UPDATE 8.10AM: Some roads in central Wellington are closed and police will be out in force today as a large anti-government protest heads to Parliament.

Extra police have been called in from outside the Wellington police district.

Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell told Morning Report they were expecting fewer than 1000 protesters at Parliament.

Police have spoken to counter-protest groups and are expecting less than a hundred people at those demonstrations, he says. Both parties have said they intend to protest peacefully.

A traffic management plan is in place to restrict unauthorised vehicle movement and parking around Parliament until the protest ends, a police statement said.

The action is organised by a group associated with Destiny Church.

Its leader Brian Tamaki is expected to announce that he is forming a new party he hopes will draw votes from a number of anti-government groups, including those which are against Covid-19 public health measures and vaccine mandates.

Police says any behaviour deemed unlawful would not be tolerated.

"Trespass orders remain in place for some people who were trespassed from Parliament earlier this year and we will look to enforce those orders," says police.

For the latest updates:

EARLIER:

There is a significant police presence around Wellington City ahead of planned protest activity expected to start today.

"Additional Police staff have been called in from outside of the Wellington Police District and plans are in place to respond if required," says Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell.

A large crowd of anti-government protesters is expected - with the action organised by a group associated with Destiny Church.

It is expected that the church's leader Brian Tamaki will announce he is forming a new party he hopes will draw votes from a number of anti-government groups, including those who are against Covid-19 public health measures and vaccine mandates.

Protesters will be allowed onto the grounds, but not onto Parliament's forecourt.

Wellington District Police have put a traffic management plan into effect, restricting unauthorised vehicle movement and parking around Parliament and this will remain in place until the conclusion of the protest.

Road closures include the Parliament end of Lambton Quay, lower Molesworth Street, and Kate Sheppard Place.

"Our message to commuters and people who work or move through the area is to plan ahead," says Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell.

"While we anticipate the traffic disruption to be minimal, there will be more people in the area, which may cause some delays."

Police respect the right to lawful protest.

"However, any behaviour deemed unlawful or that disrupts people from going about their lawful business will not be tolerated.

"Trespass orders remain in place for some people who were trespassed from Parliament earlier this year and we will look to enforce those orders," says Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell.

Police will maintain a high-visibility throughout the city, particularly in the area around Parliament grounds.

"Our focus will be around public safety and ensuring that the disruption to the public is kept to a minimum."

-Additional reporting by RNZ.