Footage taken during a police operation at the anti-mandate protest in Wellington shows police dumping tents and other items seized from Parliament's grounds into skip bins.
Protesters had been camped outside Parliament since last month, pushing for a removal of COVID-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions.
On Wednesday, the atmosphere became more hostile than ever when a pre-planned police operation to "restore access" to Parliament's grounds got underway in the early hours.
Speaking about the day's events at a press conference on Wednesday morning, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said the demonstration had "reached the stage where protest leaders were unwilling or unable to effect meaningful change" and de-escalate the Parliament occupation.
"Nothing about this protest has been acceptable," Coster said.
After the police operation got underway on Wednesday morning, officers were seen taking protesters' tents down around Parliament - which continued into the afternoon.
Video viewed by Newshub, posted on Twitter, shows protesters' tents being loaded into skip bins by police officers.
Coster said 15 vehicles including campervans and trucks had also been towed and seized, and wouldn't be returned "in the immediate future".
"We will continue to arrest and charge people where necessary and will continue seizing vehicles through the day.
"I would like to close by extending my thanks to all the staff involved in today's operation.
"This is challenging and difficult work and they have been professional and measured throughout."
