Planned protests in Wellington City

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

***UPDATED: Protests have ceased and roads have reopened. Buses have resumed their regular routes.***

Wellington Police have advised they will be in and around the city today (Tuesday, 23 August) monitoring The Freedom and Rights Coalition protest and the likely presence of a counter-protest group. As a precaution, additional Police staff have been called in from outside of the Wellington Police District setting up a base in the Parliament buildings.

A detour is in place for Metlink bus services in the Wellington CBD and all road closures will be in place until the conclusion of the protest.

Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell shares that their primary mission today is to maintain law and order, ensuring that the public feels safe and free to move around. Structures will not be permitted to be erected on Parliament grounds and any behaviour deemed unlawful or that disrupts people from going about their lawful business will not be tolerated.

What you need to know:
- Roads in the city area, including the Parliament end of Lambton Quay, lower Molesworth Street, and Kate Sheppard Place have been closed to unauthorised vehicles today.
- Buses that would normally use Lambton Quay and Wills Street will detour along Jervois and Waterloo Quays.
- Bus routes 14, 32X, 22, 81, 84, 744, 745 heading toward Molesworth Steet will travel along Bowen Street and Tinakori Road to avoid the Parliamentary precinct.
- Any concerning behaviour can be reported to Police by calling 105.