Two groups were set to start protests at Civic Square: one at 11am for a group concerned about the alleged mistreatment of those who occupied Parliament's grounds unlawfully last month, and at 12pm for a Ukraine solidarity gathering.
A third protest was scheduled start at 12pm at the Botanic Gardens. That event is run by a group called Unite, which is holding protests every day for a fortnight at different locations in Wellington.
On its website, Unite says its main aim is to "reconnect as a group", and "reform the foundation built and then teared [sic] apart on the 2nd March 2022,"
Yesterday, the group met at the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.
Police were ready to act if or when any of the protests got out of hand or became unlawful.
"Police is aware of planned protest activity led by several different groups today in Wellington," a spokesperson said this morning.
"Police will have a highly visible presence throughout the Wellington area.
"Police have a low tolerance of any activity that could lead to disruption of Parliament, critical roads or residents.
Yesterday Parliament confirmed it had increased security measures in preparation for protest action.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she was not entirely clear what the protesters' motivation was.
"I see the same reporting and information as others," she said.
"The police, of course, will be no doubt be looking at what needs to be done in advance to ensure that we don't have a repeat of what we saw previously with the disruption to Wellingtonians."
A 23-day anti-vaccine mandate occupation was brought to an end earlier this month. The lawns of Parliament were set alight and more than 100 protesters arrested.
