New Zealand: Activist groups to stage cross-country protest convoy Aug. 22, with rally in central Wellington Aug. 23

Activists to stage vehicular protest marches through New Zealand Aug. 22 with rally at parliament in Wellington Aug. 23.

Event

Activists from the Freedoms and Rights Coalition, Convoy NZ, and affiliated groups plan to stage a cross-country convoy protest Aug. 22-23. The purpose of the action is to demand a no-confidence vote in parliament to force the ouster of the ruling Sixth Labour Government. Participants will assemble at Kaitaia on the North Island and in Invercargill at the far southern end of the South Island on Aug. 22 before driving in two separate caravans to Wellington where a rally will take place outside Parliament House starting at 13:00 Aug. 23. Although organizers have not released details concerning specific assembly points or routes, demonstrators will make stops in towns and cities along the way. Convoy NZ may carry out go-slow actions on roads leading to Parliament House and other areas of Wellington. It remains unclear how many participants the action may draw.

Authorities will almost certainly increase security near sites where demonstrations materialize. Roadblocks or security cordons are particularly likely in the vicinity of the Parliament Buildings in the nation's capital. Disruptions are also likely to vehicle ferry services linking Picton on the South Island to Wellington. While the event will probably remain largely peaceful, isolated confrontations between demonstrators and police cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Monitor trusted local sources for updates about protest activity, as organizers are unlikely to announce specific routes or assembly locations in advance. Confirm availability of ferry services for Aug. 22-24. Allow extra time to reach destinations in central Wellington Aug. 23; avoid all demonstrations as a precaution and heed the instructions of local authorities.