Thousands turn out for Wellington protest

Protesters have made their way on to Parliament's forecourt after breaching the first set of gates during a demonstration in Wellington challenging Covid restrictions.

There is still a set of gates preventing them from accessing the steps leading to Parliament buildings.

Thousands of protesters brought the city's CBD to a standstill earlier as they began their march.

The Freedoms and Rights Coalition marched this morning to present its demands, which include an end to Covid restrictions and vaccine mandates.

Around 11.45am a group of around 100 motorbikes arrived at Parliament, followed by thousands of protesters shouting "freedom now!"

Those in the crowds include young and old, and a diverse mix of ethnicities. Protest signs range from anti-vaccine to "Trump 2020", alongside tino rangatiratanga and United Tribes flags.

RNZ reported around 12.30pm that Parliament's grounds were full to the brim, and speakers were addressing the crowd.

"I didn't come here for a picnic. I came here because you have a habit of not listening to the people," one speaker said.

The speaker said he hoped Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was scared.

Another speaker said the Prime Minister had "trampled on the rights of New Zealanders".

Insults and tennis balls have reportedly been hurled at media.

Act Party leader David Seymour said the Government had antagonised people as much as some of the protesters outside by issuing vaccine mandates.

Seymour said he hoped as many people as possible would get vaccinated but people should still be given choices.

"I don't fear those people. I fear for them," Seymour said when asked about the crowds outside.

Wellington City Council earlier advised that traffic was expected to be disrupted in the city centre and people should expect delays after 10.30am.

Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard said security had never been as tight as it was today.

He said the Parliament grounds were crawling with police and security and all entrances apart from one had been blocked off.

National Party leader Judith Collins also said she had never seen so much security, but hoped the protests would be peaceful.

Parliament's main entrances are all locked down and some protesters have set up ahead of the main march arriving.

Police are also on the grounds, but are so far keeping a low profile.

People who work there have also been warned to stay alert and report any suspicious behaviour.