Police Commissioner Andrew Coster is refusing to rule out using force to remove anti-mandate protesters who are occupying Parliament's grounds.
The protests have been going for more than two weeks and are becoming increasingly violent with three police officers hospitalised after having an unknown stinging substance thrown on them on Tuesday. A man was also arrested after trying to drive a car into police and officers were forced to use shields after having human waste thrown at them.
Speaking with AM on Wednesday, Coster said while de-escalation is preferred he cannot rule out using force if it becomes necessary.
"I will never rule that [force] out because in the end we need to make decisions day by day. We remain of the view that de-escalation is the most appropriate thing to do here but a city cannot keep operating as it is for a long time. We are looking for ground to be given back so the university can resume, so that public transport can resume normally and so that businesses can function normally."
Coster also called for protesters who are trying to be peaceful to leave because they are enabling violence, whether they mean to or not.
"Yes, we have people who are protesting a legitimate issue but they've created a situation where these behaviours can play out.
"Whilst they might not be responsible for it themselves, the situation is of their making. And the situation, as it sits, is impacting the university, it's impacting public transport so we are looking to them to actually effect change and we are beginning to worry they may be unable to."
The Commissioner said protesters should leave or work with police if they want a peaceful protest.
"The scale of the situation is what's creating the challenge for resolution and if the bulk of the crowd, who believe they are there for legitimate reasons, make the decision either to walk away or to allow police to tighten up the boundaries and enable this protest to happen lawfully, then we will be able to address the unlawful behaviours that sit around the edge of it."
Coster's comments come after Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers criticised the protesters' behaviour during a stand up on Tuesday.
Chambers said the behaviour was "unacceptable" and disrupting Wellingtonians who are just trying to get on with their lives.
"The behaviour of a certain group within the protest group is absolutely disgraceful.
"We are working very, very hard to reduce the impact of that protest on the community and to be met by the resistance we saw this morning is very disappointing."
He also revealed there have been reports of sexual assaults at the protest camp and urged anyone affected to contact police.
The Government and National have both criticised the protesters' behaviour, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern telling them to go home.
"My message would be to anyone who is down there who believes that they are part of a peaceful protest: that is not what we've seen today. I would encourage them to leave," she said on Tuesday.
