Residents in the Capital will get a sense of déjà vu as police and Wellington City Council ramp up security measures ahead of the expected protest action around Parliament on Tuesday.
A Newshub cameraman has captured footage showing large concrete bollards outside Parliament, similar to what was seen during the three-week-long demonstration in February.
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.
Reporter Tia McDougall told AM about the security measures put in place by police and Wellington City Council.
"Parliament has been completely blocked off by blocks. Concrete blocks have been dotted around the Parliament precinct in a way to create very small, narrow corridors that people could walk through. That is the only way people could physically get onto the Parliament grounds unless they wanted to smash through a fence," McDougall said.
"These skinny little corridors are so skinny a bike couldn't even get around the corner."
McDougall said the advice for Wellingtonians is to avoid the area around Parliament.
"Commuters have been asked not to drive in the area and that's not only commuters travelling by car but anyone moving by foot as well. People walking through have been asked to avoid the area and that is of course because of this Freedom and Rights Collaton protest tomorrow," she told AM.
"They're also expecting a counter-protest to this protest, so tensions no doubt are going to be very high tomorrow. "
Protesters have already started planting supportive rocks around Parliament, with some having the words "freedom" and "bible" on them.
A police spokesperson also told Newshub last week 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."
Speaker of the 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," Mallard said 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
