Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said she has no intention of engaging with protesters. According to her, the majority of New Zealanders support vaccination against Covid-19.
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This movement is inspired by the one that paralyzes the capital of Canada. In New Zealand, a convoy of trucks and campervans blocked the streets around Parliament in Wellington on Tuesday (February 8th) to protest against health measures and vaccination. Hundreds of vehicles, on which were posted messages such as “give us back our freedom” and “coercion is not consent”, parked in the streets near the Parliament. Others drove through the city center honking their horns. The protest remained peaceful and police reported no arrests or major incidents.
More than a thousand people also listened to the speeches. Many of the Wellington demonstrators carried Canadian flags, in reference to the protest movement initiated in Ottawa. Hundreds of trucks have been doing the “seat” of the Canadian capital, pushing the mayor of Ottawa to call for help from the federal authorities to put an end to it. Organizers of the Wellington convoy have not indicated how long they intend to stay in the city.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said she has no intention of speaking with those who took part in the operation, stressing that the majority of New Zealanders have shown their support for the government’s vaccination programme.
“96% of New Zealanders have been vaccinated, allowing us to live with fewer restrictions today thanks to the extra protection it has given.”
Jacinda Ardern, Prime Ministeron Radio New Zealand
Vaccination against Covid-19 is mandatory for people working in certain sectors such as health, police, education and defence. A health pass system has come into force, requiring people to prove their vaccination to enter restaurants, take part in sporting events or religious services. It is not compulsory in public transport, supermarkets, schools or to access health services.