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.
