Protesters block main Wellington motorway for the second time in a week

Protesters on Monday. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Six people have been arrested after an "incredibly dangerous" protest saw them sit across State Highway 1 in Wellington, causing traffic queues back to Tawa.

The protesters, who forced the closure of the main motorway into Wellington during peak traffic, have been charged with wilful trespass and criminal nuisance and have been held in custody to appear in the Wellington District Court.

Wellington Area Commander Inspector Dean Silvester said while protest activity is legal, sitting on the motorway is not.

"Being on foot on the motorway is incredibly dangerous, not only for those individuals, but for motorists. We will not hesitate to take action in cases where safety is threatened."

It's the second time in three days the same protest group caused significant traffic delays.

They are calling for the government to open a new freight-only train line and introduce more passenger rail. On Monday, the group climbed a gantry above State Highway 1 and hung a large banner, closing the motorway during peak hours.

Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency said this morning there were vehicles queuing from just before the Terrace Tunnel on State Highway 1, all the way back to Tawa.

UPDATE 8:25AM
SH1 Urban MWY is now fully OPEN, significant southbound DELAYS remain with queues back to Tawa. ^SG https://t.co/egz1t9sOnD

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) October 11, 2022

Images showed a line of protesters sitting on the road holding a banner that read "Restore Passenger Rail" blocking vehicles on State Highway 1 from getting to the Terrace Tunnel.

The protesters were removed by police, some in handcuffs, and placed into the back of a police van.

On Monday, the group caused traffic chaos by climbing a gantry above the motorway and hanging a large banner. Three people were taken into police custody after the protest.

Restore Passenger Rail supporters pledge to continue their promised series of actions in Wellington this afternoon by boarding a freight train carriage at the port and asking for a ride.