Please attribute to Inspector Brett Amas
Police have spent the day ensuring the safety of the public, protestors and delegates in and around the oil and gas conference in Wellington.
Disruption was kept to a minimum and the majority of protestors acted with restraint.
However, a small number of protestors put attendees and staff at risk by padlocking and blocking fire exits.
This type of behaviour is reckless and irresponsible. Our Police teams acted swiftly to remove several locks and blockades to ensure those inside the venue were not put at risk.
A total of four people were arrested for a range of offences.
Two men – aged 22 and 19 - were arrested and charged with assaulting Police.
A 38-year-old man was charged with breach of the peace.
A 20-year-old woman was arrested for obstructing a public place and was given a pre-charge warning.
This morning we received a report that man in his 50s was injured in the vicinity of TSB Arena. Staff spoke to him and the person who called Police, but both declined any assistance from Police.
We will continue to monitor the city to ensure that the right to protest is balanced with the right for delegates to attend events, and for the public to go about their daily lives.
ENDS
Police Media Centre