News from NZ Police
Police continue to urge people not to travel to Wellington this weekend if they are thinking of participating in the unlawful protest.
We are aware of a number of protesters planning to join the protest this weekend and urge people to stay away from an occupation site that is no longer a safe environment for families and children.
Police are conducting reassurance patrols at Pipitea Marae and with residents who live within the perimeter of the protest today. There will continue to be a visible Police presence at the protest and surrounding areas.
The focus for Police is to contain the perimeters of the protest and continue to maintain a safe community for Wellington residents.
Any vehicles that arrive and park illegally outside of the protest perimeter may be subject to towing and impounding.
Police will continue to exercise judgment about the application of tactics. For that reason, we will continue to engage in order to reduce the impact of the protest.
News from NZ Police – February 25
Police are warning those thinking about travelling to Wellington to participate in the unlawful protest this weekend – don’t.
Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers says: “While the vast majority of Wellington is open for business and functioning relatively normally, the protest activity around Parliament grounds is unwelcome and having an unreasonably negative impact on residents, workers and students.
“We have made substantial progress over the last week to contain and restrict the movement of vehicles. Around 300 vehicles now remain inside the enclosed protest area after a significant number of protesters packed up and left this week. Parliament grounds remain closed.
“Movements to shrink the protest footprint will continue as our focus remains on returning the city back to normal as quickly as possible.”
Concrete bollards were installed around the protest area perimeter this week, and while no vehicles are being allowed in, Police are allowing essential supplies such as food and sanitation to be collected from the perimeter. Police are not allowing any vehicles, tents, or other equipment to enter the cordon. Illegally parked vehicles outside the cordoned area can expect to be towed.
With the departure of an increasing number of people from the site this week, Police are increasingly concerned that the key protest organisers no longer have full control over some of the groups present who have been engaging in intimidation of the public and violence towards police staff.
Wellington Mayor Andy Foster says: “The protest must end soon and safely. Parties are engaged in dialogue that I believe can result in a peaceful resolution. I want to thank the Police Commissioner and the police for the way they are dealing with this protest – methodically, professionally, with admirable restraint and dignity.
“There is no doubt our police force is one of, if not the best, in the world and they will ensure Wellingtonians are once again able to freely walk our streets in safety.”
Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford says a huge amount of work is having to take place at the University to accommodate students, staff and events affected by the closure and to ensure learning, teaching and other activities can resume as normal next week.
Professor Guilford says the protest is having multiple impacts on the University community, including affecting students and staff who travel into the city by train and cannot connect with bus routes to University campuses due to the protest activity.
“Our staff, students, and other members of our University community have shown incredible patience and understanding but the situation is causing significant strain.”
Combined with continuing concerns over deteriorating sanitary conditions, and confirmation of protestors testing positive for Covid-19, Police continue to urge people to stay away from an occupation site that is no longer a safe environment for families and children.
Assistant Commissioner Chambers says: “The protest area is not safe for families, and it is far from being operated lawfully. We will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any unlawful activity that is reported to us.
“This has been a difficult and disruptive time for many local residents and businesses. As we continue to return freedom of movement to Wellington, Police will maintain a high presence throughout the city this weekend so that everyone feels safe.
“Police encourage everyone to enjoy Wellington for the right reasons this weekend.”
Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz
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