The United Nations Association of New Zealand (UNA-NZ) has been forced to move its conference online and parliament workers have been told to stay home amid safety concerns due to a protest.
Hundreds of supporters of The Freedoms and Rights Coalition are expected to march on Parliament's grounds on Thursday in their 'Abandon Agenda 2030 protest'.
The UNA-NZ was due to hold its Advancing the 2030 Agenda conference at Parliament on Thursday, with former Director General of Health Dr Sir Ashley Bloomfield as a keynote speaker.
Agenda 2030 is the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals which outline a universal agenda to "achieve sustainable development globally".
The UNA-NZ is a national community organisation and registered charity. They say their goal is to help Kiwis understand the UN and "promote engagement with the United Nations system".
But President of the UNA-NZ Karim Dickie said following advice from the Parliamentary Service, and the conference being "a target by fringe groups", they decided to move it online.
"The decision to move our conference online was not made lightly and done so in the interest of public safety and based on security advice received."
Dickie said misinformation is being shared online, including by Freedoms and Rights Coalition leader Brian Tamaki, "who falsely claimed that our organisation was linked to BlackRock and the World Economic Forum".
But when Newshub spoke with Tamaki he said he was not spreading misinformation.
"It's very clear and open that BlackRock and World Economic Forum are related, and they are to the United Nations Association of New Zealand."
"For instance the CEO of BlackRock is on the board of the World Economic Forum, so I don't know how the UNA-NZ would be confused about that, that's very clear and open."
Tamaki added the Freedoms and Rights Coalition is "not a fringe group by the way" and is "quite representative of the Christian community and many other Kiwis who believe that our country is not for sale".
Freedoms and Rights Coalition supporters from the bottom of the South to the top of the North are said to be making their way to the capital with a few stops on the way - with the final destination being Parliament.
Ahead of their 'Campaign of Courage' convoy, Newshub spoke with Freedoms and Rights Coalition logistics coordinator Dave Kahu and organiser Jenny Marshell. They're expecting close to 5000 supporters to convoy from across the motu to Wellington.
Marshell told Newshub the Freedoms and Rights Coalition is leading 'The campaign of courage', but said groups like the Trucker Convoy and other freedom groups will join in.
When Newshub asked Tamaki how many people he was expecting to turn up, he said the event was on a workday, so wasn't expecting as big of a turnout as seen at other events.
Dickie said the 17 Sustainable Development Goals apply to all countries and are not legally binding. He added countries are "expected to report voluntarily on implementation".
When Newshub put this to Tamaki, he didn't believe it.
"I think that's your typical global approach, especially the United Nations. They come with a soft front, but behind that soft front they've got a bigger agenda."
Despite the conference moving online, the Freedoms and Rights Coalition will continue their convoy to the capital and march from Civic Square to Parliament.
Disruption in the capital
Roads surrounding the Parliament are expected to be closed and public servants working inside have been asked to stay home.
In an internal email seen by Newshub, parliamentary security is asking "as many people as possible" to work from home.
"Our people's safety and security is our key priority, and additional security measures will be in place on the day."
Wellington District police say they have been planning for the protest and how they will manage the movement of a "large number of people and vehicles".
"We have been in contact with organisers from the various groups and set clear expectations for peaceful and lawful activity," said a police spokesperson.
Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place to restrict "unauthorised" vehicle movement and parking around Parliament from early Wednesday morning until the protest ends.
Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place on Harris Street (near Civic Square), and the streets around Parliament Grounds including Lambton Quay, lower Molesworth Street, and Hill Street.
Wellington City Council has not received requests for protest traffic management plans, but says information suggests protesters 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. "
Wellington City Council is urging motorists to avoid the areas "if possible" or follow diversions and police instructions.
"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."
Public Transport detours
Metlink is warning bus passengers in Wellington City of likely disruptions for several days due to road closures and protest activity near Parliament.
From Wednesday 27 September, detours are in effect for 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.
Metlink will have staff on the ground, including at the Wellington Station Bus Interchange, closely monitoring the situation.
On Thursday buses in the CBD will be temporarily disrupted and use alternative routes as necessary.
