Superintendent Corrie Parnell, Wellington District Commander:

Police continue to work through the complexities of the protest activity at
Parliament grounds.

There have been no arrests today.

Trying to engage with key protest group leaders has been ineffective due to
the vast array of interest groups and their conflicts with each other.

Police will maintain a highly visibile presence at Parliament grounds
overnight.

Molesworth Street remains blocked by over 100 vehicles including large
trucks, campervans and cars.

Police are working on options to work with tow truck companies to have the
vehicles removed, however there have been concerns from tow-truck operators,
who have been threatened by protesters.

Police sympathise with their position and we are exploring our options.

A number of additional tents and marquees have appeared on the grounds today
and Police are again urging protesters to remove them.

We are also working with the council to address the food trucks and other
facilities that have been set up in the vicinity.

Police note the weather is due to be inclement throughout the weekend, making
conditions challenging for our staff and protesters.

The blocked roads are extremely disruptive to both businesses and the public,
free and safe movement around the city continues to be our priority.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area over the weekend.

Home Page | Auckland | Previous Story | Next Story

Copyright (c) Scoop Media