Following a similar rally in Canada, a convoy of vehicles and campervans stopped streets near New Zealand’s parliament in Wellington on Tuesday to protest Covid limits and vaccinations.
Hundreds more automobiles parked in the streets surrounding the parliament building known as The Beehive, with statements such as “give us back our independence” and “coercion is not consent.”
Hundreds more drove through the city center with their horns screaming, while over 1,000 demonstrators stood on the streets listening to speakers.
Protesters believed their concerns about rights being eroded were not being heard by the government, according to Wellington resident Stu Main.
“I’m actually vaccinated but I’m against mandating people to be vaccinated,” he told AFP.
“I think it’s disgraceful, forcing vaccination on people who don’t want it.”
The demonstration remained peaceful, with police reporting no arrests or major incidents.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she had no intention of entering discussions with convoy participants, arguing that the majority of New Zealanders had shown their support for the government’s vaccination programme.
“Ninety-six percent of New Zealanders have gone out and got a vaccination, which has enabled us to live now with fewer restrictions because of the extra protection that has provided,” she told Radio New Zealand.
