Covid-19 Wellington protest: 12 hours of mayhem - how standoff went up in flames

02 March 2022. Violent scenes erupted outside Parliament as police moved in to clear the occupation that has been disrupting the capital for over three weeks. Video / NZ Herald

Police resisted calls for weeks to move in on the unlawful occupation of Parliament, fearing unprecedented violence should they confront the protesters causing havoc in Wellington. On Wednesday, the 23rd day of the stand-off, those fears were realised. This is how it unfolded.

• 6.04am: A stand-off commences at the Cenotaph as 125 officers move up Mulgrave St towards Aitken St.

• 6.47am: Police take control of the National Library.

Police began an early morning action to reclaim some streets back from Convoy protesters. Photo / Mike Scott

• 9.30am: A large group of officers in full riot gear join the front line on the corner of Molesworth and Aitken streets. Conflict follows.

• 1.45pm: At a press conference, PM Jacinda Ardern addresses the conflict, describing the protest as "violent and fuelled by misinformation and conspiracy theories".

A protester facing police officers on day 23 of the Covid-19 Convoy protest. Photo / Mark Mitchell

• 2.30pm: Officers in riot gear and body armour gather outside the Parliamentary Library, sparking fresh skirmishes on the lawn.

• 3pm: Widespread violence breaks out. There are claims that pepper spray has been used on protesters. Protesters can be seen hitting and punching police.

Police officers during their running battle with protesters. Photo / Mark Mitchell

• 4pm: A children's slide at the site catches fire, creating thick smoke. Fire crew arrives.

• 5pm: Police clear a lot of the protesters' campsite space.

• 5.30pm: Ardern holds a second press conference, saying she is
"deeply saddened' to see Parliament's grounds 'desecrated". She thanks the police.

Police clearing Parliament grounds of protesters and tents this afternoon. Photo / Mike Scott

• 6pm: Molesworth St has been cleared of all protester vehicles, with 65 arrests and 50 vehicles towed. Three police are sent to hospital.

• 6.30pm: The main camping site is largely deserted. Police urge residents to avoid the CBD.

The aftermath on day 23 of the Covid-19 Convoy protest at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell