Covid-19 Delta outbreak: Wellington vaccine mandate protesters descend on Parliament

Thousands of anti-vaccine protesters have arrived at Parliament after marching through the city streets behind a gang of motorcycles.

There's a strong police presence at Parliament - despite the building being empty, as politicians had their last day of the year yesterday. Barricades are in place in front of the building with at least 50 officers guarding the building.

The protesters have set up their own gazebo as the Wellington weather threatens rain throughout the day and are chanting "you serve us" and "show us your face" to the empty building.

Freedom & Rights Coalition protesters on Parliament's lawn, Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

They also chanted "what do we want? Freedom. When do we want it? Now" repeatedly.

A speaker told the crowd he was looking forward to seeing his Mum for the first time in a long time. He thanked protesters for attending "oh behalf" of the Freedom and Rights Coalition and praised leader Brian Tamaki - who was nowhere to be seen.

Destiny's Church senior pastor Derek Tait told the crowd Tamaki had given him authority.
"The purpose is bigger than all of us," he said.
He added it was important for protesters to remain hopeful.

Protesters, organised by Brian Tamaki's Freedom & Rights Coalition, on Lambton Quay on their way to Parliament's forecourt, Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

More than 2000 protesters converged on the capital to protest vaccine mandates and the traffic light system by marching through the streets of Wellington to Parliament.

A witness at the protest says dozens of motorcycles arrived to escort the protesters on their walk which began at Civic Square. The motorcycles would travel down Willis St, then Lambton Quay towards Parliament.

Smoke from the bikes doing burnouts. Photo / Nick James

Police and the Wellington City Council will be monitoring the large anti-vaccination and anti-lockdown group as it marches through the capital this morning.

Protesters begin the walk to Parliament. Photo / Nick James

Protestors gathered in Civic Square on Thursday. Photo / Nick James

There was a distinct lack of masks among the protesters, with one man handing out "exemption" passes to people who wanted one.

Another man was selling Donald Trump merchandise as the crowd chanted about freedom, and wanting to "make Ardern go away".

The merchandise. Photo / Jack Crossland.

Last month thousands of protesters caused traffic interruptions through the CBD by marching to Parliament, protesting much of the same material they plan to protest on Thursday.

A selection of signs. Photo / Nick James

A police spokesperson told the Herald police will be present and monitoring the protest, ready to respond as appropriate. The council is also helping by monitoring its CCTV cameras and sharing content on social media to let Wellingtonians know if there is any traffic disruption.