Jacinda Ardern's wedding day is picketed by anti-vax protestors as new details of her dress emerge and a global music star is confirmed as a no-show
Jacinda Ardern will marry Clarke Gayford todayProtesters were spotted outside their wedding READ MORE: Inside Jacinda Ardern's $25,000-a-night winery wedding venue
The venue hosting Dame Jacinda Ardern’s long-awaited wedding to partner Clarke Gayford has been interrupted by protesters hours before the pair say ‘I do’.
The former New Zealand prime minister and her fiancé are tying the knot today at elite vineyard Craggy Range in Havelock North, in the heart of New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay.
The ceremony comes almost a decade after their first date – and two years on from an earlier planned wedding which was scuttled by Covid-19.
However, hours before guests are due to arrive, a male protester holding a sign reading, ‘Lest we forget jab mandates’ was seen patrolling the outskirts of the lavish property.
A marked police car was seen driving up and down the country road on which the vineyard is located.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia from nearby Te Mata Peak, a local mum-of-three, who did not wish to be named, said she’s shocked there aren’t more protesters picketing the former PM’s wedding.
Jacinda Ardern is set to marry her long-term fiancé Clarke Gayford on Saturday (pictured, a lone protester near the wedding venue shortly after 9am)
Craggy Range Winery (above) is in lockdown mode as protestors and police converge on the property
‘She’s not the person the world media have put her up to be,’ she began.
‘In New Zealand she’s referred to as “JABcinda” with her vaccination and lockdown agenda.’
A female protester was later seen at Craggy Range holding a placard reading, ‘This s*** is bananas’ while playing anti-mandate propaganda on a large boombox.
The slew of protesters hasn’t come as a surprise to locals who say rallies were increasingly common in the last year of Ardern’s prime ministership.
Demonstrations included violent mass protests against vaccine mandates, which culminated in a stand-off outside Parliament House, and a spate of death threats made against the former PM.
‘I wouldn’t be surprised if someone puts a sign at the top of Te Mata Peak (overlooking Craggy Range) in protest of Jacinda’s big day,’ a Māori local said.
A marked police car was seen parked at the summit of Te Mata Peak.
Several private security guard vehicles have also been seen coming and going from the picturesque venue.
Anti-vax mandate protesters (above) swarmed Jacinda Ardern’s wedding venue ahead of her nuptials to Clarke Gayford
Clarke Gayford and Jacinda Ardern (above) will tie the knot at Craggy Range winery today
The electric gates of the vineyard are closed, with a security guard standing nearby letting suppliers and staff in.
The venue – described as the ‘most Instagrammable vineyard in the world’ – includes outdoor umbrellas alongside an outside bar as well as a large white tipi-style marquee where the post-wedding dinner and fine wines will be served.
Craggy Range was booked out by the happy couple from Friday, including exclusive use of the accommodation and award-winning restaurant.
The guest list is set to feature many of Ardern’s former colleagues in the now-opposition Labour Party, including party leader and fellow former PM Chris Hipkins and wife Jade who were spotted staying at a nearby motel.
It’s understood Grammy Award-winning singer Lorde will entertain attendees.
British singer Ed Sheeran had previously expressed interest in performing at the wedding but couldn’t due to a schedule conflict.
The wedding day comes after Friday’s intimate wedding rehearsal celebrations at a neighbouring property.
The couple and their friends and family have remained extremely tight-lipped about details of the wedding with the venue considered the ‘worst kept secret’ in NZ.
A marked police car (above) was seen parked at the summit of Te Mata Peak, which overlooks Craggy Range
Ardern and Gayford were extremely tight-lipped about their wedding details but the venue (above) was considered the ‘worst kept secret’ in NZ
Preparations for the star-studded nuptials ramped up on Wednesday when workers arrived to set up the large marquee opposite the vineyard’s manicured gardens.
By Thursday, the marquee was fully erect with large tables for diners to enjoy the winery’s famous food, which has earned two hats in the Cuisine Good Food Awards.
The venue’s current summer menu includes venison tartare, roasted Hohepa halloumi, pan-fried local fish and glazed lamb shoulder.
It’s understood Ardern travelled to Hawke’s Day earlier this week. She was spotted on Wednesday with 12 other women at nearby Hastings Distillers.
Top Kiwi designer, and personal friend of Ardern, Juliette Hogan is rumoured to be in charge of the former PM’s wedding dress.
It’s believed Ms Hogan will also attend the ceremony as a guest.
Reality TV star and celebrity hair stylist Tane Tomoana is understood to be styling Ardern’s hair on the all-important day.
He previously styled Ardern’s hair for her appearance on the cover of Time magazine.
Dan Awha, creative and fashion director at Viva and style editor at Canvas, said he has high hopes for Ardern’s wedding ensemble.
Jacinda (pictured second right) hosted friends at a lavish nearby property on the eve of her wedding
‘Jacinda’s fashion style is well documented, and she’s always been keen to support New Zealand designers,’ he told the NZ Herald.
‘She knows what works best for her and has fostered some special relationships with the best in our industry including Kiri Nathan, Juliette Hogan and Kate Sylvester.
‘Her style is contemporary and minimalist at heart, so her wedding dress will reflect this. I’m sure Clarke will also be wearing something smart, clean-cut and complementary too.’
Flowers for the event have been created by Field of Roses, a small floral design studio in the Waingake Valley, outside of Gisborne.