On Thursday, New Zealand police arrested over 50 individuals. They began forcibly removing hundreds of demonstrators who had been camping outside the country's parliament building for three days in protest of COVID-19 vaccine mandates and severe coronavirus limitations.

Inspired by trucker rallies in Canada, which are now in their 13th day with protesters blocking two US border crossings, several thousand protesters stopped streets near the capital Wellington's parliament with trucks, vehicles, and motorcycles this week.

New Zealand, a country of five million people, has verified little over 18,000 illnesses and 53 deaths since the pandemic. Around 94 percent of eligible individuals are vaccinated, with certain frontline employees required to be immunized.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern advised demonstrators to "move on," stating that the demonstrations are not representative of how the majority of the population feels. Around a thousand protestors remained at the location as of 14.45 local time (0145 GMT), rejecting police warnings and efforts to clear them.

"We all desire to go on. We are making strenuous efforts to position ourselves in the best possible position to accomplish that "Ardern spoke to reporters following a visit to an Auckland COVID-19 immunization center.

Ardern accepted that while every New Zealander has the right to protest, freedom should not be used to disrupt the lives of others. She stated that removing demonstrators was an operational problem for police.

Despite widespread praise for keeping the country largely virus-free for the last two years, the tight limitations that have been implemented have grown controversial, with Ardern's support ratings plummeting in recent opinion polls.

With borders still closed, tens of thousands of New Zealand expatriates risk being cut off from their families as tourism businesses struggle to survive.

'Want our independence back.'

On Thursday, Speaker Trevor Mallard authorized the closing of the grounds surrounding the iconic 'Beehive' parliament building, prompting activists to attack police officers, banging drums and shouting insults. Several individuals were observed throwing empty plastic bottles at police officers.

As the mob pressed against the gates, cops drew them out and forced them to the ground, according to a Reuters witness. Dozens were handcuffed and escorted away amid crowd screams of "Shame on you!"

Numerous demonstrators, who claimed to be vaccinated but opposed vaccine mandates, were seen waving signs reading "Freedom," "Leave our kids alone," and "Let me work."

"We are not leaving. We will maintain our stance and see this through "According to one demonstrator who identified himself only as Adam, he had traveled from Palmerston North, around 140 kilometers (87 miles) north of Wellington.

"We want our freedom back," another protester, Dave, stated. "Jacinda (Ardern) had shifted her gaze away from us. Kiwis are not illiterate. As a result of these regulations and restrictions, we are losing our jobs and our lifestyles."

According to police, those arrested will face trespass and obstruction charges and be released on bond until their court appearance. Additionally, authorities have urged owners and operators of vehicles blocking streets near the parliament grounds to remove them or risk enforcement action.