As the May federal election approached, candidates linked to Australia's anti-vaccine and anti-lockdown movements appeared energised and confident of at least a measure of political success.

They had convoyed to Canberra, built Telegram channels of more than 60,000 followers, and had a loosely defined but eye-catching message of "freedom".

In the end, a sweeping electoral victory failed to emerge, but similar groups in New Zealand are now attempting a more local approach.

A prominent anti-vaccine group in New Zealand is encouraging followers to run in the country's upcoming local elections while hiding their affiliation, according to local media reporting.

Like similar groups in Australia, Voices for Freedom came to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, building a robust social media presence focused on opposition to vaccination, masks, and other health restrictions, as well as sharing conspiracy theories linked to the United Nations.