Wellingtonians can expect to see Police reassurance patrols as they come into the central business district today, allowing them to return to the area with confidence, Police said in a statement overnight.
Yesterday’s pre-planned Police operation saw 87 people arrested for a range of offences including trespass, possession of restricted weapons and wilful damage.
“Seven Police staff have required hospital treatment. They have a range of minor and serious but non-life threatening injuries,” Police said.
“They are all receiving support and their families have been advised.”
Police say some of the injuries were lacerations caused by objects being thrown at the officers by anti-vaccine mandate protestors.
“These included bricks and paving stones taken from the nearby streets, rocks, traffic cones, poles and wood from pallets.”
“Staff were also showered with paint, petrol and water from a high-powered fire hose.
“Police would like to thank the Wellington community for the patience and support shown to our staff.”
Late last night, the area around the Parliament precinct was quiet for the first time in more than three weeks, with just a small number of protesters located near the Victoria University Pipitea campus.
