New Zealand Covid protesters block streets outside parliament

A convoy of trucks and campervans blocked streets near New Zealand's parliament in Wellington Tuesday to protest against Covid-19 restrictions and vaccinations_ inspired by a similar demonstration in Canada.

Plastered with messages such as "give us back our freedom" and "coercion is not consent"_ hundreds of vehicles parked in streets surrounding the parliament building known as  The Beehive .

Hundreds more drove around the city centre with their horns blaring as more than 1_000 protesters on foot listened to speeches.

Wellington man Stu Main said the protesters felt their concerns about rights being eroded were not being heard by the government.

"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_" he added.

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.

Covid-19 vaccinations are mandatory for people working in certain sectors in New Zealand_ such as health_ law enforcement_ education and defence.

A pass system is also in force_ with people required to show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants_ sports events and religious services.

It is not required for public transport_ supermarkets_ schools and accessing health services.

Several of the Wellington protesters carried Canadian flags_ including an expatriate named Billy_ who declined to give his surname.

"I'm just supporting the brothers in Canada_ fighting for freedom over there_" he told AFP.

A "Freedom Convoy" of truckers has gridlocked the Canadian capital Ottawa for more than a week_ prompting city authorities to declare a state of emergency.

Organizers of the Wellington convoy have not said how long they intend to remain parked in the city.