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Home / New Zealand

Covid 19 Omicron outbreak: Christchurch anti-mandate protests growing

Devon Bolger
By Devon Bolger
Digital producer, Christchurch, NZ Herald·NZ Herald·
18 Feb, 2022 12:16 AM2 mins to read

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The protesters have been camping in Cranmer Square since February 14. Video / Hamish Clark

Anti-mandate protests in Christchurch are ramping up, with several gatherings today in the city.

There are now about 26 tents pitched in Cranmer Square.

The group, that started setting up on Monday, say they won't be leaving until the Government's Covid vaccine mandates are removed.

Janelle Rudman told the Herald she helped to pitch the first couple of tents at the start of the week.

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Janelle Rudman told the Herald she helped to pitch the first couple of tents in Cranmer Square at the start of the week. Photo / Hamish Clark
Janelle Rudman told the Herald she helped to pitch the first couple of tents in Cranmer Square at the start of the week. Photo / Hamish Clark

She said she has now lost two jobs because she is unvaccinated.

"Each day it's [the protest] been getting bigger and bigger. There's been no drama, we had one random drunk person the other night who decided he wanted to start trouble but we just escorted him away.

"It's because I think there's a common cause, everyone has that one thing in common. There's so many different types of people here," she said.

The group set up on Monday saying they won't be leaving until the mandates are removed. Photo / Hamish Clark
The group set up on Monday saying they won't be leaving until the mandates are removed. Photo / Hamish Clark

Rudman said the council has offered them to move Hagley Park but they have decided against that for now.

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"It's funny because the residents complained because they didn't want people going to the toilet, then we got portaloos and they complained and had them taken away, and that's kind of backfired."

About 26 tents were pitched in Christchurch's Cranmer Square on Friday. Photo / Hamish Clark
About 26 tents were pitched in Christchurch's Cranmer Square on Friday. Photo / Hamish Clark

She said they do have more toilets on the way.

"The police have been brilliant. They've been nothing but supportive. We're not being loud at night, we're not abusing anyone. We've turned the other cheek when the odd person going past makes their opinion loud and clear."

There are several anti-mandate protests in Christchurch today. Photo / Hamish Clark
There are several anti-mandate protests in Christchurch today. Photo / Hamish Clark

There are a number of other protests going on around Christchurch.

Discover more

New Zealand|crime

Trevor Mallard trespassing protesters likely 'reasonable' - law professor

18 Feb 12:09 AM
New Zealand

Police warning: 'Significant number' of people to join Parliament protest

18 Feb 07:04 AM
Opinion

Opinion: Why using force against protesters could backfire

17 Feb 11:20 PM
Opinion

Heather du Plessis-Allan: How long can the stand-off go on?

19 Feb 04:00 PM

A small group has gathered at the bridge of remembrance and a larger group is marching down the streets of Ilam beside the University of Canterbury campus.

Anti-mandate protest at the University of Canterbury. Photo / CANTA
Anti-mandate protest at the University of Canterbury. Photo / CANTA

About 50 protesters gathered at the university campus at 11am this morning, before they began walking along the Ilam fields.

Numbers have since grown to about 200.

A small group of 40 are currently outside the Christchurch police precinct.

Another protest outside the Christchurch police precinct has attracted 40 people. Photo / Hamish Clark
Another protest outside the Christchurch police precinct has attracted 40 people. Photo / Hamish Clark
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