Protesters put their views forward
Call for end to division between vaxxed, unvaxxed
“What are you going to write?” A small group of protesters who took to Levin’s main street at the weekend were not shy to wave at passing traffic. But when approached for comment on reasons why they were protesting, some of the group were hesitant about having their photograph taken or answering questions from media.
“Who are you? Who are you with?” one protester asked.
“The media are not telling the truth and twisting things,” another claimed, while another refused to be photographed and left.
The group needed firm reassurance their reasons for protesting were going to be accurately reported, so were collectively asked to summarise their cause.
Identifying as Voices For Freedom, they were protesting for the right for people to choose not to be vaccinated, highlighting the impact government-imposed restrictions were having on those that were unvaccinated against Covid-19.
Some of the group were themselves vaccinated against Covid-19, but felt the sanctions imposed on unvaccinated people were unfair and had led to loss of liberty, and in some cases livelihoods.
They were protesting for an end to what they called a “division” between those that were vaccinated, and those that weren’t.
“Jacinda wants to divide society into vaccinated and unvaccinated. We want freedom of choice and not to be blackmailed with our livelihoods,” one protester said.
“Freedom of choice. Unity and harmony,” said another.
“We refuse to be part of an experiment . . . these are experimental drugs.”
“We shouldn’t be forced to have boosters.”
The protest signs carried message like:
“Kiwis United. Vaxed and unvaxed.”
“It’s not about health. It’s about control.”
“How many boosters will it take.” “Jacinda is out of control.” “Coercion is not consent.”