Protesters removed after blocking central Wellington route at rush hour

12:34 pm on 24 April 2023
Protesters block traffic on Vivian Street, at the corner of Cuba Street, Wellington, 24 April 2023.

Restore Passenger Rail protesters blocked traffic at the intersection of Vivian and Cuba streets, Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Krystal Gibbens

Traffic is flowing again following a protest on State Highway 1 in Wellington this morning.

Police have removed four climate protesters who halted rush hour traffic at the corner of Vivian and Cuba streets around 8am.

The four Restore Passenger Rail protesters were handcuffed by police and removed from the intersection.

Traffic was moving again by 9am on the major route through the city.

Restore Passenger Rail protesters blocked traffic at the intersection of Vivian and Cuba streets, Wellington, a rush hour on on Monday morning, 24 April 2023.

A police officer prepares to remove a protester from the road. Photo: RNZ / Krystal Gibbens

Passer-by Stephen was unimpressed at the disruption the group caused.

"Thousands of Wellingtonians are unable to go about getting to school, going to work and seeing their relatives and family."

The protesters' actions would not have any impact on the light rail debate, he added.

"It's a publicity stunt."

Restore Passenger Rail protesters blocked traffic at the intersection of Vivian and Cuba streets, Wellington, a rush hour on on Monday morning, 24 April 2023.

The four women were handcuffed and removed from the street. Photo: RNZ / Krystal Gibbens

Restore Passenger Rail spokesperson, 22-year-old Jonty Coulson, said the planet's ecosystems were struggling and the government needed to take action.

"The government isn't doing enough and we're not changing fast enough and I don't want to live through societal collapse, you know? Which is a very real prospect."

Monday morning's protest was the third carried out by Restore Passenger Rail in Wellington in the past two weeks.

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