A handful of people have been arrested as police block off streets in a bid to contain the protest at Parliament and free up Wellington streets.
About 300 police staff and trucks and forklifts were involved in installing the concrete barriers.
Crowds of protestors were yelling 'hold the line' and 'keep it peaceful', faced off against lines of officers on the other side of the barriers. 
They have since returned to Parliament grounds and the police presence has reduced considerably.
Police have described it as a 'traffic management operation', saying it will prevent further growth in vehicles in the area of the protest, and will maintain access for residents, businesses and emergency vehicles. 
Commuters are advised to expect road closures only around the vicinity of Parliament, and to consider alternative travel routes.
Protestors vehicles will be allowed to leave, but will not be let back in