They have erected tents and shelters, and organised portable toilets, food distribution points and childcare facilities.
New Zealand’s largest news website said police had “seemingly ceded control” of the parliamentary precinct, pointing to the presence of protesters acting as self-styled security guards to monitor access to the grounds.
Coster said about 800 people were at the camp, with more than 450 vehicles obstructing roads, and predicted numbers would increase over the weekend.
Police threatened to use the military to tow vehicles this week but backed off after protesters put out a call on social media for reinforcements.
Wellington residents have complained about being abused for wearing masks and noted some far-right messaging among the anti-government and anti-media slogans displayed by protesters.
A group of local mayors, business leaders, unionists and lawmakers issued a statement Friday saying the action had “gone well beyond” peaceful protest.
“The people of Wellington have had enough of this illegal activity, harassment and disruption, we ask that it end immediately,” they said.
Parliamentary officials tried to clear the grounds last weekend by playing pop music and children’s song Baby Shark on a loop and activating the lawn’s sprinkler system to soak the camp.
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