Animal rights activists wearing masks protest in Whangarei

Animal rights activists wearing anonymous face masks are a part of an international movement called Anonymous for the Voiceless. Photo / Supplied

Easter shoppers in central Whangarei were confronted by videos of male chicks being minced and cows being slaughtered.

Eight animal rights activists wearing anonymous face masks held laptops playing the footage in the mall on Saturday as a part of an international movement called Anonymous for the Voiceless.

The event was organised by Chris Huriwai, from Kaikohe, who said it is important to question everyday habits and have an insight into some of the major industries.

"We're not forcing our beliefs on anyone, we're simply hoping to inform people about the effects we're having on animals, the environment and on our own health," he said.

Mr Huriwai said the Whangarei chapter of the Anonymous for the Voiceless movement is the ninth chapter in New Zealand.

The movement has 496 chapters across 56 countries worldwide.

Whangarei activist Nicole Caves said the "cube of truth" - where members stand in a square - was the first of its type in Northland.

"The main reason for the demonstrations is so that people see the truth of what's happening to animals because a lot of people just don't know and making informed decisions is important," she said.

The demonstration involved footage screened on laptops that showed New Zealand industry standards through New Zealand and international filmed videos.

Animal rights activists came from across Northland and Auckland to discuss what animals experience in the journey from farm to supermarket with the public.

Mr Huriwai said participants in the demonstration were of all different ages coming from Kaikohe, Whangarei, Wellsford and Auckland.

He said these events would be happening monthly at various locations around Whangarei.