Wellington Region

Misinformation researchers are concerned the protest at Parliament is becoming a "free-for-all" as the idea of any leadership within the blockade area slips away.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says a team of staff working at the protest have caught Covid-19 and while it hasn't been linked to protesters, it "stands to reason" the coronavirus is there. Audio

A man who says he witnessed an assault by two protesters on another occupier at Parliament says it shows how the mood has turned nasty at times this week.

Wellington's only emergency ambulance service will no longer attend emergencies within the protest area at Parliament.

Former prime minister Jim Bolger says political leaders should "get off their high horses" and meet with those occupying Parliament's lawn.

Wellington Hospital says any outbreak of Omicron at the protest outside Parliament will add stress to an already stretched emergency department. Audio

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has reiterated her support for police following their action to reinforce the perimeter of the occupation at Parliament this morning.

Some residents around Parliament worry about leaving their houses, while police say they will clamp down on abusive behaviour and protesters demand all charges be dropped against those arrested.

Police say one person has died following a serious crash on Happy Valley Road in Owhiro Bay in Wellington this morning.

Wellington's mayor has said "we want our streets" back as the Covid-19 policy protest nears the end of its second week outside Parliament.

Water tankers have left four south Wellington suburbs now that the mains supply has been restored.

A broken pipe that cut off water to four Wellington suburbs has been fixed but the water will stay off until 11pm.

Residents in four southern Wellington suburbs are expected to be without water for most of the day after a pipeline broke.

Wellington shops face a crisis, university buildings have closed for eight weeks and Wellingtonians say they're sick of disruption from the protest at parliament.

Almost 30 Wellington community leaders - mayors, MPs, principals and business leaders - have banded together to urge an immediate end of the illegal protest activities at Parliament.

A criminal trial due to start on Monday has been adjourned because the defendant cannot get access to the High Court in Wellington. Audio

A towing company owner says it could take 20 trucks working unimpeded for a day or so to clear 400 vehicles blocking the streets around Parliament. Audio

A combined statement from groups of protesters at Parliament grounds says they are "disappointed" that a letter sent to the government on Monday asking for talks has been "ignored".

Maritime police say a fishing boat crew managed to get the four adults off the 12-metre launch and they are now being transferred to the police launch, the Lady Elizabeth.

The National leader will not negotiate with the protesters and says they are difficult to engage with given their "anti-social, abusive" behaviour. National's whole caucus has agreed not to meet them.