Bus disruptions, road closures after Covid-19 protest in Wellington

Metlink is warning of delays to its bus services in downtown Wellington after protesters took to the streets just before midday.

Several thousand protesters are marching from Civic Square to Parliament to demand an end to the Covid-19 vaccination mandates and traffic light restrictions.

Police have closed off Willis Street and part of Lambton Quay.

All Metlink services which lead to the Lambton Quay Interchange will be diverted via Taranaki Street and Jervois Quay. Bus stops on Courtney Place and Wellington Station remain open.

Wellington City Council is warning people to expect disruptions.

The protest - organised by Brian Tamaki's Freedom & Rights Coalition - is taking place the day after Parliament rose for the year.

Protesters held a banner reading Labour Must Go.

Many have travelled from around the North Island - including from Auckland where the borders reopened yesterday.

Additional security measures have been taken at Parliament and police are in attendance.

Most MPs have already returned to their electorates after yesterday's adjournment debate.