Jacinda Ardern's wedding day is promoted by anti-vax protesters as new details of her dress emerge and global music star is confirmed as a no-show

EXCLUSIVE

The wedding of ex-New Zealand Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford is underway, according to reports the bride in a white dress and veil was escorted to the ceremony by people holding umbrellas to protect her from the hot sun.

Mrs Ardern was seen holding a bouquet of flowers as the wedding began, watched by the couple's daughter Neve and guests including former Labor Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.

At approximately 3:15 PM (NZ time) we saw guests gathering in a circular area surrounded by trees in the winery, indicating that the event was about to begin.

Earlier, the venue for Ms Ardern's much-anticipated wedding to Mr Gayford was disrupted by protesters.

The couple will tie the knot at the elite Craggy Range vineyard 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 after a previously planned wedding was derailed by Covid-19.

However, hours before guests were due to arrive, a male protester carrying a sign reading “Lest we forget the jab mandate” was seen patrolling the edge of the lavish property.

Another protester was seen waving “death signs” with photos of New Zealanders who allegedly died from vaccine side effects due to mandates.

A marked police car was seen driving up and down the country road where the vineyard is located.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia from nearby Te Mata Peak, a local mother of three, who did not want to be named, said she is shocked there are not more protesters rallying for the former prime minister's wedding.

“She is not the person the world media has made her out to be,” she began.

'In New Zealand she is called 'JABcinda' with her vaccination and lockdown agenda.'

A female protester was later seen at Craggy Range holding a sign reading 'This s*** is bananas' while playing anti-mandate propaganda on a large boombox.

The flow of demonstrators comes as no surprise to locals, who say demonstrations have become increasingly common in the final year of Ardern's premiership.

The demonstrations included violent mass protests against vaccine mandates, which culminated in a standoff outside Parliament House, and a wave of death threats against the former prime minister.

“I wouldn't be surprised if someone puts a sign up at the top of Te Mata Peak (overlooking Craggy Range) to protest Jacinda's big day,” said one Māori resident.

A marked police car was seen parked at the top of Te Mata Peak.

Several private security vehicles have also been seen coming and going from the picturesque location.

The vineyard's electric gates are closed and a security guard stands nearby, letting in suppliers and staff.

The venue – described as the 'world's most Instagrammable vineyard' – features parasols next to an outdoor bar and a large white tepee-style tent where post-wedding dinner and fine wines will be served.

Craggy Range was fully booked by the happy couple as of Friday, including exclusive use of the accommodation and award-winning restaurant.

The guest list includes many of Ardern's former colleagues in the now-opposition Labor Party, including party leader and former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and his wife Jade, who were staying at a nearby motel.

It's understood that Grammy Award-winning singer Lorde will entertain those in attendance.

British singer Ed Sheeran had previously expressed interest in performing at the wedding, but was unable to do so due to a scheduling conflict.

The wedding day comes after the intimate wedding rehearsal on Friday in a neighboring building.

The couple and their friends and family have remained extremely tight-lipped about the details of the wedding, with the venue considered the 'worst kept secret' in New Zealand.

Preparations for the star-studded wedding accelerated on Wednesday as workers arrived to erect the marquee opposite the vineyard's manicured gardens.

On Thursday, the marquee was fully erect with large tables where guests could enjoy the winery's famous food, which has earned two hats at the Cuisine Good Food Awards.

The venue's current summer menu includes deer tartare, roasted Hohepa halloumi, fried local fish and glazed lamb shoulder.

It is understood Ardern traveled to Hawke's Day earlier this week. She was spotted with twelve other women at nearby Hastings Distillers on Wednesday.

Top Kiwi designer and personal friend of Ardern Juliette Hogan is rumored to be responsible for the former Prime Minister's wedding dress.

It is believed Ms Hogan will also attend the ceremony as a guest.

Reality TV star and celebrity hairstylist Tane Tomoana is believed 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 bridal ensemble.

“Jacinda's fashion style is well documented and she has always been keen to support New Zealand designers,” he told the NZ Herald.

“She knows what works best for her and has built 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, sleek and complementary.”

Flowers for the event were created by Field of Roses, a small floral design studio in the Waingake Valley, outside Gisborne.