The police deployed hundreds of officers on Wednesday morning against the activists, who have been staying in front of the parliament building in Wellington for 23 days. The officers used, among other things, water cannons and pepper spray to disperse the demonstrators. The activists emptied fire devices at the policemen and pelted them with objects. They also set fire to tents.
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says the protest has sparked growing concern in recent days. “We are concerned because the people with good intentions now seem to be in the minority compared to those who are willing to use violence,” it said.
The activists, who were inspired by the so-called ‘freedom convoys’ in Canada, oppose the vaccination rules in New Zealand. Vaccination against Covid-19 is mandatory for people who work in health care, law enforcement and education. If you refuse, you risk being fired. New Zealanders are also required to present a vaccination certificate in restaurants, at sporting events and at religious services.