New Zealand protesters set fires as police break up camp

By NICK PERRY
Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Thick black smoke billowed across the grounds of New Zealand’s Parliament and sirens blared as retreating protesters against coronavirus vaccine mandates set fire to tents, mattresses and chairs. It appeared to be a final act of defiance as police broke up the camp that protesters first set up more than three weeks ago. Riot police at dawn Wednesday began moving in on the hundreds of protesters who had been occupying the grounds and surrounding streets. The convoy was inspired by similar protests in Canada and has sparked other rallies around New Zealand, leading to a more charged political atmosphere. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that in planning the operation, police had expected hostility, resistance and violence but she still was saddened by the scale of it.