Wellingtonians have been warned to avoid the city centre next week after the Freedom and Rights Coalition warned it would be heading to Parliament to protest.
On the coalition's social media it said people would be travelling to attend from across the country.
"Who doesn't love a good roadie, and this one has purpose as we head to Parliament for the Big Tuesday 23rd August 2022!" it wrote.
According to Newsroom, at a recent Freedom and Rights Coalition (FRC) protest, Brian Tamaki outlined what he hoped the coalition will achieve on Tuesday.
"We're going to set up a court session on the steps of Parliament - the people's court it's going to be called," he said, before describing a mock trial in which he would prosecute ministers for crimes against humanity, Newsroom reported.
A spokesperson for the Wellington City Council told Newshub in a statement it is aware of the upcoming protest and has measures in place to keep people safe.
"As far as the protest is concerned, we're working with Police, Metlink and other stakeholders, and keeping residents and businesses informed of any potential disruption through our channels."
The spokesperson also said its staff don't have to go into the office next week.
"Staff are being advised to avoid the protest site if possible and have the option to work from home where feasible."
Parliamentary Service's chief executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero told Newshub in a statement it has also put security measures in place to ensure both staff and visitors of Parliament will be safe.
"Our security team continuously monitor all activity which may affect staff and visitors to Parliament. When necessary, security will liaise with Police and additional measures will be put in place to ensure the safety and security of everyone at Parliament."
Gonzalez-Montero also added Parliamentary Services welcomes those who follow the rules of protest.
"Protests are a core feature of Aotearoa New Zealand's democracy, and we welcome those which follow the rules of Parliament."
Speaker of the NZ House of Representatives Trevor Mallard said protests are vital for democracy but restrictions will be put in place for people's safety.
“While Parliament grounds remain open to the public, there are some restrictions placed on their use for the safety and security of the public and the protection of property,” said Mallard in a statement.
The Speaker's expectations for the use of Parliament grounds are:
- Participants must assemble within and disperse from the grounds in an orderly manner, using the pedestrian ways to avoid damage to the lawns and flower beds and to not interfere with the flow of vehicular traffic
- Participants must not mount the main steps nor interfere with the use of Parliament buildings by those entering or leaving it in the normal course of their business
- Sound amplification equipment may be used; it must always be directed away from the buildings and must not be operated in a manner disruptive to occupants of the buildings; any sound equipment must be used for speeches only and kept to a reasonable level
- Participants are to conduct themselves in such a way as to avoid any breach of the peace
- No food may be prepared or sold within Parliament grounds, but there is no restriction on people consuming food that they may have brought with them
- No vehicles may be brought onto the grounds as part of a demonstration
- Structures including tents are not permitted and if not removed when requested, are liable for confiscation
- Protests and demonstrations are only to take place during daylight hours, and therefore should not continue overnight
A police spokesperson also told Newshub in a statement they are aware of planned protest activity.
"Police recognise the lawful right to protest. We also recognise the rights of the public to go about their lawful business. We will monitor and respond to the situation accordingly."
