Three arrested in Wellington after activists reportedly glued to Parliament steps

Police and security staff get details from protesters who glued themselves to Parliament steps. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Three people have been arrested after allegedly refusing to leave Parliament today, following demonstrations around the capital for Extinction Rebellion.

Earlier around half a dozen activists were seen sitting on Parliament's steps, where they had reportedly glued themselves.

A police spokesperson said the three arrested after being trespassed would be referred to Te Pae Oranga to take part in restorative justice.

The Spring Rebellion is four days of action, which began on Monday and ends tomorrow, to shine a light on climate change.

One of the protesters spoke to the Herald this morning, saying they had been at the steps since 5pm yesterday, and had also demonstrated at other parts of the capital.

Protesters have glued themselves to Parliament steps. Photo / Mark Mitchell

"We had an action around Te Papa, surrounding the mistranslation of the Treaty and the continuing presence of colonisation through that," she said.

"Our aim was to draw attention to Te Tiriti-based climate assemblies, which we believe is one of the only ways to genuinely address the climate crisis without further ignoring colonisation, capitalism, imperialism."

She said their assemblies were a form of "participatory democracy" centering on Te Tiriti, in solidarity with land back movements such as Mau Whenua.

Police said a 41-year-old-man was also arrested after an incident involving protest action at a building on Bowen Street this morning.

He is due to appear in the Wellington District Court on 1 November 2021 charged with wilful damage.

Rebels dressed as cows moving to disco music at Wellington Station. Photo / Patrick Flanagan

Earlier today herds of dancing cows also made their way around the capital in protest at industrial agriculture.

Activists also met at Wellington Train Station at 8.30am today dressed in cow costumes.

The "herd" moved around some of Wellington's key locations, including the Beehive.

View from inside Parliament this morning. pic.twitter.com/AWgNUR1RHz

— Jason Walls (@Jasonwalls92) October 26, 2021

The group's event page said the action was in protest at industrial agriculture for its effects on the environment and human health.

Extinction Rebellion Aotearoa is part of an international mass movement towards more sustainable and humane forms of agriculture.

The group said their event was inclusive, family-friendly and "non-violent".