{{Short description|Anti-vaccination group in New Zealand}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}} {{Infobox company | name = TJB 2021 Limited | logo = Voices for Freedom logo, Dec 2022.png | logo_size = 200px | trading_name = Voices For Freedom (VFF) | type = [[Privately held company|NZ Limited Company]] | industry = [[Special interest group|Other Interest Group Services {{small|n.e.c.}}]] | founded = {{date and age|2021|p=y}} | area_served = New Zealand | owner = {{Ublist |Alia Bland (33.33%) |[[Claire Deeks]] (33.33%) |Elizabeth Jonson (33.33%) }} | website = {{URL|voicesforfreedom.co.nz/}} | footnotes = {{small|S955960 – Other Interest Group Services n.e.c. on [[Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification]] (ANZSIC)}} }} '''TJB 2021 Limited''',<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-03-14 |title=Parliament protest: Questions remain on source of donations and where they went |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/463253/parliament-protest-questions-remain-on-source-of-donations-and-where-they-went |access-date=2024-03-14 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |language=en-nz}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=View All Details |url=https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/8180127 |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=app.companiesoffice.govt.nz}}</ref> trading as '''Voices for Freedom''' ('''VFF'''), is an advocacy group in New Zealand that formed in December 2020 to oppose the [[New Zealand Government]]'s [[New Zealand government response to the COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19 mitigation policies]] and [[COVID-19 vaccination in New Zealand|vaccination rollout]]. The organisation is founded and led by food blogger and former [[Advance New Zealand]] candidate [[Claire Deeks]], Libby Jonson and Alia Bland.<ref name="FAQs">{{cite web |title=Frequently asked questions |url= https://voicesforfreedom.co.nz/faq |publisher=Voices for Freedom |access-date=20 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427051759/https://voicesforfreedom.co.nz/faq/ |archive-date=27 April 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Voices booted off Facebook">{{cite news |last1=Satherley |first1=Dan |title=Anti-vaccination group Voices for Freedom booted off Facebook for spreading COVID-19 misinformation |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/07/anti-vaccination-group-voices-for-freedom-booted-off-facebook-for-spreading-covid-19-misinformation.html |access-date=20 November 2021 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=29 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109235345/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/07/anti-vaccination-group-voices-for-freedom-booted-off-facebook-for-spreading-covid-19-misinformation.html |archive-date=9 November 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> Voices for Freedom has been criticised by [[NZ Skeptics]], ''[[The Spinoff]]'' editor [[Madeleine Chapman]], and [[FACT Aotearoa]] for spreading [[COVID-19 misinformation|misinformation about COVID-19]] and [[Vaccine misinformation|vaccinations]].<ref name="NZ Skeptics">{{cite web |author1=NZ Skeptics Society |title=NZ Skeptics Announce Their 2021 Awards, And Dr Simon Thornley Wins The Bent Spoon |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2111/S00204/nz-skeptics-announce-their-2021-awards-and-dr-simon-thornley-wins-the-bent-spoon.htm |publisher=[[Scoop (website)|Scoop]] |access-date=8 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122090307/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2111/S00204/nz-skeptics-announce-their-2021-awards-and-dr-simon-thornley-wins-the-bent-spoon.htm |archive-date=22 November 2021 |date=22 November 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Spinoff 14 Jul 2022">{{cite news |last1=Chapman |first1=Madeleine |title=Please stop interviewing Voices for Freedom leaders |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-07-2022/please-stop-interviewing-voices-for-freedom-leaders |access-date=8 August 2022 |work=[[The Spinoff]] |date=14 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724092000/https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-07-2022/please-stop-interviewing-voices-for-freedom-leaders |archive-date=24 July 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FACT 12 Jul 2022">{{cite web |author1=Fight Against Conspiracy Theories |title=New Subset Of Voices For Freedom, Nurses For Freedom, Runs Media Campaign |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2207/S00068/new-subset-of-voices-for-freedom-nurses-for-freedom-runs-media-campaign.htm |publisher=[[Scoop (website)|Scoop]] |access-date=8 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715090613/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2207/S00068/new-subset-of-voices-for-freedom-nurses-for-freedom-runs-media-campaign.htm |archive-date=15 July 2022 |date=12 July 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Leadership and structure== Voices for Freedom was founded in December 2020 by food blogger and former [[Advance New Zealand]] candidate [[Claire Deeks]], Libby Jonson and Alia Bland as "a non-political organisation focused on protecting New Zealanders' fundamental human rights with a particular focus on freedom of speech, health/medical freedom and all freedoms under attack from an overzealous and oppressive Covid-19 response."<ref name="About us">{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://voicesforfreedom.co.nz/ |publisher=Voices for Freedom |access-date=20 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112104723/https://voicesforfreedom.co.nz/ |archive-date=12 November 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FAQs" /><ref name="Voices booted off Facebook"/><ref name="Stuff Ungovernable">{{cite news |last1=Cleave |first1=Louisa |last2=Penford |first2=Paula |title=Anti-vax group wanting to make NZ 'ungovernable' targets local body elections |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/stuff-circuit/300660552/antivax-group-wanting-to-make-nz-ungovernable-targets-local-body-elections |access-date=15 August 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=15 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814204937/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/stuff-circuit/300660552/antivax-group-wanting-to-make-nz-ungovernable-targets-local-body-elections |archive-date=14 August 2022}}</ref>
Voices for Freedom registered as a [[limited liability company]], under the legal name TJB 2021 Limited, on 27 April 2021.<ref name=":0" />
As of 15 August 2022, VFF claimed to have 100,000 members.<ref name="Stuff Ungovernable" />
The organisation's financial sources remain opaque, having spent large amounts on promotion and court cases, but claims to have received donations from "thousands of concerned Kiwis".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/463253/parliament-protest-questions-remain-on-source-of-donations-and-where-they-went |title=Parliament protest: Questions remain on source of donations and where they went |author=Tim Brown |date=2022-03-14 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]]}}</ref><ref name=newshub20210429 />
==Communications output== ===Flyers=== In March 2021, Voices for Freedom teamed up with the Advance NZ party to distribute a magazine called ''The Real News'' promoting conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines, using discredited internet-based sources.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cann |first1=Geraden |title=Major printing company linked to Covid disinformation magazine |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300307153/major-printing-company-linked-to-covid-disinformation-magazine |access-date=24 May 2021 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref> ''The Real News'' is published by [[Full Courts Press|Full Court Press]]<ref>{{Citation |title=Full court |date=2025-11-10 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Full_court&oldid=1321382896 |access-date=2026-02-11 |language=en}}</ref> director and shareholder Jonathan Eisen and his wife Katherine Smith, whose company also publishes the pseudoscientific ''The New Zealand Journal of Natural Medicine'' and the conspiracy theory–promoting ''Uncensored'' magazine. By 12 March, at least 60,000 copies of the magazine had been distributed to postboxes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=David |title=The Real News: Who is really behind the Covid-19 conspiracy magazine being dropped into 60,000 letterboxes |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-real-news-who-is-really-behind-the-covid-19-conspiracy-magazine-being-dropped-into-60000-letterboxes/V3CSQAQNUD4RCEUXXB7YPHZDNQ/ |access-date=13 May 2021 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=12 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506081235/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-real-news-who-is-really-behind-the-covid-19-conspiracy-magazine-being-dropped-into-60000-letterboxes/V3CSQAQNUD4RCEUXXB7YPHZDNQ/ |archive-date=6 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> By May 2021, the VFF and Advance NZ had raised NZ$10,000 to print and distribute 60,000 copies of ''The Real News''.<ref name="Vaccine conspiracy campaign">{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=Covid 19 coronavirus: Vaccine conspiracy campaign raises $50,000 for 'misleading' flyer drop |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-vaccine-conspiracy-campaign-raises-50000-for-misleading-flyer-drop/V7NV3RJGMRND3UUQS6OIJPUDM4/ |access-date=13 May 2021 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513064423/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-vaccine-conspiracy-campaign-raises-50000-for-misleading-flyer-drop/V7NV3RJGMRND3UUQS6OIJPUDM4/ |archive-date=13 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, a second issue of ''The Real News'' was circulated.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cann |first1=Geraden |title=Pharmacy Council issues warning after Auckland chemist displays Covid-19 misinformation |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300304129/pharmacy-council-issues-warning-after-auckland-chemist-displays-covid19-misinformation |access-date=25 May 2021 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref> The Full Court Press Limited was incorporated in 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FULL COURT PRESS LIMITED - DARGAVILLE - NEW ZEALAND |url=https://www.companiesnz.com/company/1525521/full-court-press-limited |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=www.companiesnz.com}}</ref>
In late April 2021, Voices for Freedom distributed a 29-page 'COVID Response Survival Kit' questioning the safety of COVID-19 vaccines and minimising the danger posed by [[SARS-CoV-2]]. In response, [[University of Waikato]] biological scientist Alison Campbell and the [[University of Auckland]] Helen Petousis-Harris criticised the pamphlet for spreading [[disinformation]] and propaganda that did not meet the standard of scrutiny.<ref name=newshub20210429>{{cite news |last1=Satherley |first1=Dan |title=Coronavirus: Every claim about COVID-19 made by anti-lockdown group Voices for Freedom debunked by scientists |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/04/coronavirus-every-claim-about-covid-19-made-by-anti-lockdown-group-voices-for-freedom-debunked-by-scientists.html |access-date=20 November 2021 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=29 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728233729/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/04/coronavirus-every-claim-about-covid-19-made-by-anti-lockdown-group-voices-for-freedom-debunked-by-scientists.html |archive-date=28 July 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> In mid-May 2021, Deeks claimed that the VFF had raised NZ$50,000 towards printing two million virus "fact flyers" which it intended to distribute nationwide. In response, [[University of Otago]] clinical microbiologist and immunologist James Ussher criticised the flyers for spreading disinformation about the [[Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine]]. Meanwhile, lawyer Mark von Dadelszen cautioned against donating to Voices for Freedom since it was neither a registered charity nor an incorporated society with a formal structure.<ref name="Vaccine conspiracy campaign" />
In mid-August 2025, Voices for Freedom began selling a book called ''The People's Position'', which it purported to "shatter the official COVID-19 narrative", on social media. The book alleged that foreign DNA found in [[Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine|Pfizer]] and [[Moderna COVID-19 vaccine|Moderna]] vaccine vials caused cancer and "genomic instability," that the booster vaccine rollout cause deaths and questioned the scientific evidence for [[cloth face masks]]. By 13 August, it had sold over 4,000 copies.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morrah |first1=Michael |title=Anti-vaccine group Voices For Freedom’s book criticised for misleading Covid claims |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/anti-vaccine-group-voices-for-freedoms-book-criticised-for-misleading-covid-claims/HIAN5HQPRNF7ZMNYP4PJWSRNUM/ |access-date=16 August 2025 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=13 August 2025|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
===Advertising=== In late July 2021, Voices for Freedom was banned from the social media platform [[Facebook]] for spreading misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the ban, VFF's Facebook page had attracted 12,000 followers. In response, co-founder Bland claimed that Facebook had silenced them since they were reaching half a million people each month and alleged that the Government and mainstream media were spreading misinformation about COVID-19.<ref name="Voices booted off Facebook" />
In early August 2021, the VFF posted a series of advertisements on LUMO Digital Outdoor's four digital billboards in Auckland calling for submissions on the Government's [[hate speech]] legislation. Two of these digital billboards were situated outside the public broadcaster [[Radio New Zealand]]'s Auckland office. Due to the group's controversial views and disinformation about COVID-19, Voice for Freedom's advertisements were removed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=Covid 19 coronavirus: Anti-vax group Voices For Freedom advertising removed from Auckland billboards |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-anti-vax-group-voices-for-freedom-advertising-removed-from-auckland-billboards/MKGSGL2N7KL5ZOL4WCN6JTIGS4/ |access-date=20 November 2021 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=3 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812060642/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-anti-vax-group-voices-for-freedom-advertising-removed-from-auckland-billboards/MKGSGL2N7KL5ZOL4WCN6JTIGS4/ |archive-date=12 August 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sowman-Lund |first1=Stewart |title=Anti-vax group's 'free speech' billboards pulled from RNZ building |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/03-08-2021/anti-vax-group-has-billboards-pulled-from-rnz-building/ |access-date=20 November 2021 |work=[[The Spinoff]] |date=3 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028165058/https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/03-08-2021/anti-vax-group-has-billboards-pulled-from-rnz-building/ |archive-date=28 October 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 28 April 2022, the [[Advertising Standards Authority (New Zealand)|Advertising Standards Authority]] (ASA) ruled that three Voices for Freedom billboards opposing face masks and vaccination had breached advertising regulations on social responsibility, truthful presentation and advocacy advertising. However, the ASA did not uphold a complaint against a fourth billboard published in February 2022 highlighting a [[Dunedin]] man who had died from an adverse vaccine reaction in late 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Swift |first1=Molly |title=Voices For Freedom billboards taken down after Advertising Standards Authority deems them 'misleading and irresponsible' |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/04/voice-for-freedom-take-down-billboards-after-advertising-standards-authority-deems-them-misleading-and-irresponsible.html |access-date=8 August 2022 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=28 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707092033/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/04/voice-for-freedom-take-down-billboards-after-advertising-standards-authority-deems-them-misleading-and-irresponsible.html |archive-date=7 July 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 27 May 2022, the ASA ordered the removal of another VFF advertisement questioning the Government's vaccination effort on the grounds that it breached advertising guidelines on social responsibility and truthful representation. This marked the third time that the advertising watchdog had ruled against the organisation's advertisements.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mayron |first1=Sapeer |title=Covid-19: Voices For Freedom billboards must be pulled, authority rules |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/128769138/covid19-voices-for-freedom-billboards-must-be-pulled-authority-rules |access-date=8 August 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702182415/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/128769138/covid19-voices-for-freedom-billboards-must-be-pulled-authority-rules |archive-date=2 July 2022}}</ref>
===Online output=== By mid-August 2022, Voices for Freedom had developed a website, email newsletters, a [[Telegram (software)|Telegram]] channel, and a video channel called "Freedom TV" on a far right streaming platform. These were used to facilitate communication, local activism and disseminate anti-vaccination disinformation.<ref name="Susan joins VFF">{{cite news |last1=Cleave |first1=Louisa |title=Susan joins Voices for Freedom |url=https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2022/08/circuit/inside-voices-for-freedom/ |access-date=15 August 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814212217/https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2022/08/circuit/inside-voices-for-freedom/ |archive-date=14 August 2022}}</ref>
===Reality Check Radio=== {{Main|Reality Check Radio}} In March 2023, VFF launched an online radio station called [[Reality Check Radio]] (RCR).<ref name="Spinoff Reality Check">{{cite news |last1=Greive |first1=Duncan |title=There's now Voices for Freedom online radio for people who find The Platform too woke |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/media/07-03-2023/theres-now-voices-for-freedom-online-radio-for-people-who-find-the-platform-too-woke |access-date=20 March 2023 |work=[[The Spinoff]] |date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307054820/https://thespinoff.co.nz/media/07-03-2023/theres-now-voices-for-freedom-online-radio-for-people-who-find-the-platform-too-woke |archive-date=7 March 2023}}</ref><ref name="RIP woke media">{{cite news |last1=Mitchell |first1=Charlie |title=' RIP woke media': An examination of Voices for Freedom's web radio channel |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300841258/rip-woke-media-an-examination-of-voices-for-freedoms-web-radio-channel |access-date=11 March 2024 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124013808/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300841258/rip-woke-media-an-examination-of-voices-for-freedoms-web-radio-channel |archive-date=24 January 2024}}</ref> The group's three core leaders Deeks, Bland and Libby Jonson each have a 33.33% stake in the company, which was registered as NZ Media Ventures Limited.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shareholdings |url=https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/8620008/shareholdings?backurl=H4sIAAAAAAAAAEXLuwrCQBCF4bfZJkVixHIQGy2MIpjKbtgddSF7cWai7NsbMWL3nw9OnfFGUtsUMkY%2FlRCyva8fcLxUB3Ieq7Zpl4aiei19ySSw6bp5nxV1lB2nMX%2FZR5s4bzkFmLtPYNA5JpH%2Fe4Y9lVdiB0YUWaExgw9eYbEycp3QfZ5PjJbcCSMNoDySCckR%2FPwNSeFH8b8AAAA%3D |publisher=[[New Zealand Companies Office]] |access-date=20 March 2023 }}</ref><ref name="RIP woke media" /> Notable hosts include former [[ACT New Zealand|ACT Party]] leader [[Rodney Hide]], former [[TVNZ]] broadcaster [[Peter Williams (broadcaster)|Peter Williams]], anti-vaccine influencer [[Chantelle Baker]], former Radio New Zealand broadcaster [[Paul Brennan (broadcaster)|Paul Brennan]], VFF activist and local councillor Jaspreet Bosparai, former [[Federated Farmers]] president Don Nicholson and former Green Party candidate Natalie Cutler-Welsh,<ref name="Spinoff Reality Check" /><ref name="RIP woke media" /> The station has promoted anti-[[woke]], anti-[[transgender]] content, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and [[climate change denial]].<ref name="RIP woke media" /><ref name="Stuff fringe radio">{{cite news |last1=McConnell |first1=Glenn |title=The fringe radio station that chats with ministers and conspiracy theorists alike |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350190368/fringe-radio-station-chats-ministers-and-conspiracy-theorists-alike |access-date=11 April 2024 |work=[[Stuff (company)|Stuff]] |date=27 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226194841/https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350190368/fringe-radio-station-chats-ministers-and-conspiracy-theorists-alike |archive-date=26 February 2024}}</ref> In April 2024, the station went off air due to financial problems, leading to a fundraising campaign led by host Williams.<ref name="NZH off air">{{cite news |last1=Currie |first1=Shayne |title=Fringe station Reality Check Radio off air - Peter Williams PR video calls for donations |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/fringe-station-reality-check-radio-off-air-peter-williams-pr-video-calls-for-donations/OZFP3KDSVBDVHDDMLEM5XHT5LU/ |access-date=11 April 2024 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=9 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410014954/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/fringe-station-reality-check-radio-off-air-peter-williams-pr-video-calls-for-donations/OZFP3KDSVBDVHDDMLEM5XHT5LU/ |archive-date=10 April 2024|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="JMAD 2024">{{cite report |last1=Hope |first1=Wayne |last2=Hoar |first2=Peter |last3=McEwan |first3=Rufus |last4=Selman Julian |first4=Julian |last5=Te |first5=Saing |last6=Treadwell |first6=Greg |date=2024 |title=JMAD Aotearoa New Zealand media ownership report 2024 |url=https://www.jmadresearch.com/_files/ugd/a95e86_ae1e43b20dba484e839024c62611d1a9.pdf |publisher=[[Auckland University of Technology]] Research Centre for Journalism Media and Democracy |access-date=4 March 2025|page=55-56 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128085946/https://www.jmadresearch.com/_files/ugd/a95e86_ae1e43b20dba484e839024c62611d1a9.pdf|archive-date=28 January 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Activism== ===Networking=== In February 2021, Peter Williams had encouraged listeners on his [[Magic (New Zealand radio network)|''Magic Talk'']] radio station to visit Voices for Freedom's website, agreeing with their opposition to the [[Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine]] and support for [[ivermectin]] as a treatment for COVID-19.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Daalder |first1=Mark |title=Magic Talk's Peter Williams gives shout-out to anti-vaxxers |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/magic-talks-peter-williams-gives-shout-out-to-anti-vaxxers |date=12 February 2021 |website=[[Newsroom (website)|Newsroom]] |publisher=Newsroom |access-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516135815/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/magic-talks-peter-williams-gives-shout-out-to-anti-vaxxers|archive-date=16 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Williams subsequently joined VFF's Reality Check Radio in March 2023.<ref name="Spinoff Reality Check" />
By March 2021, Voices for Freedom had established a partnership with 'Covid Plan B', a group of anti-lockdown health professionals and academics led by University of Auckland epidemiologist [[Simon Thornley]].<ref name="Open letter">{{cite web |title=Open Letter to Covid Plan B |url=https://archive.org/details/an-open-letter-to-plan-b |access-date=20 March 2023}}</ref> In March 2020, Thornley had criticised the New Zealand Government's [[COVID-19 alert levels in New Zealand|COVID-19 alert level system]], which utilised lockdowns.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thornley |first1=Simon |title=Do the consequences of this lockdown really match the threat?|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120666809/do-the-consequences-of-this-lockdown-really-match-the-threat |access-date=20 March 2023 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=31 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807005620/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120666809/do-the-consequences-of-this-lockdown-really-match-the-threat|archive-date=7 August 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Thornley also served as a keynote speaker at a VFF event in March 2021 and appeared on the group's webshow. Covid Plan B's [[Facebook]] page also shared social media posts by Voices for Freedom.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Meier |first1=Cecile |title=Anti-lockdown group of academics criticised for promoting conspiracy theorists |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/124552930/antilockdown-group-of-academics-criticised-for-promoting-conspiracy-theorists |access-date=20 March 2023 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|date=17 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115094721/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/124552930/antilockdown-group-of-academics-criticised-for-promoting-conspiracy-theorists|archive-date=15 November 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> COVID-19 Plan B's partnership with VFF was criticised in an open letter by the anti-misinformation group Fight Against Conspiracy Theories (FACT).<ref name="Open letter"/>
On 20 October 2022, Voices for Freedom supporters participated in the farming advocacy group [[Groundswell NZ]]'s nationwide protests against the Government's plans to farm carbon emissions from 2025. VFF protesters attended several Groundswell protest events in Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington, Christchurch, and [[Timaru, New Zealand|Timaru]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roberts |first1=Nadine |title=Voices for Freedom hijacks farmers' protest |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130237995/voices-for-freedom-hijacks-farmers-protest |access-date=24 October 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=20 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021172434/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130237995/voices-for-freedom-hijacks-farmers-protest |archive-date=21 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> According to [[Stuff (company)|Stuff]] journalist Charlie Mitchell, VFF and Groundswell leaders had allowed VFF members to attend Groundswell protests in order to boost the latter's numbers. Mitchell attributed Voices for Freedom's support for Groundswell's protests to an "identity crisis" caused by the Government's lessening of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, which prompted the VFF to look for new causes in response to declining public engagement with their content.<ref>{{cite news |title=Why were so many Voices for Freedom people at a farming protest? |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130242010/why-were-so-many-voices-for-freedom-people-at-a-farming-protest |access-date=24 October 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=22 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023030405/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130242010/why-were-so-many-voices-for-freedom-people-at-a-farming-protest |archive-date=23 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Protests=== {{Main|COVID-19 anti-lockdown protests in New Zealand}} Voices for Freedom staged several protests across New Zealand in 2021 and 2022. On 6 November 2021, 20–30 supporters led by Dunedin coordinator Tracey Pita staged a protest in Dunedin's Cumberland street near the University of Otago's Dunedin campus. They opposed the Government's vaccine mandates for health, education, and corrections workers.<ref name="ODT Freedom protest 6 Nov 2021">{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Courtney |title=Students unimpressed by protest, messages |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/students-unimpressed-protest-messages |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |date=8 November 2021 |access-date=9 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107230145/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/students-unimpressed-protest-messages |archive-date=7 November 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
On 9 November 2021, VFF organised an anti-vaccine mandate march in [[Invercargill]], which attracted between 150 and 300 participants. Protesters marched from the Invercargill War Memorial to [[New Zealand Labour Party|Labour]] List MP [[Liz Craig]]'s electorate office.<ref name="Invercargill protest 9 Nov 2021">{{cite news |last1=Girao |first1=Luisa |title=Invercargill protest 'a march for our rights' |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/invercargill-protest-march-our-rights |access-date=9 November 2021 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |date=9 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109020443/https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/invercargill-protest-march-our-rights |archive-date=9 November 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Harding |first1=Evan |title='Freedom of choice' protestors march in Invercargill |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/126928246/freedom-of-choice-protestors-march-in-invercargill |access-date=9 November 2021 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=9 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109021137/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/126928246/freedom-of-choice-protestors-march-in-invercargill|archive-date=9 November 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 10 December 2021, several Voices for Freedom protesters participated in a protest march in Auckland alongside those holding flags of the [[United Tribes of New Zealand]] and those opposing the [[Chinese Communist Party]]. After gathering in the [[Auckland Domain]] for speeches, participants marched to [[Government House, Auckland|Government House]], the Auckland residence of the [[Governor-General of New Zealand]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Anti-mandate protest under way heads to Government House |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-anti-mandate-protest-under-way-heads-to-government-house/5MJJGAG3GEFLR6UXKVM5KOQU44/ |access-date=13 December 2021 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=10 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211094423/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-anti-mandate-protest-under-way-heads-to-government-house/5MJJGAG3GEFLR6UXKVM5KOQU44/ |archive-date=11 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 8 January 2022, the VFF organised an anti-vaccination and anti-lockdown rally in [[Whanganui]]. [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]] Member of Parliament [[Harete Hipango]] attended the protest and posted a social media photo of herself at the rally alongside a second post criticising the label 'anti-vaxer' and 'misinformer'.<ref>{{Cite news|date=8 January 2022|title=National Party MP Harete Hipango attends second anti-lockdown and mandate protest|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-omicron-outbreak-national-party-mp-harete-hipango-attends-second-anti-lockdown-and-mandate-protest/UN76RHFSB2K6BTPC2MACUZWCLU/|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111035047/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-omicron-outbreak-national-party-mp-harete-hipango-attends-second-anti-lockdown-and-mandate-protest/UN76RHFSB2K6BTPC2MACUZWCLU/|archive-date=11 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=8 January 2022|title=National Party MP attends second anti-lockdown and mandate protest|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/459224/covid-19-national-party-mp-attends-second-anti-lockdown-and-mandate-protest|url-status=live|work=[[Radio New Zealand]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108230711/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/459224/covid-19-national-party-mp-attends-second-anti-lockdown-and-mandate-protest|archive-date=8 January 2022}}</ref> Following a discussion with National Party leader [[Christopher Luxon]], Hipango deleted the post, and Luxon issued a statement that the group's views did not align with the National Party's position on COVID-19 issues.<ref>{{Cite news|date=8 January 2022|title=Whanganui MP Harete Hipango posts support for Voices for Freedom protest|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/127457854/whanganui-mp-harete-hipango-posts-support-for-voices-for-freedom-protest|url-status=live|work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111072554/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/127457854/whanganui-mp-harete-hipango-posts-support-for-voices-for-freedom-protest|archive-date=11 January 2022}}</ref>
Voices for Freedom participated in the [[2022 Wellington protests]].<ref name="wsws.org2">{{Cite web |title=New Zealand right-wing, pseudo-lefts urge government to "engage" with far-right protesters |url=https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2022/02/17/nzav-f17.html |date=17 February 2022|access-date=9 August 2022 |website=[[World Socialist Web Site]] |language=en|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220316172055/https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2022/02/17/nzav-f17.html |archive-date=16 March 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 February 2022, [[Stuff (company)|Stuff]] journalist Glenn McConnell reported that the group's merchandise was frequently seen at the protest camp outside the [[New Zealand Parliament]].<ref>{{cite web |last=McConnell |first=Glenn |date=16 February 2022 |title=Who is who at the Convoy 2022 occupation of Parliament's grounds |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300518315/who-is-who-at-the-convoy-2022-occupation-of-parliaments-grounds |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220608185310/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300518315/who-is-who-at-the-convoy-2022-occupation-of-parliaments-grounds |archive-date=8 June 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 23 February, several VFF protesters heckled [[Prime Minister of New Zealand|Prime Minister]] [[Jacinda Ardern]] during her visit to [[Westport, New Zealand|Westport]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Abuse shouted at Ardern by anti-mandate protesters in Westport |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/02/22/abuse-shouted-at-ardern-by-anti-mandate-protesters-in-westport/ |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=[[1News]] |date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223030813/https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/02/22/abuse-shouted-at-ardern-by-anti-mandate-protesters-in-westport/ |archive-date=23 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Vaccine certificates=== On 3 November 2021, Voices for Freedom advertised an event at [[Newbury School]] in [[Palmerston North]] for people seeking vaccine exemptions. The school, possibly with the support of the [[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]], then withdrew permission for VFF to use its facilities, prompting the cancellation of the event. Social media posts promoting the event claimed that "registered practitioners" were selling vaccine certificates for $10 for individuals and $20 for families. A similar vaccine exemption signing event had been held at a [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]] in Palmerston North on 1 November. In response, COVID-19 Response Minister [[Chris Hipkins]] announced that the Government would be establishing a centralised system to approve vaccine exemptions and clarified that selling or giving away vaccination certificates was illegal.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rankin |first1=Janine |last2=Blackwell |first2=Adam |title=Crowd seeking vaccine exemptions turned away after event cancelled |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/126877264/crowd-seeking-vaccine-exemptions-turned-away-after-event-cancelled |access-date=7 August 2022|work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=3 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103123945/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/126877264/crowd-seeking-vaccine-exemptions-turned-away-after-event-cancelled |archive-date=3 November 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Alleged front organisations=== According to ''The Spinoff'' journalist Madeleine Chapman and FACT Aotearoa, Voices for Freedom's Wairarapa Local Coordinator Deborah Cunliffe had established a front organisation called "Nurses for Freedom NZ" (NZFF). While Cunliffe claimed that the two groups are not related, she acknowledged that the VFF supported the NZFF's work.<ref name="The Spinoff 14 Jul 2022" /><ref name="FACT 12 Jul 2022" /> The group spread misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories about the [[New World Order (conspiracy theory)|New World Order]] on its Telegram channel. Despite claiming to represent 700 nurses and healthcare assistants, Paparoa (which researches the far right in New Zealand) found that the group only had ten registered nurses on its membership list.<ref name="The Spinoff 14 Jul 2022" /> On 28 June 2022, NZFF staged protests outside hospitals in 12 major centres including the [[Hawke's Bay]] region calling for the Government to lifts its vaccine mandate requirement for nurses.<ref name="FACT 12 Jul 2022" />
On 18 August 2022, Stuff journalist Andrea Vance reported that a [[Northland Region|Northland]]-based electoral ticket body called "Sovereign" was running for the [[Far North District Council]]. While the group denied being connected with Voices for Freedom, it shared several characteristics including spreading disinformation about COVID-19 and opposing COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, the group has opposed the Government's [[climate change]] policies, co-governance arrangements, the [[Water Services Reform Programme|Three Waters reform programme]], and [[water fluoridation]]. The eight-member Sovereign group was founded by Joshua Riley and was reportedly inspired by the American [[sovereign citizen movement]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vance |first1=Andrea |title=The Covid-19 conspiracy theorists targeting Northland's local elections |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/129598951/the-covid19-conspiracy-theorists-targeting-northlands-local-elections |access-date=18 August 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=18 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818020951/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/129598951/the-covid19-conspiracy-theorists-targeting-northlands-local-elections |archive-date=18 August 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
Another alleged front organisation is the [[Auckland]]–based UnifyNZ, whose stated mission is to raise "regional awareness on critical and highly topical issues." The group is led by the VFF's former [[Warkworth, New Zealand|Warkworth]] co-ordinator Teresa Gibson, who has denied that the two groups are formally connected but acknowledged there were individuals with overlapping memberships in both organisations. On 30 July 2022, UnifyNZ organised a public meeting opposing [[co-governance]], which was attended by [[Rodney (local board area)|Rodney]] ward councillor Greg Sawyers, [[Albany, New Zealand|Albany]] ward councillor John Watson, [[Hobson's Pledge]] trustee Casey Costello, and Groundswell NZ leader Scott Bright. In August 2022, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters spoke at another UnifyNZ meeting opposing co-governance. UnifyNZ has also organised public meetings in September 2022 titled "How the [[World Health Organization|World Health Organisation]], [[World Economic Forum]], and (investment managers) [[BlackRock]] and [[The Vanguard Group|Vanguard]] are internationally connected" and "How [[Sustainable Development Goals|UN Agenda 2030]] and the 'Green Energy Policies' on food, transport, farming, and heating are impacting Kiwis."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Niall |first1=Todd |title=Auckland councillors unaware of Voices for Freedom link in meeting they addressed |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/129799029/auckland-councillors-unaware-of-voices-for-freedom-link-in-meeting-they-addressed |access-date=9 September 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=7 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909040340/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/129799029/auckland-councillors-unaware-of-voices-for-freedom-link-in-meeting-they-addressed |archive-date=9 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Electoral campaigning and entryism=== In mid–August 2022, [[Stuff (company)|Stuff]] and the ''[[Guardian Australia]]'' reported that Voices for Freedom had called upon its members to stand candidates in the [[2022 New Zealand local elections]] with the intention of infiltrating [[Territorial authorities of New Zealand|local government bodies]] in order to make New Zealand "ungovernable" at the [[Local government in New Zealand|local government level]]. VFF candidates were instructed to conceal their affiliation with the group when running as candidates. [[Victoria University of Wellington]] [[political science|political scientist]] Dr Mona Krewel expressed concern that VFF candidates had a good chance of being elected if voter turnout was low and due to the low number of candidates running for local government positions.<ref name="Stuff Ungovernable" /><ref name="The Guardian 16 Aug 2022">{{cite news |last1=Corlett |first1=Eva |title=New Zealand anti-vax group urges supporters to stand for councils and 'throw weight around' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/16/new-zealand-anti-vax-group-urges-supporters-to-stand-for-councils-and-throw-weight-around |access-date=9 September 2022 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909004030/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/16/new-zealand-anti-vax-group-urges-supporters-to-stand-for-councils-and-throw-weight-around |archive-date=9 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Similarly, University of Otago researcher and The Disinformation Project research lead Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa expressed concern about VFF-affiliated candidates concealing their true agenda and seeking to make New Zealand "ungovernable."<ref name="ODT 17 Aug 2022">{{cite news |last1=Hudson |first1=Daisy |title=Concern candidates not being upfront |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/concern-candidates-not-being-upfront |access-date=18 August 2022 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |date=17 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816170207/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/concern-candidates-not-being-upfront |archive-date=16 August 2022}}</ref><ref name="The Guardian 16 Aug 2022" />
Notable VFF candidates included Gill Booth and [[Southland Region|Southland]] dairy farmer Jaspreet Boparai, who claimed that local councils were following orders from the [[United Nations]]' Agenda 2030.<ref name="Stuff Ungovernable" /> Booth ran for the [[Teviot Valley]] Community Board while Boparai ran for the [[Southland District Council]] and Tuatapere Te Waewae Community Board. The ''[[Otago Daily Times]]'' also reported that the VFF's Dunedin coordinators Watson and Tracey Pita were running for the [[Otago Regional Council]], [[Dunedin City Council]], and [[Saddle Hill (New Zealand)|Saddle Hill]] Community Board respectively. In addition, other VFF candidates have run for various Dunedin city council, mayoral, and community board positions.<ref name="ODT 17 Aug 2022" />
On 16 August, Stuff reported that five VFF-affiliated candidates were running for the [[Christchurch City Council]] including Sally Cogle, Colleen Farrelly, Mike Wilson, Rob Gray, and Don Cross. Cogle has described [[COVID-19]] as a version of the flu and claimed that COVID-19 vaccines were "poison." Cogle claimed that she and her fellow candidates were standing as independents. Former police officer Wilson has questioned mask and vaccine mandates.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Porter |first1=Nadine |title=Five candidates with links to anti-vaccination group standing for city council |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129577024/five-candidates-with-links-to-antivaccination-group-standing-for-city-council |access-date=9 September 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906223812/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129577024/five-candidates-with-links-to-antivaccination-group-standing-for-city-council |archive-date=6 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 18 August, ''[[The New Zealand Herald]]'' reported that Voices for Freedom was encouraging its followers to apply for key roles and positions with the [[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|Electoral Commission]] for the [[2023 New Zealand general election]] including election managers. Co-founder Deeks claimed that many New Zealanders were concerned about a "general decline" in democracy. In response, [[Minister of Justice (New Zealand)|Justice Minister]] [[Kiri Allan]] expressed concerns about political forces wanting to intervene in New Zealand elections and stated that electoral staff should operate without bias. Chief electoral officer Karl Le Quesne added that the Electoral Commission had mechanisms including written submissions, job interviews, and referee checks to ensure that only qualified workers were hired.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=Voices For Freedom pushing followers to apply for key general election roles |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/voices-for-freedom-pushing-followers-to-apply-for-key-general-election-roles/2VPJGX5M5XH7UZCZWUPBSW4EMA/ |access-date=18 August 2022 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=18 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817175343/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/voices-for-freedom-pushing-followers-to-apply-for-key-general-election-roles/2VPJGX5M5XH7UZCZWUPBSW4EMA/ |archive-date=17 August 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 22 August, the ''[[Taranaki Daily News]]'' reported that VFF's head of national operations Tane Webster was running for a seat in the [[New Plymouth District Council]] (NPDC). Other NPDC candidates including Murray Chong, sitting councillor Anneka Carlson, Monica Hylton, and Caro McKee have taken part in anti-vaccination and anti-lockdown protests but claimed they were not affiliated with Voices for Freedom.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McLean |first1=Glenn |title=Operations head of anti-vax group Voices For Freedom standing for New Plymouth District Council |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/129613549/operations-head-of-antivax-group-voices-for-freedom-standing-for-new-plymouth-district-council |access-date=9 September 2022 |work=[[Taranaki Daily News]] |publisher=[[Stuff (company)|Stuff]] |date=22 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902125254/https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/129613549/operations-head-of-antivax-group-voices-for-freedom-standing-for-new-plymouth-district-council |archive-date=2 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 26 August, [[Mayor of Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton mayoral candidate]] and [[NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party]] co-leader [[Donna Pokere-Phillips]] denied that she was linked to Voices for Freedom. Pokere-Phillips had previously shared anti-COVID vaccination content on social media and appeared on the anti-vaccination platform [[Counterspin Media]]. In addition, Pokere-Phillips has opposed the Government's Three Waters reform programme.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morunga |first1=Adam |title=Hamilton City Council mayoral candidate denies affiliations to Voices for Freedom movement |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/473578/hamilton-city-council-mayoral-candidate-denies-affiliations-to-voices-for-freedom-movement |access-date=20 September 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919040406/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/473578/hamilton-city-council-mayoral-candidate-denies-affiliations-to-voices-for-freedom-movement |archive-date=19 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 27 August, Stuff reported that the [[Nelson City Council]] candidate Zoe Byrne had links to Voices for Freedom. Byrne had delivered newsletters for the group and spoke at their Resilience Festival in [[Richmond, New Zealand|Richmond]]'s A&P Showgrounds on 20 August. Byrne is also affiliated with a local election ticket body called the Nelson Citizens' Alliance, which has opposed the Government's Three Waters reform programme and the establishment of a [[Māori wards and constituencies|Māori ward]] on the Nelson City Council. In June 2022, VFF had endorsed the Nelson Citizens' Alliance in a newsletter. In response, Nelson Citizens' Alliance spokesperson Peter Rait stated that he was unaware of Byrne's affiliation with VFF.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ridout |first1=Amy |title=Nelson council candidates' links to disinformation and conspiracy |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129640108/nelson-council-candidates-links-to-disinformation-and-conspiracy |access-date=11 September 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=27 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902225149/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129640108/nelson-council-candidates-links-to-disinformation-and-conspiracy |archive-date=2 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 28 August, Stuff reported that several [[Groundswell NZ]] activists including [[Whangārei]] convenor Tracy Thomasson and James Wolfen Duvall were also members of Voices for Freedom. Thomasson ran as a candidate for the [[Whangārei District Council]] and had also shared social media posts expressing anti-vaccination sentiment, promoting the far right group Counterspin Media, and supporting the anti-vaccine protesters' occupation of Parliament. Duvall also ran for the Golden Bay ward of the [[Tasman District Council]]. In response, Groundswell's co-founder Bryan McKenzie stated that these individuals did not represent Groundswell's values and added that Groundswell had severed ties with Thomasson.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vance |first1=Andrea |last2=Hoyle |first2=Craig |last3=Ridout |first3=Amy |title=The conspiracy theorists Groundswell is trying to weed out |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-body-elections/129698051/the-conspiracy-theorists-groundswell-is-trying-to-weed-out |access-date=11 September 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901095748/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-body-elections/129698051/the-conspiracy-theorists-groundswell-is-trying-to-weed-out |archive-date=1 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
In mid-September 2022, Stuff reported that Voices for Freedom had enlisted former [[Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand|Green Party]] candidate and public relations practitioner Natalie Cutler-Welsh to coach their candidates about election campaigning, handling social media, messaging and handling journalists. In addition, co-found Deeks confirmed that she had recruited Canadian-New Zealander Cutler-Welsh to run online seminars on communications and managing online and social media behaviour.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vance |first1=Andrea |title='Up your brave': A former Green Party candidate is training Voices for Freedom council hopefuls |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/129789090/up-your-brave-a-former-green-party-candidate-is-training-voices-for-freedom-council-hopefuls |access-date=20 September 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=12 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914232127/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/129789090/up-your-brave-a-former-green-party-candidate-is-training-voices-for-freedom-council-hopefuls |archive-date=14 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 21 September, [[Taupō District Council]] candidate Duncan Campbell acknowledged that he supported Voices for Freedom's positions and had attended their meetings.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Matthew |title=Taupō council candidate backs Voices For Freedom after initially not revealing stance |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300687952/taup-council-candidate-backs-voices-for-freedom-after-initially-not-revealing-stance |access-date=12 October 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=21 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008162233/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300687952/taup-council-candidate-backs-voices-for-freedom-after-initially-not-revealing-stance |archive-date=8 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
In early October 2022, Voices for Freedom published a candidate survey listing candidates who shared its views on opposing lockdowns, vaccine mandates and the Three Waters reform programme.<ref>{{cite web |title=VFF's Guide to Voting 2022 |url=https://www.voicesforfreedom.co.nz/who-do-i-vote-for |publisher=Voices for Freedom |access-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012215312/https://www.voicesforfreedom.co.nz/who-do-i-vote-for |archive-date=12 October 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=LBE Candidates - VFF Survey |url=https://www.voicesforfreedom.co.nz/storage/app/media/downloads/local-body-elections/LBE%20CANDIDATES%20-%20VFF%20SURVEY%20-%20UPLOAD%208%202022-10-08%20-%20Sheet1.pdf |publisher=Voices for Freedom |access-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012220229/https://www.voicesforfreedom.co.nz/storage/app/media/downloads/local-body-elections/LBE%20CANDIDATES%20-%20VFF%20SURVEY%20-%20UPLOAD%208%202022-10-08%20-%20Sheet1.pdf |archive-date=12 October 2022 |date=8 October 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> The group also launched an advertising campaign to counter the New Plymouth District Council's anti-disinformation advertising campaign.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McLean |first1=Glenn |title=Voices For Freedom counters New Plymoth District Council's election campaign |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/130056962/voices-for-freedom-counters-new-plymoth-district-councils-election-campaign |access-date=12 October 2022 |work=[[Taranaki Daily News]] |publisher=[[Stuff (company)|Stuff]] |date=4 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007200654/https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/130056962/voices-for-freedom-counters-new-plymoth-district-councils-election-campaign |archive-date=7 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
Following the release of preliminary local election results on 8 October, Stuff reported that fewer than twelve Voices of Freedom–affiliated candidates had been elected to local government positions. The VFF had fielded over 200 candidates who were contesting 159 races. Notable successful pro-VFF candidates have included Southland District Council member Jaspreet Bosparai, Teviot Community Board member Gill Booth, Deputy Mayor of Whanganui Jenny Duncan, Paraparaumu/Raumati Community board member Jonny Best, [[Waikato Regional Council]] member [[Clyde Graf]], [[Selwyn District Council]] member Elizabeth Mundt, [[Hibiscus and Bays Local Board]] member Leanne Willis, Oraka Aparima community board member Emma Gould, and [[Taupo District Council]] member Duncan Campbell. In addition, several incumbent councillors who had expressed support for VFF's views including [[Carterton District Council]] member Jill Greathead and [[Gisborne District Council]] member Meredith Akuhata-Brown were defeated.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vance |first1=Andrea |last2=Mitchell |first2=Charlie |title=Fewer than a dozen 'disinformation' candidates elected to councils |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/476356/fewer-than-a-dozen-disinformation-candidates-elected-to-councils |access-date=12 October 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=9 October 2022}}</ref>
==Notes and references== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Official website|https://www.voicesforfreedom.co.nz/}}
{{COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand}}
[[Category:2020 establishments in New Zealand]] [[Category:Anti-vaccination organizations]] [[Category:Protests in New Zealand]] [[Category:Organizations established for the COVID-19 pandemic]] [[Category:Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics]] [[Category:Organizations that oppose transgender rights]]