As protesters enter their 11th day at Parliament, police say they haven't abandoned Wellingtonians and are trying to resolve the protest in the safest way possible.
At a stand up on Friday, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said they are engaging in discussions with key protest leaders, but at this stage won't take any means of enforcement action over fears of the protest turning violent.
"In the current circumstances, enforcement action taken by police runs the real risk of injury to the public, escalation in numbers of people, and a transition away from a largely peaceful protest to violence," Coster said. "In our assessment, the only safe option at the present point in time is a continued focus on de-escalation."
He said the number of people, tents and cars at the protest has continued to grow over the past 24 hours with a significant increase expected over the weekend.
"Police will continue to focus on keeping the peace, maintaining safety and engaging with the protestors over the coming weekend."
Coaster said police are working to clear and reopen roads that protesters have blocked with their cars.
"Police's current assessment of the situation is that any enforcement action by police runs a serious risk of much wider harm than the protest is presently creating," Coaster said.
A traffic management plan has been put in place to control cars and ensure fire and ambulance services can access the site.
However, Wellington leaders have had enough and issued a joint statement pleading for "illegal protest activities" around Parliament to end.
The group including MPs, mayors, councillors and school principals want the protests to end immediately, as they are blocking roads and disrupting local businesses and residents.
However, Coaster advises de-escalation is currently the key to resolving the protest.
He urges protesters to move their vehicles to Sky Stadium so residents can go about their lives without disruption.
"We recognise the ongoing impact from the protest, particularly on residents and users in the surrounding area. Police has increased its patrols and will maintain a highly visible, reassurance presence.
"I want to again acknowledge our staff, many of whom have been deployed at short notice, for what has been a challenging assignment."
