Wild scenes as New Zealand police clear out anti-vax demonstrators camped out the front of Parliament: ‘We’re making up ground’

• Police officers have began dispersal operation on New Zealand anti-vax protest
• Police offered protesters the opportunity to leave peafully but several refused
• Three police officers suffered injuries in the ongoing dispersal operation effort
• As of midday on Wednesday 38 arrests have been made and 15 vehicles seized 

Police have announced a clear-out effort to disperse anti-vaccination protesters in front of New Zealand's Parliament.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster announced Wednesday morning a de-escalation effort had begun to break up anti-vax protesters that have been camped in front of New Zealand's Parliament House since early February.

'Police are today undertaking a major operation to clear the roads and restore order to the Wellington area affected by protest activity,' he said.

Key Points 

Anti-vaccination mandate protesters have been occupying the space in front of New Zealand Parliament House in Wellington for 23 days.

Protesters have pelted stones and used makeshift weapons to attack officers as a dispersal operation continues.

Weapons include pitchforks, homemade plywood shields, and fire extinguishers. 

A Covid cluster has grown in the protest campsite with 20 confirmed cases.

Police have used pepper spray on violent protesters.

Three officers were injured as of midday Wednesday. 

Roughly 38 arrests have been made. 

'The operation is the result of significant planning and the commitment of several hundred staff from around the country.

'Our intent is to reclaim public roads and restore order.'

Police warned protesters on Wednesday morning to end the occupation or they would be removed. 

'This morning you will have seen we have urged protesters who have not already departed, to leave now,' Mr Coster said.

'Our message to those who do not wish to be caught up in our operation is, please go home.'

Mr Coster said protesters were informed police were happy to assist people that wanted to make a peaceful departure but the offer was largely rejected.

'During a period of engagement with protest leaders we were able to get in place tactics that de-escalated both the number of people and vehicles at the site,' he said.

'However, we reached the stage where protest leaders were either unwilling, or unable, to affect meaningful change to the behaviour and the impact of the protest on Wellington.'

By 2pm - NZDT - most demonstrators vehicles were cleared from lower Molesworth St and officers say they have made 'significant ground'. 

Mr Coster said an escalation in protest behaviour over the last week had concerned police that it could turn violent, leading to the dispersal order.

'We became concerned that those with good intentions were outnumbered by those with a willingness to use violence to effect their means,' he said.

'This has never been about preventing lawful protest, but this particular protest has reached a stage where the harm being done far outweighs any legitimate protest.'

As of midday Wednesday police had made 38 arrests for a range of offences and seized 15 vehicles. 

Charges included wilful trespass, obstruction, wilful damage, assaulting police, possession of a weapon, and refusing to provide identifying details.  

About 3.30pm protesters were seen using metal barriers to create blockades as police continued to dismantle campsites while other protesters fled.

One protester was spotted with blood covering their face. 

At midday, two officers suffered abrasions during the dispersal and one had paint thrown into his face.

Reports have since emerged of escalated violence towards officers from protesters. 

The New Zealand Herald reported protesters used makeshift weapons against police officers including pitchforks, homemade plywood shield, and fire extinguishers. 

Police have allegedly used pepper spray on violent demonstrators. 

Mr Coster said the operation would continue into Wednesday afternoon.   

'We will continue to arrest and charge people where necessary and will continue seizing vehicles through the day,' he said.

'However, public safety is our priority and where possible we are helping people to leave the area safely.' 

Protesters reportedly hurled stones, chairs, and camping equipment at officers during the dispersal operation.

Wellington City Council, Corrections, Oranga Tamariki, Fire and Emergency NZ, NZDF, and Wellington Free Ambulance also assisted in the protest dispersal.

Mr Coster said he appreciated the hard work the staff put into the operation. 

'I would like to close by extending my thanks to all the staff involved in today’s operation,' he said.

'This is challenging and difficult work and they have been professional and measured through out.'

Police Dispersal Operation Timeline

7am: Police issue a warning to protesters to end the occupation protest in front of New Zealand Parliament House.

Police move in on protesters armed with riot shields.

National Party leader Christopher Luxon heard police inform protesters they were trespassing and could face arrest.

Several protester vehicles prepare to leave their campsite.

Police reclaim Hill St up to Eccleston Hill from protesters.

8am: The first protester arrest is reported.

Protesters play Amazing Grace and the Last Post through speaks in front of Parliament house.

Police say they have seen protesters around Wellington with makeshift weapons including pitchforks and homemade plywood shields.

Confrontation moves to Molesworth Street.

Protesters attack police officers with fire extinguishers. Police respond with pepper spray.

9am: Protesters link arms to form a blockade  at the corner of Molesworth and Aitken streets.

Campsites in front of Parliament House remain in tact.

A large group of officers join the dispersal group in full riot gear. 

Former New Conservatives leader Leighton Baker joins protesters. 

Police reclaim Pipitea St and Molesworth Streets. 

10am: Police block the ends of Molesworth/Hill/Aitken Streets with concrete blocks.

11am: Police Commissioner Andrew Coster gives a statement on the operation.

Protesters point a laser at a police helicopter.

12am: Police use a dump truck to clear campsites in reclaimed areas.  

1pm: A large number of riot officers gather in front of the Parliamentary Library. 

2pm: Police begin a siege on campsites in front of the library.

Officers deploy smoke bombs, protesters claim they used tear gas.

Police form protesters into groups and begin escorting them from the site. 

 Skirmishes break out between officers and protesters.

Protesters pelt rocks and camping equipment at officers. 

Officers form a double line in front of Parliament House and begin marching protesters off the property.

3pm: Police tell remaining protesters over loudspeakers to leave the area.

Protesters throw objects at police and move metal barriers to form blockades.

Black smoke appears as protesters set fire to their tents.

The Parliament playground slide catches fire. 

4pm: Multiple fires across the site spread to multiple tents. 

Protesters throw bricks at officers. 

Source: New Zealand Herald