Superintendent Corrie Parnell, Wellington District Commander:

Police continue to have a significant presence at the ongoing protest on Parliament grounds.

Around 120 people have now been arrested.

They face charges including trespass and obstruction, and will be bailed to appear in court.

Parliament grounds were officially closed this morning however a number of protesters are still refusing repeated requests to leave the precinct.

While many are protesting peacefully, others have attempted to breach the Police cordon.

Police have twice deployed OC spray after officers were pulled into the crowd.

They were not seriously injured however such behaviour is unacceptable.

Anyone threatening the safety of Police staff or the public should expect to face enforcement action.

Police are again urging anyone with a vehicle unlawfully blocking the streets around Parliament to remove it immediately.

Officers are assisting Wellington City Council parking wardens as they begin to issue infringement notices, and Police will now look to have the vehicles removed.

Police will continue to have a presence at Parliament into the night and as long as necessary to ensure public safety.

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