The anti-mandate protest numbers have been growing all day, and the weather hasn't stopped them.

Many people had come in from around the North Island overnight, and there has been a carnival-like atmosphere growing.

Meanwhile, the minimum wage is set to increase from $20 to $21.20.

Businesses have argued that the rise couldn't have come at a worse time, given the rise in inflation and living costs.

Newstalk ZB Political Editor Barry Soper joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.

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