It was the third freedom protest at Auckland Domain in six weeks.
Police supervised the rally in strong numbers as speakers took the stage.
Protesters making their way through Newmarket. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Protestors making their way through Newmarket. Photo / Brett Phibbs
The 90-minute gathering at the Domain was noisy but free of any major incidents. Rally participants sang the national anthem and a range of speakers addressed the crowd. At 12.30pm, protesters began their march.
Police officers were stationed around the boundaries of the protest and there were at least six police vehicles, including three vans at the rear of Auckland Museum.
About 50 protesters arrived riding Harley-Davidsons.
Destiny Church founder Brian Tamaki was not present, after being twice arrested over the two previous protests, but his wife was.
Hannah Tamaki took to the protest stage, saying she is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were with her today.
Protesters making their way through Newmarket. Photo / Brett Phibbs
She said residents in Auckland were being held prisoner and she does not care if people are vaccinated or not. People should have the freedom of choice.
She said she'd had a gutsful of manipulation and being prevented from seeing her other children and mokopuna. "I stand here today unafraid and unashamed."
"My husband is heartbroken he can't be here today."
She said she had to beg him to stay put and not even do a drive-by because of the threat of arrest.
Hannah Tamaki at the 'Freedom Day' protest at Auckland Domain. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Steve Oliver speaking at the 'Freedom Day' protest at Auckland Domain. Photo / Brett Phibbs
People gathering at the 'Freedom Day' protest at Auckland Domain. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Brian Tamaki first appeared in court on October 2 after helping organise the first protest and was allowed to remain free on bail on several conditions.
He next appeared in court on Wednesday, October 20 facing a charge of violating a Covid-19 lockdown order for his second lockdown protest.
People gathering at the 'Freedom Day' protest at Auckland Domain. Photo / Brett Phibbs
People gathering at the 'Freedom Day' protest at Auckland Domain. Photo / Brett Phibbs
People gathering at the 'Freedom Day' protest at Auckland Domain. Photo / Brett Phibbs
After a stern warning from the judge, he was released again on the same bail conditions he was also accused of having violated.
Auckland District Court Judge Josephine Bouchier addressed Tamaki via an audio-video feed while he sat in a holding cell. Through his lawyer, he pleaded not guilty to the new charge.
People gathering at the 'Freedom Day' protest at Auckland Domain. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Around the same time, a crowd that included his wife Hannah Tamaki gathered outside the police station where he was being held, chanting "Free Tamaki".
