Shocking footage from the standoff between police and protesters outside Parliament shows a demonstrator kicking a police officer on the ground, a cop punching a protester and demonstrators hurling bottles and spraying officers with what appears to be a fire extinguisher.
Anti-mandate protesters have been occupying Parliament's grounds for more than 22 days but violence erupted on Wednesday after a pre-planned police operation to "restore access" to the grounds got underway in the early hours. Police said about 38 people have been arrested so far.
The violence is still unfolding and videos online show police officers being assaulted as protesters refuse to budge.
One video shows an officer falling to the ground after a punch is thrown at him. The cop is then kicked as he lies on the concrete.
Another video shared on Instagram shows officers appearing to punch a man to restrain and arrest him.
Other footage posted on social media platform TikTok shows a police officer being sprayed directly in the face by what is believed to be a fire extinguisher by protesters.
Video also shows protesters throwing a large pole and water bottles at police.
Another video shows a protester accidentally spraying other protesters with a substance, which the crowd blamed on police, claiming they had been pepper-sprayed.
Some police officers were filmed using pepper spray with protesters pouring milk on each other as a result.
Police said protesters have been seen with weapons including plywood shields and pitchforks. Police also claimed protesters have pointed lasers at the police helicopter.
Hundreds of officers have been pushing back demonstrators on Wednesday morning using riot shields and forklifts to gain ground, with a series of tents being taken down in the process.
"We are once again urging people inside the protest area to leave now," police said in a statement.
The statement said officers are ready to assist those who wish to leave the protest area.
"We continue to urge those wishing to leave to let our staff know," police said.
"Wellingtonians are urged to avoid the area this morning."
Police said Parliament's grounds were closed and the protesters were trespassing.
"We are working with partner agencies to assist us with the safe movement of people."
