30 Sep 2023

Counter-protesters outnumber demonstrators at Parliament

1:47 pm on 30 September 2023
Poneke Anti Facists Coalition protestors in Wellington.

Poneke Anti Facists Coalition protestors in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Krystal Gibbens

Counter-protesters turned out in force in Wellington today, as anti co-governance demonstrators gathered at parliament.

Both groups marched to the Beehive from separate locations in the central city and converged, before dispersing a short time later.

There were about 200 counter protesters from the Anti-Facist Coalition, more than double the number of demonstrators from the opposing group.

The protest groups have since departed the parliament grounds.

About 45 police staff were on hand but reported no issues.

Transport delays were expected in the centre of Wellington today.

Anti co-governance demonstrators in Wellington.

Anti co-governance demonstrators in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Krystal Gibbens

Earlier, acting superintendent Wade Jennings said police were expecting fewer protesters than Thursday's march, which attracted nearly 2000 people.

Barriers and bollards installed in and around Parliament grounds earlier in the week remained in place to restrict access to the precinct.

Motorists had been advised to avoid Willis Street and Lambton Quay and expect delays about the CBD.

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