Parliament protest: Politicians react to being found 'guilty' of crimes against humanity

Wellingtonians are breathing a sigh of relief after an anti-Government protest ended peacefully on Parliament's grounds.

More than 1000 protesters marched to the Beehive on Tuesday, led by Destiny Church founder Brian Tamaki.

At Parliament, under the careful watch of a large police contingent, Tamaki announced a new political party and called for a snap election.

And on Parliament's lawn, they held what they called the people's court, with the protesters acting as the 1000-strong jury delivering the verdict against the Government.

"On the count of crimes against humanity for inhumane acts, how does the jury find the defendant? Guilty or not guilty?" the 'judge' asked the crowd, which then erupted into mass cheers of "guilty".

Tamaki said the court was more than just theatrics - it was "serious".

Other than a handful of Green MPs joining the counter-protest, no other politicians appeared to engage with Tuesday's short-lived action.

When asked about their 'guilty' verdict in the protesters' people's court, the politicians denied that they were.

"Of course not," Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said when asked if he or the Government was guilty of crimes against humanity.

"No we're not. No, no we're not," National Party leader Christopher Luxon added.

"That's a distraction out there," said Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.

"Those leaders that are out there influencing the ideas and ideology of the people outside today, I pray that they are providing them with factual information," said Labour Minister Kiri Allan.

"I'm disappointed they found me guilty," said Labour Minister Willie Jackson laughing.

The day of protest came to a much calmer end than last time round in February, much to the city's relief.