Police resisted calls for weeks to move in on the unlawful occupation of Parliament, fearing unprecedented violence should they confront the protesters causing havoc in Wellington. On Wednesday, the 23rd day of the stand-off, those fears were realised. This is how it unfolded.
• 6.04am: A stand-off commences at the Cenotaph as 125 officers move up Mulgrave St towards Aitken St.
• 6.47am: Police take control of the National Library.
• 9.30am: A large group of officers in full riot gear join the front line on the corner of Molesworth and Aitken streets. Conflict follows.