More than 50 police have formed a ring around the front of Parliament edging up to a line of protesters who have linked arms lining up in front of the cenotaph.
One person speaking said he would walk up the Parliament steps at 3pm and get arrested, inviting others in the crowd to join, saying "see you at 3pm" to cheers from the crowd.
The group is part of a convoy which travelled to the capital yesterday to protest against Covid-19 vaccine mandates.
Steel barriers have been put up in front of the protesters.
The crowd is still largely peaceful but some are heckling police and the temperature is starting to rise, reports RNZ.
Protesters who spent the night camped on Parliament grounds have been warned they could be issued with a trespass notice.
About 1000 people and hundreds of vehicle converged on Parliament grounds yesterday, and at least 100 people camped overnight.
Trucks and other vehicles are blocking Molesworth Street.
Police issued a statement late last night saying they were monitoring the situation and are talking with the Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard.
Protesters have been given a letter from the Speaker setting out Parliament's rules, which prohibit staying overnight on the grounds and ban tents or other structures.Specific policies mentioned in the letter include leaving the grounds in an orderly manner and not interfering with traffic.
"Participants must assemble within and disperse from the grounds in an orderly manner, and so as to not interfere with the flow of vehicular traffic."
It also mentions that tents and structures are banned from the grounds.
"No erection of tents or any structure is permitted other than hand held signs ... structures including tents as mentioned above are not permitted and if not removed when requested, are liable for confiscation."
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Protesters outside Parliament. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson.It says if the rules were breached people could be trespassed and their equipment confiscated.
"In line with these existing policies, please disassemble any tents or structures and remove them from the grounds. Do not continue protests or demonstrations on the grounds after dark. The breach of the above policies and failure to carry out the actions may result in trespass notices being issued."
There are also campervans parked in nearby streets and the police say Molesworth Street in front of Parliament is not accessible to traffic, and drivers should avoid the area this morning.
It is not clear how long the protesters will be allowed to stay.
Protest flags outside Parliament buildings on Tuesday. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver.
7 comments
protest
Posted on 09-02-2022 10:56 | By dumbkof2
when these protesters get the virus they should be denied free medical and hospital care
Police
Posted on 09-02-2022 11:43 | By Slim Shady
I hope all those Police are vaccinated?
Hmmm
Posted on 09-02-2022 11:48 | By Let's get real
I'm not sure what these people think that they're going to achieve if they start behaving like preschoolers. It just gives the government an excuse to shut things down and justify their position to take no notice of the message that they're trying to deliver... Personally, I don't agree with some of the messages being delivered by this unfocused group, but I wholeheartedly support their right to freedom of speech and holding the government to account. Interesting to consider how many have actually been elected to parliament to represent an electorate and how many are in parliament through the back door and represent nobody but themselves or their party policies.
Allowed To Stay?
Posted on 09-02-2022 14:45 | By Yadick
Not sure how long they'd be allowed to stay? Really? Well that's Trevor Mallards statement out the door. Trespass notices will do absolutely nothing but create a laugh for these idiots. There best course of action is the next election. This Government needs to and must go. As also must these idiot protesters who are doing nothing other than costing expensive resources, tying up valuable time, and #issing people off. Those who are blocking roads should be ticketed. Police action is needed not watching these idiots use up the oxygen. Unlawfully on Government grounds - arrest them. Blocking roads - confiscate the vehicle at their cost for towing and impoundment and a fine.
Narcissistic morons!
Posted on 09-02-2022 18:21 | By Ben Dover
These people are the pits and should be treated as such! When they get covid, let them treat themselves and bar them from hospitals!
It's about time -
Posted on 09-02-2022 22:18 | By The Caveman
The the Police Commissioner stood up and did his JOB !!!
Narcissistic morons
Posted on 10-02-2022 06:33 | By Avgeek
Could be used to define the occupants of the ninth floor. Around the world (many in the midst of winter) are dropping mandates like footballers because v’s are ineffective and I’s are very mild. More harm is being done by this government every single day. Good on the campers for holding government to account.
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