Wild scenes as New Zealand police clear out antivax demonstrators camped out the front of Parliament

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.

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 held riot shields during an operation to break up anti-vax protesters camped in front of New Zealand’s Parliament House

Protesters comforted each other during the ongoing dispersal operation in front of the New Zealand parliament

Demonstrators held up a sign protesting for ‘freedom’ during a dispersal operation on an anti-vax camp out

‘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.

Police warned protesters Wednesday morning to stop the occupation or they would be removed

An escalation in protest behaviour over the last week had concerned police it could turn violent, leading to the dispersal order 

Police made 38 arrests during Wednesday’s morning operation and seized 15 vehicles

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

‘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. 

An angry protester screams at police during Wednesday’s dispersal operation in front of the New Zealand parliament

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

An anti-vax protester receives medical attention from a police officer during Wednesday’s dispersal operation

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. 

Anti-vax protesters constructed a makeshift campsite where they occupied the space in front of New Zealand Parliament house for almost a month

Police surround an anti-vax protester during Wednesday’s dispersal operation in front of New Zealand’s Parliament House

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.

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

Two officers suffered abrasions during the dispersal and one had paint thrown into his face

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

‘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.’