ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
Over 1000 people have turned up to an anti-lockdown protest in Auckland's domain arranged by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki.
Those attending included gang members and one vehicle had a banner reading: 'Let Freedom Reign'.
While some are wearing masks, many are not, with very little social distancing happening.
Efforts to prevent the protest taking place fell flat earlier this week after Tamaki and protest organisers met with police in a virtual meeting held on Tuesday.
A seemingly helpless police stated that they recognised people's lawful right to protest, even though under Alert Level 3 restrictions, the only gatherings allowed are weddings, funerals and tangihanga with no more than 10 people.
Dirt bikes were also seen doing wheelies on Queen street and even on the motorway.
A further statement is expected later this afternoon, once the event is over, as there is outrage over social media at this very apprarent police inaction.
Protests were also scheduled to take place in Wellington and Christchurch.
Auckland went into Alert Level 4 lockdown on August 17 after an outbreak of the Covid-19 Delta variant. The city has since moved down to Level 3 where it currently sits. The rest of New Zealand have greater freedoms in Level 2.
At the 1pm Covid-19 briefing on Tuesday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she trusts police “to do their job” over compliance issues and judgement calls relating to the protest.
Ardern acknowledged that “no one wants lockdowns” – particularly those who regularly meet in a community setting, such as those who engage in spiritual worship or community playgroups.
“No one wants them separated for longer than needed to be” and that restrictions will be removed as soon as practicable."
She said the Government is “desperate” to remove restrictions but it rested on people “doing the right thing”.
Director-General of Health, Ashley Bloomfield said on Tuesday he has confidence in police to carry out their duties to mitigate risk and take an appropriate approach.
He said police had done this “repeatedly” over lockdown which has seen some planned protests not go ahead.
Over 1000 people have turned up to an anti-lockdown protest in Auckland's domain arranged by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki.
Those attending included gang members and one vehicle had a banner reading: 'Let Freedom Reign'.
While some are wearing masks, many are not, with very little social...
Over 1000 people have turned up to an anti-lockdown protest in Auckland's domain arranged by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki.
Those attending included gang members and one vehicle had a banner reading: 'Let Freedom Reign'.
While some are wearing masks, many are not, with very little social distancing happening.
Efforts to prevent the protest taking place fell flat earlier this week after Tamaki and protest organisers met with police in a virtual meeting held on Tuesday.
A seemingly helpless police stated that they recognised people's lawful right to protest, even though under Alert Level 3 restrictions, the only gatherings allowed are weddings, funerals and tangihanga with no more than 10 people.
Dirt bikes were also seen doing wheelies on Queen street and even on the motorway.
A further statement is expected later this afternoon, once the event is over, as there is outrage over social media at this very apprarent police inaction.
Protests were also scheduled to take place in Wellington and Christchurch.
Auckland went into Alert Level 4 lockdown on August 17 after an outbreak of the Covid-19 Delta variant. The city has since moved down to Level 3 where it currently sits. The rest of New Zealand have greater freedoms in Level 2.
At the 1pm Covid-19 briefing on Tuesday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she trusts police “to do their job” over compliance issues and judgement calls relating to the protest.
Ardern acknowledged that “no one wants lockdowns” – particularly those who regularly meet in a community setting, such as those who engage in spiritual worship or community playgroups.
“No one wants them separated for longer than needed to be” and that restrictions will be removed as soon as practicable."
She said the Government is “desperate” to remove restrictions but it rested on people “doing the right thing”.
Director-General of Health, Ashley Bloomfield said on Tuesday he has confidence in police to carry out their duties to mitigate risk and take an appropriate approach.
He said police had done this “repeatedly” over lockdown which has seen some planned protests not go ahead.
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