We Came Here for Freedom

What do you think the Wellington protests in February 2022 were about? And what will their legacy be on the history of our country? Whether you were a protester on the front lines, or against the protests from the very beginning, 'We Came Here for Freedom' is our nation's chance to understand what really happened in Wellington and heal the wounds.

In February 2022, two protest convoys simultaneously began in New Zealand – from Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island and from Bluff at the bottom of the South Island. Their common destination were the parliament grounds in Wellington. And what would happen when they got there would become a defining moment in the country’s history. 'We Came Here for Freedom' is a documentary film about the resulting 23-day protest, as told by the people who were there.

Made by award-winning New Zealand filmmaker, Alistair Harding, 'We Came Here for Freedom' is a documentary film in two parts. The first, available now to watch for free on the We Came Here for Freedom website, takes viewers on a journey with the Freedom Convoy of February 2022 to Wellington, then tells the story of the first week of the occupation. And now, at this event, Part 2 of the film will be shown, taking you inside the protest from its early days to its final days, allowing you to experience it from a perspective that you've never been allowed to see by the New Zealand media.

Whether you were there at Wellington, or you opposed the protesters, now is the time for our country to heal the wounds of the pandemic years, and it starts with learning the other side of the story.

Join us at the Old Odeon Theatre at Rotorua's Destiny Church for an evening of music, film and understanding. Food and soft drinks will also be available. Doors open 5.30pm. Music by Coral 6pm-7pm. We Came Here for Freedom screening 7pm-8.15pm.