Protesters in Wellington have burned the parliament playground.
The playground, which cost $572,000 to build, was set alight on Wednesday afternoon.
It was seen burning under a 100 year old Pōhutukawa tree with a nearby tent also on fire.
The incident was part of a wider riot that took place outside Parliament. The riot included a small number of protesters who threw rocks and bricks at the police.
Hundreds of police were called in as reinforcements. They cleared away tents and other structures. A police helicopter was also seen hovering over parliament for most of the day.
In total police arrested 38 protesters and towed 30 vehicles during the major operation to clear the roads and restore order to Wellington after more than three weeks of occupation.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, said she was angry and deeply saddened to see Parliament destroyed in the way seen today.
“It was an illegal occupation, they engaged in hostile, violent and aggressive behaviour throughout the occupation, and today that has culminated in the desecration of this Parliament’s grounds. I am absolutely committed we will restore those grounds and we will not be defined by one act by a small group of people.”
