Hundreds of people protesting vaccine mandates and pandemic restrictions have blocked streets outside New Zealand's parliament with trucks and campervans, inspired by similar demonstrations in Canada.

The “convoy for freedom” protesters arrived from all corners of New Zealand and gathered outside the parliament building in the capital Wellington, called the Beehive, ahead of the first speech for the year by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

The protesters were largely unmasked, held placards calling for “freedom” and vowed to camp outside parliament until the Covid-19 curbs are lifted. The protests, which may run for days, is inspired by the ongoing truckers blockade in the Canadian capital Ottawa.