Protest activity - Parliament grounds
Police will be highly visible across Wellington city from today with extra police staff redeployed from across the country, ahead of anticipated protest activity heading to Parliament grounds tomorrow.
We know that over the past few days several groups have been moving across the country in support of a variety of protest causes, most of which are planning to end at Parliament grounds tomorrow.
Police will have a clearer picture of the numbers involved later today as protest groups move closer to Wellington.
Our planning for this has been underway for several weeks, and we are now well placed to respond to a number of, and range of, scenarios. Last year’s Parliamentary occupation provided some helpful learnings for us as an organisation.
Staff numbers have been boosted across all shifts in the district for next two days with more than 80 staff specifically trained in Public Order Policing mobilised to support Wellington district staff.
The focus for Police this week has been on talking to local residents and businesses as well as local iwi and agencies across the government sector.
Road closures are now in place around Parliament, with Molesworth Street and neighbouring streets closed, or operating with restricted access. Parliament has been deemed a no-fly zone, which also prohibits drones.
Our focus has been on ensuring buses and trains are able to operate as normal, and that disruption for local residents and businesses is minimal.
For those coming to march and protest at Parliament, we respect people’s right to demonstrate peacefully in support of their cause, but we are prepared to take enforcement action if it stops being peaceful.
We will have a very low tolerance for any structures being set up on the grounds, and we do have the ability to mobilise additional staff quickly if required. Tow trucks will be on stand-by in the city.
There may be some incidents on which we will need follow up as enquiries later.
To that end, we are keen to have the public’s assistance – to help be our eyes and ears, particularly on Lambton Quay, during the march to Parliament. We will likely want to see any video footage of unlawful activity, and people can report this through 105. But we are also asking that people don’t intervene or compromise their own safety.
It is an important part of our democracy that we preserve people’s right to protest. In the end, our hope is that people come to our city, to have their say on Parliament grounds, and then to leave peacefully.
Summer on the South Coast
Summer is here again! Fantastic weather beckoning all to get out and enjoy it.
So my request is, if you are cycling, running, walking on our beautiful south coast roads between Breaker Bay and Ohwiro Bay - please be courteous to all road users, even those of us stuck in cars.
The roads are scenic, but they are also narrow, with lots of blind corners. This makes it very difficult for faster moving traffic (cars) to pass slower moving traffic (cycles, walkers, runners). On a bad day this can result in frustrated cars making rash decisions to overtake - putting everyone in danger.
If you are enjoying the coast road on a cycle, and there are cars behind you, please do be considerate and pull over when you have a chance so that they can pass. "Hugging the left" does not really help on a narrow road with blindspots. Stopping is ideal.
If you are enjoying coast on foot, please be conscious of visibility and stay off the road where possible.
If you are enjoying the coast in a car, please be courteous to others - good will spreads, unfortunately so does selfishness.
Lastly - everyone watch out for penguins, they were here first but they don't read Neighbourly or road signs.
Happy and Safe summer everyone.
It’s Riddle Time! Beat the Neighbourhood with Your Smarts!
Which of the following words don't belong in the group and why?
CORSET, COSTER, SECTOR, ESCORT, COURTS
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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75.7% Yes
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22.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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