Wellington Braces for ‘Revolution Convoy 2023’ Protest Against UN’s Agenda 2030

Wellington Braces for ‘Revolution Convoy 2023’ Protest Against UN’s Agenda 2030

New Zealand’s Capital Prepares for Nationwide Protest

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is gearing up for a protest convoy organized by the Freedoms & Rights Coalition (TFRC). The ‘Revolution Convoy 2023’ set off on Tuesday from various parts of the country, aiming to converge on Parliament to voice opposition against ‘Agenda 2030’, a globally-focused set of 17 sustainable development goals initiated by the United Nations.

Protesters plan to confront Ashley Bloomfield, the former Director-General of Health, who is set to address a national conference discussing New Zealand’s progress towards achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals. Owing to safety concerns, the conference, initially intended to be held physically, has been shifted to an online platform.

Police Anticipate Peaceful Protest Amid Road Closures

Anticipating the protest, Wellington police have planned road closures around the Parliament area from late Tuesday to early Friday to regulate vehicle access and movement. Superintendent Wade Jennings has expressed that the police have communicated with the protest organizers and set clear expectations for peaceful and lawful activity.

The police are also mindful of community apprehensions due to past disruptions, particularly the occupation of parliament grounds last year, and have been reassuring local residents and businesses ahead of the planned protest.

The Freedoms & Rights Coalition

The TFRC, established by Destiny Church’s Brian Tamaki in 2021, has been vocal in its opposition to the Government’s Covid-19 vaccine mandates. The group was instrumental in leading a similar occupation at Parliament last year. In response to the upcoming TFRC protest, the Pōneke Anti-Fascist Coalition has announced plans for counterprotests on Thursday.

Wellington City Council Acknowledges Right to Protest

The Wellington City Council has acknowledged citizens’ right to protest while expressing expectations that the police will take action against any unlawful behavior. According to the council, protesters will assemble in Civic Square on Thursday at around 10 am, before proceeding to Parliament, which ceased operations on September 8, in anticipation of the general election on October 14.

Implications for the City

As Wellington prepares for the protest and counterprotests, the city is likely to experience significant disruption. The planned road closures, while necessary to manage vehicle access, may impede daily commuting and commercial activities. Furthermore, the city’s residents and businesses, still recovering from the disruptions caused by last year’s occupation of parliament grounds, may face considerable anxiety.

However, the Wellington City Council and the police’s proactive approach in communicating with protest organizers, implementing safety measures, and reassuring local residents and businesses, reflects their commitment to upholding democratic values while ensuring public safety and order.

Agenda 2030: The Target of Protest

Agenda 2030, the focal point of the protest, is a UN-led initiative comprising 17 goals aimed at achieving sustainable global development. It applies to all countries that have signed up, and while the goals are not legally binding, countries are expected to voluntarily report on their progress towards achieving these goals.

Agenda 2030 has been criticized by some groups who view it as a threat to national sovereignty and individual freedoms. However, it is widely supported by many countries and international organizations that see it as a vital framework for addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.