Police will continue a highly visible presence in and around the protest area this evening and overnight. There have been no further events of note since the operation to move concrete bollards this morning.
Tomorrow, Police visibility will again be increased in the area to provide reassurance to Wellingtonians as they travel to work, school or home.
Police remain extremely disappointed by the actions exhibited by some protestors today with some concrete bollards being moved from the perimeter of the protest area.
Late this afternoon, around 100 staff have successfully reinstalled the concrete bollards moved by protestors at the intersection of Bunny and Featherston Streets (near the railway station) and Lambton Quay and Bowen Streets. A number of those staff wore protective wear, following protestors appalling actions in throwing human waste at police officers.
The road blocks were installed on Monday to restrict further growth of vehicles in the protest area, and to maintain access for residents, businesses and emergency vehicles.
We will continue to have staff at each of the road closure locations to restrict further access of vehicles. Police reported cars, trucks and vans continued to vacate the protest area this afternoon.
As we have previously stated, genuine protesters are no longer in control of the behaviour in and around Parliament.
Police do not wish to interfere with lawful protest, but the behaviours we are seeing are unlawful and will result in enforcement action.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre