Around 50 people gathered on the grass verge opposite the Tauranga Police Station on Monmouth Street in preparation for a protest against the Government's controversial GCSB Bill.

Marchers were led down Willow Street by a protestor dressed as Spongebob Squarepants as people marched towards Tauranga and National MP Simon Bridge's office on Devonport Road.

A protestor dressed as cartoon character Spongebob Squarepants led the protest down Willow Street. Photos: Letitia Atkinson.

Police were present at the protest as a precautionary measure.

Advocator Graham Cameron says the aim is to be part of a mass movement for change.

'I think the bill is a piece of poorly written legislation and it is a real invasion of our privacy.”

The protest was organised by local members of the Stop the GCSB Bill, which has more than 13,000 supporters.

'The only way a Facebook page of 13,000 people actually turns into action is by people getting out and doing it, so I thought we should at least try and provide the opportunity in Tauranga.”

The event is one of 10 protests happening around New Zealand as part of a nationwide campaign against what Graham says is 'scandalous erosion of privacy granted us in the NZ Bill of Rights Act”.

'The vast majority of New Zealanders understand the bill goes too far and we need to seriously re-examine the role, power and scope of our espionage agencies.”

'All those taking part feel these bills are a huge injustice and violation of our basic human rights. Yet our government refuses to accept the advice of the NZ Law Society, the Human Rights Commission, the Privacy Commissioner and such notable figures such as Dame Anne Salmond.”

Graham Cameron teaching the crowd some chants for the march.