Statement attributable to Superintendent Corrie Parnell, Wellington District Commander:
Police can report there were no incidents of note overnight at Parliament Grounds.
There were, however, two arrests for alcohol-related behaviour among those in the protest group.
Police continue to take a measured approach to the protesters, who are trespassing on the grounds of Parliament and have been repeatedly asked to leave.
This is an extremely difficult working environment for our frontline staff. However, Police have been exercising their powers fairly and professionally, and have used force proportionate and relevant to the circumstances.
Images and videos often do not provide the full context of the protest activity and the situation Police staff face. Police will not comment on individual arrests.
Police reiterate their request to the protesters to leave the area, as it is closed to the public and anyone remaining on the grounds is trespassing.
Police’s intention is to resolve the disruption to local businesses and allow free and safe movement around the city for Wellingtonians as soon as is practically possible.
A number of vehicles parked illegally on Lambton Quay have been moved overnight. Police advise the owners or drivers of other vehicles parked unlawfully on streets around Parliament to move them, or enforcement action will be taken.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre