Wellington Region

Waka Kotahi's move to speed up the opening of Transmission Gully is good news - as long as it does not compromise the quality of the new highway, the mayor of Porirua says.

Police are about to begin removing barricades blocking roads around Parliament - but Wellington's lower Molesworth Street will remain cordoned off for now.

Small groups of anti-mandate protesters are still lingering around Wellington after being cleared out of the Parliament precinct on Wednesday Audio

Featherston and Greytown have an extra two days of water supply, thanks to the recent commissioning of the Waiohone Treated Water Reservoir.

Wellington tangata whenua Wednesday's riot at Parliament was painful to witness, calling it further desecration of their mana and whenua. Audio

The arrest of a man using excessing force and resulting in a head injury was not justified, an investigation has found.

There have been multiple fires, the sound of explosions and violent clashes between police and protesters in the grounds of Parliament this afternoon.

The Kiingitanga is calling for a peaceful resolution to the occupation at Parliament and other sites across the country.

Police say the incident occurred after they removed a mobile shower block that was parked illegally.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says council has trespass orders "ready to go" as Auckland Domain remains closed to vehicles due to a small number of protesters refusing to leave. Audio

The identities of three men previously charged over the murder of Upper Hutt woman Lois Tolley in 2016 will remain secret for the foreseeable future.

Police and protesters were in a stand-off on Hill Street near Parliament late on Wednesday night.

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.