-19 lockdown restrictions to protest those restrictions the day before in Christchurch. The three individuals were remanded in custody on charges of failing to comply with restrictions under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020.[15][16]

2023: Plots against Pride event and arrest[edit]

Chapman was involved in 'Room 102', also called the 'Robert Grey Life Centre', a Christchurch-based group of conspiracy theorists and extremists. The group targeted an event where drag queens read stories to children. Ultimately 50 people protested the event, with an equal number of counter-protestors.[17] Chapman has used group's headquarters to hold survivalist workshops and martial art sessions.[18]

On 20 February 2024, Chapman was sentenced to six months' community detention and six months supervision after he plead guilty to unlawful possession of Norinco semi-automatic rifle. This was one of the semi-automatic weapons banned following the Christchurch mosque shootings. He also plead guilty to possession of ammunition and parts for a rifle.[19]

Court documents showed that Chapman had recently met with ex-marines and soldiers in the United States and that he had formed a new survivalist group in North Canterbury.[20]

Organisations[edit]

National Front[edit]

Chapman is a former leader of the New Zealand National Front,[1] leading the organisation from 1997 to 2005. In 2005, he resigned his role as the leader of the National Front. He said in interviews that his children were being shunned at school due to his activities. He also cited the harassment by left-wing anti-NZNF groups as a factor in his departure.[21]

Right Wing Resistance[edit]

In 2009 Chapman founded the Right Wing Resistance, a neo-Nazi group,[22] in Christchurch with a group of white nationalists. Chapman reportedly knighted the members with a sword after they recited a pledge. The group's insignia was a skull over a Wolfsangel, with the notation "NA 14". Its introduction to the New Zealand public was its Christchurch street patrols in October 2009, which appeared to target Polynesian youths.[23] RWR members engaged in street patrols in New Brighton with the stated purpose of preventing vandalism by youth street gangs. The mayor of Christchurch denounced their vigilante behaviour. Its street patrols included from 5 to 15 members, who had shaved heads.[24] Also in October 2009, Chapman organized a rally at the Wellington cenotaph.[2]

The group attempted to recruit further members in Auckland.[25] Press coverage resulted from distributions of flyers comparing immigration to an invasion, which were called "despicable" by the Race Relations Commissioner.[26][27] It also helped organise protests and other street activities alongside the National Front.[28]

During the 2011 general election campaign, members of the group disrupted a candidate's election meeting in Christchurch appearing in military-style clothing. They stated that they would protest at polling booths throughout New Zealand on election day; however, this did not happen.[29]

After the March 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings Chapman said he was no longer involved with this group.[13]

Right Wing Resistance was reported in November 2019 to have chapters in Australia, Sweden and Scotland.[30] There is an Australian far-right extremist group called Right Wing Resistance Australia,[31][32] said to have "international connections".[33]

Survive Club[edit]

Chapman founded and led the Survive Club, a survivalist group that denied being a militia and having any racist ties despite the histories of some of its members.[34][35]

Election results[edit]

2004 Christchurch mayoral election[36][37]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Christchurch 2021 Garry Moore 61,170 69.70 +27.15
Independent Aaron Keown 11,476 13.08 +9.09
Independent Jamie Gough 7,200 8.20
Independent Bob Nimmo 2,378 2.71
National Front Kyle Chapman 1,665 1.90
Independent Paul Telfer 1,560 1.78 +1.51
Independent Blair Anderson 823 0.94
Anti-Capitalist Alliance Sam Kingi 719 0.82
Communist League Annalucia Vermunt 395 0.45 +0.12
Independent Michael Hansen 372 0.42 +0.24
Informal votes 255
Rejected ballots 3,344 3.67
Majority 49,694 56.63
Turnout 91,102 38.61 -9.71
2007 Christchurch mayoral election[38][39]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Independent Bob Parker 47,033 45.44
Christchurch 2021 Megan Woods 32,821 31.71
Christchurch City Vision Jo Giles 14,454 13.96
Independent Mark Ross 4,505 4.35
Independent Peter Wakeman 1,868 1.80
Independent Blair Anderson 898 0.87 -0.07
Workers Party Byron Clark 720 0.70
National Front Kyle Chapman 680 0.66 -1.24
Independent Paul Telfer 295 0.29 -1.49
Independent Michael Hansen 228 0.22 -0.20
Informal votes 229 0.22 -0.06
Rejected ballots 1,544 1.47 -2.20
Majority 14,212 13.73 -42.90
2013 Christchurch mayoral election[40]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
One City Together Lianne Dalziel 72,600 71.26
Independent Paul Lonsdale 22,855 22.43
Independent Victor Cattermole 1,025 1.01
Hugo Kristinsson 988 0.97
Independent Rik Tindall 880 0.86 -0.15
Independent Brad Maxwell 819 0.80 +0.00
Independent Sammy Harris 585 0.57
The Resistance Party Kyle Chapman 503 0.49
Another Mildgreen Initiative Blair Anderson 480 0.47 -0.19
Independent Robin McCarthy 396 0.39
Independent Peter Wakeman 391 0.38 +0.17
Economic Euthenics Michael Hansen 364 0.36 +0.23
Informal votes 201 0.19
Rejected ballots 1,364 1.32
Majority 49,745 48.82
Turnout 103,250

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "National Front's ex-leader marries Mormon". Waikato Times. 2 May 2009. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  2. ^ a b AKUHATA, KARLA; HUME, TIM (27 October 2009). "Split for Far Right boss". Waikato Times.
  3. ^ "Far-Right activist's marriage to devout Mormon finished". The Press. 28 October 2009.
  4. ^ "Split for Far Right boss". Stuff (company). 26 October 2009. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
  5. ^ Gilbert, Jarrod; Elley, Ben (11 March 2020). "Shaved heads and sonnenrads: comparing white supremacist skinheads and the alt-right in New Zealand". Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online. doi:10.1080/1177083X.2020.1730415.
  6. ^ Hume, Tim (25 October 2009). "Far-right leader Kyle Chapman returns". Stuff (company). Retrieved 12 September 2013.
  7. ^ Mead, Thomas (20 August 2013). "Chch mayoral race – who are the candidates?". 3News Online. MediaWorks TV. Archived from the original on 3 March 2014. Retrieved 3 March 2014.
  8. ^ Wall, Tony (9 May 2004). "A picture of white supremacy". Sunday Star Times. p. A11.
  9. ^ "Whites-only "mini-state" condemned". Television New Zealand. 22 January 2009. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  10. ^ "New Zealand, world, sport, business & entertainment news on Stuff.co.nz". www.stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007.
  11. ^ "The wackiest candidates win our votes". The New Zealand Herald. 2011. Retrieved 23 November 2011. Making waves – or possibly up for a salute or three – on the Mainland was Kyle Chapman, former National Front leader standing under the National Democrats banner for Christchurch mayor.
  12. ^ "Home".
  13. ^ a b "Far right groups dispersing after mosque attacks – ex-leader Kyle Chapman". RNZ. 27 March 2019.
  14. ^ Hannah, Kate (29 March 2019). "Don't be fooled, far right groups have not been silenced". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  15. ^ Lourens, Marine; Sherwood, Sam; McNeilly, Hamish (20 August 2021). "Covid-19: Former far-Right leader to spend weekend behind bars after alleged lockdown breach". Stuff. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  16. ^ "Christchurch anti-lockdown activists in court after Bridge of Remembrance protest". The Star. Otago Daily Times. 20 August 2021. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  17. ^ Roberts, Nadine; Gill, Sinead (22 March 2023). "Secretive underground group behind campaign to stop Pride Week event". Stuff. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  18. ^ Roberts, Nadine (11 September 2023). "Far right activist arrested on firearms and ammunition charges". Stuff. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  19. ^ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/509668/far-right-activist-kyle-chapman-avoids-jail-on-gun-charges
  20. ^ Roberts, Nadine (16 September 2023). "Former leader of neo-nazi group met ex-soldiers in America prior to arrest on firearms charges". Stuff. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  21. ^ "New Zealand news on Stuff.co.nz". Archived from the original on 3 July 2007. Retrieved 29 May 2005.
  22. ^ Muir, Nickie (5 February 2014). "Nickie Muir: Proving just so hard to resist". Northern Advocate. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  23. ^ Ian Steward (26 October 2009). "Right wing vigilantes on patrol in Christchurch". Stuff (company). Fairfax New Zealand. Retrieved 13 March 2011.
  24. ^ STEWARD, IAN (26 October 2009). "Right-wing vigilantes on patrol in Christchurch". The Press. Christchurch.
  25. ^ "Anti-Asian group says campaign is to recruit members". TV New Zealand. 11 May 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  26. ^ Keith Lynch (12 January 2011). "White supremacist flyers offend". Stuff (company). Fairfax New Zealand. Archived from the original on 13 January 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011.
  27. ^ "Right-wing group investigated for 'Asian invasion' flyer". 3 News. 11 May 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  28. ^ Tim Hume (25 October 2009). "Far-right leader Kyle Chapman returns". Stuff (company). Fairfax New Zealand. Retrieved 13 March 2011.
  29. ^ CHARLIE GATES (23 November 2011). "'Guerrillas' in camo gear 'spoil' meeting". Stuff (company). Fairfax New Zealand. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
  30. ^ "Visitor makes Nazi salute at former deportation centre". VRT NWS: Flanders News. 23 November 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  31. ^ "Aussies fighting in Ukraine may be charged". 9News. 1 May 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  32. ^ "Bendigo's anti-mosque protest: United Patriots Front nationalist group behind demonstration". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  33. ^ Campion, Kristy (20 March 2019). "Right-wing extremism has a long history in Australia". The Conversation. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  34. ^ "Survive Club New Zealand". Archived from the original on 27 February 2009.
  35. ^ "Rational survivalists, or racial supremacists?". 3news.co.nz. 27 August 2008. Archived from the original on 28 September 2012. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  36. ^ Robertson, Max (20 October 2004). "Declaration of Results of Elections" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 October 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  37. ^ Robertson, Max (20 October 2004). "Report of the Electoral Officer" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 October 2008. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  38. ^ Robertson, Max (17 October 2007). "2007 Local Government Elections" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 October 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  39. ^ Robertson, Max (18 October 2007). "Report of the Electoral Officer" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 October 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  40. ^ Sullivan, Clare (17 October 2013). "2013 Triennial Elections : Declaration of Results" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2013.

External links[edit]

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