Hundreds of people protesting vaccine and mask mandates drove in convoy to New Zealand’s capital on Tuesday and converged outside Parliament as lawmakers reconvened after a summer break. The mostly unmasked protesters had driven from around the country, and their vehicles clogged the central Wellington streets for hours as they met and spoke on Parliament’s forecourt. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern elected not to meet with them as she delivered a speech to lawmakers outlining her priorities for the year.

Among the protesters’ grievances is the requirement in New Zealand that certain workers get vaccinated against the coronavirus, including teachers, doctors, nurses, police and military personnel. Many protesters also oppose mask mandates — such as those in stores and among children over about age 8 in school — and champion the ideal of more “freedom.”  New Zealand was spared the worst of the pandemic after it closed its borders and implemented strict lockdowns. The nation has reported just 53 virus deaths among its population of 5 million. But some have grown weary of the restrictions. With about 77% of New Zealanders fully vaccinated, Ardern has promised she won’t impose more lockdowns.