Anti mandate protesters rallied in Christchurch on Saturday. Over the weekend, more than 1000 people demonstrated through the centre of the city, wanting to see an end to the rules that bar unvaccinated people from certain jobs and venues.
The Saturday morning demonstration was led by a procession of motorbikes through central Christchurch, taking over central streets as it snaked its way from Cambridge Terrace, down Cashel Street to the Riverside Markets.
Protesters claimed they have been largely ignored by media and politicians, despite having demonstrated since October.
At least 1000 people marched in protest at the vaccine itself, and mandates.
Signs included: "Stop injecting our children," "Freedom," and "End the plandemic".
Those outside the protest were largely disinterested in it. The most notable lack of interest was from police. Not a single police officer was in sight as protesters disrupted traffic, and gathered at the Bridge of Remembrance.
The crowd appeared to be not only radicals or extremists. There were children, families, prams and pets. There was not a mask in sight, and those who spoke to RNZ were not vaccinated.
"We're suburban soccer mums, we're not radical fringy crazies... middle of the road New Zealanders," two women said.
They told RNZ they had not protested before.
"Everyone I speak to says they came because of the vaccination mandates. Being unvaccinated they're shut out of much of their pre-Covid social activity."
Middle aged couple Carolyn and Brian also attended. Carolyn said she was upset.
"Because we're against the vaccine mandates... I think people should have the choice... and I don't think it works that well if they're needing boosters every three months. Well, it just tells me the vaccine is not doing a very good job."
She said she is not vaccinated, and is not concerned about catching Omicron.
Manni was protesting with his two children. "Where there is the risk, this should be a choice," he said.
"We have chosen not to have the jab. And for that reason we are getting mandated left, right and centre. My son he can't do any sports anymore at school or outside school."
Self-described suburban soccer mums Tracy, Janine and Judy said they do not think there has been enough educated discussion about the vaccine.
"It's been a very closed shop around what's happening. So it's all been one agenda. I think the mandates are fundamentally wrong. They're detrimental. I've got teenagers that can't do activities, it's damaging to their mental health."
She said she does not see herself as a radical. "I'm a mum who's done a little bit of research."
When it comes to the dangers of Covid-19, the protesters spoken to were not convinced by the medical experts, or the evidence of more than 5.8 million Covid deaths worldwide.
The rally had a Trumpian atmosphere, with flag-waving and signs referring to conspiracy theories.
There was also the sense that ordinary New Zealanders are aggrieved at being marginalised by their government. People who might ordinarily not have a lot in common were marching together.
