in Dunedin. Besides opposing vaccine mandates, they also protested against government control and the Three Waters reform programme. Besides Tait, other speakers at the TFRC-sponsored event included University of Otago computer scientist Iain Hewson and anti-transgender activist Jennifer Scott. They were met by over a hundred counter-protesters supporting AntiFascist Ōtepoti, who occupied the bottom half of the Octagon. The counter-protesters were led by "queer" artist, composer, and bar co-owner Dudley Benson, who claimed that that they were opposing the FRC's alleged promulgation of homophobia, misogyny and White supremacy. The counter-demonstrators played several queer songs by Lily Allen, ABBA, and Village People on a sound system in an attempt to drown out the TFRC rally. Tait denied that the TFRC was opposed to the LGBTQ+ community and reiterated his group's opposition to vaccine mandates and the Three Waters programme. 23 August Between 1500 and 2000 people, led by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki, descended on Parliament in Wellington. They put on a 'mock trial' of public figures, concluding they were all guilty of so-called crimes against humanity. Tamaki announced the formation of Freedoms New Zealand, an umbrella party of various factions, some of whom later denied involvement. Despite the violent rhetoric on some protesters' signs, the demonstration ended peacefully without any arrests. Baby W blood donation controversy In 30 November, a hundred anti-vaccination protesters picketed the Auckland High Court. The High Court was hearing an initial hearing where Health New Zealand sought legal guardianship of a baby boy in need of heart surgery after the boy's parents refused to allow blood from COVID-19 vaccinated people to be used in the operation. The New Zealand Blood Service, the national supplier of blood products, does not separate blood from vaccinated and unvaccinated donors. Health NZ was represented by Paul White while the boy's parents were represented by anti-vaccination activist and lawyer Sue Grey. In addition, the parents were supported by former TVNZ broadcaster and anti-vaccination activist Liz Gunn. On 7 December, Gault J of the Auckland High Court ruled in favour of Health New Zealand, making Baby W a guardian of the court and appointing two doctors as agents of the Court to provide consent for the surgery. In response to the Court ruling, anti-vaccination protesters picketed the Auckland High Court, Starship Hospital, and Auckland City Hospital. After the parents obstructed medical personnel preparing Baby W for the operation, Gault issued an emergency