'I’ve never protested in my life until now'

Frances Wilkie has never protested in her life. Now, after losing her job as a primary school teacher when the mandate came in, she is protesting in Christchurch.

The anti-mandate protest at Cranmer Square has grown in numbers with groups setting up tents and gazebos looking set to stay for the long-haul in support of their Wellington counterparts.

"I’ve never protested in my life, until now," Wilkie said.

"I’ve always abided by the law. I’m a working class citizen who pays taxes, I do not rip the system off.

"I just don’t think it’s right what is going on."

But the protests are causing disruption and concern for Cranmer Square residents said Christchurch city councillor Jake McLellan.

McLellan said he was "incredibly disappointed" by what was going on and it wasn’t fair on residents who have had to deal with protests in the square in the past.

"Unlike in Wellington, where you would expect protests, to do it here in a residential area, I think is really hard on locals."

McLellan said the protests are in breach of the bylaw and police have been put in a tricky situation.

Police continue to monitor the protest and say there were no reported issues.

A police spokesperson said they "respect the lawful right to protest and will monitor the situation to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the wider public". 

Wilkie says she will continue to protest until the mandates are lifted.

"Get rid of the mandates, talk to us, talk to Wellington, why is that so difficult?" Wilkie said

"Talk, that’s what we’re all asking for."

Megan Seil, who is standing in protest but not camping out, lost her job as a personal trainer at a women’s gym in Christchurch when the mandates came in.

"I’m here because based on who I am," Seil said.

"From the angle of a mother, a business woman, and somebody who has been negatively effected by these mandates."

Seil said certain signs people hold up do not represent everyone's views.

"Wellington is full of individuals," she said.

"I hope and pray everybody there and here have the same message of unity and of stopping the mandates."

While standing in protest against the mandates, Seil said her key message is to be kind.

"Don’t disregard friends or family because they have different beliefs.

"It’s almost impossible to hate someone up close, so move closer to them, listen to their story,” she said.

Rouk Cruickshanks spent his third night in Cranmer Square with his parrot, Buddy.

He says he is protesting for the rights of every New Zealander - and will continue do so until the mandates are lifted.

A petition has been set up on Change.org calling for the Wellington protesters to go home, stating "they are not the majority". 

By mid-afternoon on Wednesday there were more than 18,000 signatures.

Another petition on Change.org in support of the anti mandate protests has more than 23,000 signatures.

Meanwhile, the Freedoms and Rights Coalition are still to pay an invoice for $14,117.47 lodged by Christchurch City Council in January for costs incurred during three protests in Cranmer Square and elsewhere in the city during November and December.

It was due to be paid on January 20 but will soon be followed by another invoice for two protest marches in January and another gathering last weekend.