"FARC Off Brian". That's the name of a counter-protest group that supports democracy and plans to protest against the Freedoms & Rights Coalition (FARC) protest led by Brian Tamaki in Auckland this weekend.
The counter-protest organiser, Mark Graham, told Newshub that he along with many other Kiwis are fed up with the misinformation and selfishness led by Tamaki and FARC.
"The selfish attitude from a relativity small group of people who think that they should be free to do whatever they like and too bad about everybody else's wellbeing."
Graham decided to create the counter-protest after his frustration grew when "these numpties are out there complaining about the fact that they have to wear a mask when we've got 150 people a week dying of COVID in our hospitals".
"At the end of the day, a democratically elected Government made decisions on our behalf for the greater public good," he told Newshub.
"It just got right up my nose."
Graham has since created a Facebook event for the counter-protest. The page was an hour old when Newshub spoke to him and had drawn nearly 200 people so far.
"The feedback that I'm getting is that there is an incredible degree of frustration with Brian Tamaki's approach."
FARC announced they will protest in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with Auckland's taking place this weekend.
The protest, named "Proud to be Kiwi", plans to "restore the great Kiwi life".
"Thanks to this Government, this country is in crisis. We the people, are going to restore the great Kiwi way of life," Tamaki was quoted as saying in a post on Facebook.
A police spokesperson said in a statement to Newshub that they are aware of potential protest activity over the weekend.
"We have been in communication with organisers to discuss potential routes and plans."
The spokesperson said the lawful right to protest is recognised, but police also recognise the rights of the public to go about their lawful business.
Police plan to monitor and respond to the situation accordingly.
Graham said the "proof of the pudding" will be in the turnout of his counter-protest.
"This is where we need to draw a line in the sand and say we don't want this kind of hate in our community and we won't stand for it."
