By Hamish Cardwell
Police will be out in force tomorrow with a large anti-government protest planned for Parliament.
Barricades have been set up at Parliament in anticipation of a protest demonstration planned for Tuesday. Photo: RNZ/Rosie Gordon
Reinforcements have been called in from outside Wellington and the police say any disruptive or unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.
A large crowd of anti-government protesters is expected - with the action organised by a group associated with Destiny Church.
It is expected that the church's leader Brian Tamaki will announce he is forming a new party he hopes will draw votes from a number of anti-government groups, including those who are against Covid-19 public health measures and vaccine mandates.
Protesters will be allowed onto the grounds, but not onto Parliament's forecourt.
The police are warning anyone who was trespassed from Parliament in the occupation earlier this year - which ended in a fiery riot - that if they enter the grounds tomorrow they could be prosecuted.
The main group will meet at Civic Square from 10am, and will march to Parliament at about 11am.
It is slated to finish up about 2pm.
A separate group has organised a counter protest.
Some roads are closed around Parliament which could cause delays so peoples should plan ahead.
Māori Wardens and Pacific Patrol will be walking the streets.
All the cafes and bars near Parliament spoken to by RNZ said they would be open tomorrow - but are expecting a quiet day with many civil servants expected to work from home.
Cafe manager Tommy said they had already lost a catering event slated for tomorrow.
He said the occupation earlier this year drove away customers.
However, preparations have been made this time.
"If things happen we can call security, we've got a panic button there to use, or we can call the cops.
"Whatever happens we've got [it] covered."
Tommy asked protesters to be calm and peaceful, and once they had made their point - go home.
Another cafe manager, who did not want to be named, said business was down today.
The public - and protesters - were welcome tomorrow - but people must behave, he said.
"Basically the rule is if your going to be a d*** you're going to be chucked out.
"If you want to come in and have a coffee that's cool, [his cafe] is going to be a safe haven."
Regulars had told him they would be working from home tomorrow so he was expecting it to be very quiet, he said.
Meanwhile the nearby Courts (High, Appeal, Supreme), Victoria University of Wellington's downtown campus and the National Library all planned to stay open.
