Parliament's grounds will be closed until further notice following protest action over the past three weeks.
In a statement put out last night by the speaker Trevor Mallard said "Due to assessments of the grounds' condition that must take place before that work can begin, and for health, safety, and sanitary reasons, I ask that all members of the public please stay away till advised otherwise".
The speaker thanked Police and Parliamentary Security services for keeping everyone at Parliament and the surrounding areas safe.
In a tweet last night he said parliament will have to have a wall and gates that can be closed when needed but he wanted to "retain the openess and accesibility of our House and Grounds".
Deputy Prime Minister and Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson spoke to Susie Ferguson.
