This is a Police matter, but as with any protest, Wellington City Council will support Police by approving Traffic Management Plans, monitoring the events on CCTV and providing resources where and when required.
No official requests for protest TMPs have been received by the organisers, but information received suggests the following:
- Thursday 28 September, protestors will gather in Civic Square at approximately 10am, before heading along Mercer Street, Willis Street and Lambton Quay as they make their way to Parliament. Some cars may be included as part of the convoy but will need to go another route – likely up towards Victoria Street, Dixon and Willis Street.
- Saturday 30 September, protesters will gather in Te Aro Park at approximately 10am, before heading along Manners Street, Willis Street and Lambton Quay as they make their way to Parliament.
It’s recommended commuters and people who work or move through the area plan ahead, and while we anticipate there will be more people in the area, we will endeavour to keep traffic disruption to a minimum.
Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place to restrict unauthorised vehicle movement and parking around Parliament from late Tuesday evening until the conclusion of the protest.
Police and Council officers are working with local residents and businesses to minimise the impacts of the protest activity and cordons in place.
Those who live and work in the area will already be aware of significant roadworks near Molesworth/Hawkestone Streets, and on Aitken Street. This will further restrict vehicle movement.
While access to the British High Commission on Hill Street, and residents on Eccleston Hill will be impacted by the road closure, residents will still be able access their homes.
Road closures – 11:59pm Tuesday 26 September – 12.01am Friday 29 September
- Harris Street (Victoria Street end)
- Hill Street closed between Molesworth/Aitken Streets and Guildford Terrace
- Kate Sheppard Place (Molesworth Street end)
- Lambton Quay / Bowen Street intersection and Bunny Street near the bus depot restricted to buses only.
Road users are advised to avoid these areas if possible, or follow diversions and Police instructions if it’s unavoidable.
From Wednesday 27 September buses can access the cordoned off area into Wellington Station, but detours are in effect for bus routes 14, 22, 81, and 84 due to road closures, and will remain in place until roads re-open.
All stops on Molesworth Street are closed. Routes 14, 81, and 84 towards Wilton and Lower Hutt will travel via Bowen Street, and Tinakori Road. The nearest bus stop is Lambton Quay North – Stop D. CBD-bound buses are not affected.
Route 22 will travel via a detour to Wellington Station but serve all usual bus stops. Route 22 to Mairangi or Johnsonville is not affected.
There may also be significant delays to bus timetables during the protest activity. Check Metlink.org.nz for more information and updates.
We acknowledge it is important that people have the right to peaceful protest. However, Police will take action against unlawful behaviour.
More information and updates can be found on the NZ Police app, Police News and the Wellington District Facebook page.