In New Zealand, a convoy of trucks to protest against sanitary measures

After Canada, New Zealand. A convoy of trucks and motorhomes blocked the streets around the New Zealand Parliament in Wellington on Tuesday (February 8th) to protest against sanitary measures and vaccination, a movement inspired by that which paralyzes Ottawa, the capital of Canada .

Hundreds of vehicles, on which were posted messages such as “Give Us Our Freedom” and “Coercion is not consent”, parked in the streets near the Parliament. Hundreds more drove through the city center honking their horns as more than a thousand people listened to the speeches. The protest remained peaceful and police reported no arrests or major incidents.

Ninety-six percent of New Zealanders vaccinated

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she had no intention of speaking with those who took part in the operation, stressing that the majority of New Zealanders had expressed their support for the government’s vaccination programme. “Ninety-six percent of New Zealanders have been vaccinated, allowing us to live with fewer restrictions today thanks to the extra protection it has given”she told 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.

Several of the Wellington protesters carried Canadian flags, including an expat named Billy, who declined to give his last name. Hundreds of trucks have been doing the ” seat “ of the Canadian capital, and the mayor of Ottawa called on the federal authorities on Monday for help to put an end to it. Organizers of the convoy from Wellington did not say how long they intended to stay in the city.