About 500 protesters from the climate action protest group, Extinction Rebellion, have closed down a street in central Wellington.
The global movement plans to shut down 60 cities worldwide on Monday, starting with New Zealand's capital.
Six protesters attached themselves to a pink car at one end of Stout St, having removed the wheels so it is immobilised. Another person was attached to a large pink boat at the other end of the street.
Six people have glued themselves onto the building housing the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
It is believed the protesters will move on from Stout St, to cause more disruption, though they have not said exactly where.
Earlier today, Wellington City Council said the protest had caused bus diversions. Bus routes were being returned to normal on Lambton Quay, but may be subject to disruptions as they occur, it said on Twitter.
"Going on the streets, and disrupting the process, enough that people are willing to engage with how bad the problem is, is the kaupapa of Extinction Rebellion and it's been very successful so far," spokesperson Sea Rotmann said.
Protester Jen Olsen told Morning Report that the protest was set to continue "all day today".
She said they were targetting the MBIE office to demonstrate against the petroluem exploration permits that have been granted.
"And at a time of climate crisis, we think that is just a gross irresponsbility."
Staff working for the MBIE have been told to work from home.
A spokesperson said all access points into its Stout St building were closed.
MBIE security is monitoring the situation and will work with police if required.
Extinction Rebellion is prepared to cause disruptions to make their point but today's demonstration was aimed more at the government rather than the public, Ms Olsen said.
While planning was meticulous for the event today, Ms Olsen said, they also recognise they probably won't gather the same big number of protesters as those in bigger cities around the world.
"But we're the first country in the world [today] that is taking this action. We wanted to make it something that would be successful."
