Police have arrested a number of protesters occupying a major Taranaki roading project.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said State Highway 3 over Mt Messenger in north Taranaki is closed due to a police operation that's seen occupiers refusing to leave - and arrested.
Police said over the last month they have been engaging regularly with the protesters occupying the area at Mt Messenger.
"The occupiers were last week issued a trespass notice from Waka Kotahi and Ngāti Tama," police said.
Relieving area Commander Inspector Phil Gillbank said some occupiers didn't comply.
"Unfortunately a small number of the occupiers present refused to leave the site as requested today, and were subsequently arrested."
Commander Insp Gillbank said two people attempting to access the site at the roadblock have been arrested for obstruction.
"Police staff have been on site again this morning, encouraging the occupiers to comply with the trespass notice and leave the site of their own accord."
Demonstrators are protesting the $280 million Te Ara o Te Ata bypass of Mt Messenger, which is Taranaki's biggest roading project.
Protesters have travelled from across the North Island and have been there since last month.
They claim the new road will destroy native forests and wetlands, and the budget will continue to blow out.
One protester, Robyn Kemp-Martin, told Stuff she would remain there "as long as we need to".
"This is our last fight, and it feels like it's the only thing left to do."
