COVID-19: Auckland anti-lockdown protest in pictures

Anti-lockdown and anti-vaccination protests were held across the country on Saturday.

More than 1000 people turned up in Auckland outside the Auckland War Memorial Museum while smaller protests were also held in Rotorua, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch.

COVID-19: Auckland anti-lockdown protest in pictures
Photo credit: The Freedoms & Rights Coalition

In Auckland - which is still in alert level 3 - people broke COVID-19 rules as they failed to social distance and some weren't wearing masks. 

Destiny Church pastor Brian Tamaki spoke to the crowd telling supporters they've had a "gutsful" and it will take time and commitment to achieve their goals.

Destiny Church pastor Brian Tamaki spoke to the crowd for 40 minutes.
Destiny Church pastor Brian Tamaki spoke to the crowd for 40 minutes. Photo credit: Supplied
COVID-19: Auckland anti-lockdown protest in pictures
Photo credit: Image - Getty Images

Despite protest organisers asking supporters to stay in their bubbles, mask up and social distance, many didn't follow those requests with large crowds gathering closely on the lawn outside the War Memorial Museum.

At alert level 3 in Auckland, travel is restricted and only allowed for permitted movement in a person's local area, people need to keep to their household bubbles and wear a face covering in place such as supermarkets, on public transport and in healthcare facilities.

COVID-19: Auckland anti-lockdown protest in pictures
Photo credit: The Freedoms & Rights Coalition
COVID-19: Auckland anti-lockdown protest in pictures
Photo credit: The Freedoms & Rights Coalition

Farmers turned up to the protest to voice their concerns and provide people with vegetables throughout the event. 

COVID-19: Auckland anti-lockdown protest in pictures
Photo credit: The Freedoms & Rights Coalition
COVID-19: Auckland anti-lockdown protest in pictures
Photo credit: The Freedoms & Rights Coalition

Experts worry this could turn into a super-spreader event but police made no arrests.

COVID-19: Auckland anti-lockdown protest in pictures
Photo credit: The Freedoms & Rights Coalition

The Auckland crowd of people included gang members on motorbikes, young children and elderly.

COVID-19: Auckland anti-lockdown protest in pictures
Photo credit: The Freedoms & Rights Coalition
COVID-19: Auckland anti-lockdown protest in pictures
Photo credit: Image - Getty Images