Police are set for a week of protests where tens of thousands are expected to turn out and block major highways across the North Island as they march towards Parliament.
The HÄ«koi mÅ te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi), organised by Te PÄti MÄori-aligned advocacy group ToitÅ« te Tiriti, will start at Cape RÄinga tomorrow.
Convoys of protesters will travel southbound along Aucklandâs Northern Motorway during Wednesday morningâs commute. Convoys will continue southbound on the Southern Motorway as commuters try to get home later that day.
The protesters will then converge on Wellington to gather at Parliament next Tuesday.
Convoys of protesters will travel southbound along Aucklandâs Northern Motorway during Wednesday morningâs commute. Photo / Dean Purcell
While ToitÅ« te Tiriti is focused on protesting over Act Party leader David Seymourâs Treaty Principles Bill, which had its first reading in Parliament this week, police say there is a risk other protest groups may join in and inflame tensions.
Police anticipate gang members opposed to an incoming patch ban may join the march. Police also believe groups protesting over the conflict in Gaza could join. A ToitÅ« te Tiriti spokeswoman said protest groups such as these were part of âthe causeâ of the eight-day event.
Cops expect peaceful, lawful protest after word with organisers
Superintendent Kelly Ryan said police today established a Major Operations Centre at headquarters in Wellington to oversee the response across the North Island.
The centre will give logistical, resource and communication support to all districts along the convoy route, Ryan said.
She said police had been speaking with organisers for many weeks.
âOur discussions with organisers to date have been positive and we expect the hÄ«koi to be conducted in a peaceful and lawful manner,â she said.
Police have set up a ops room in preparation for a week of protests where tens of thousands are expected to turn out and block major highways across the North Island as they march towards Parliament. Photo / Carson Bluck
âWeâve planned for large numbers to join the hÄ«koi, with disruption likely to some roads, including highways and main streets along the route.
âThe [operations centre] will support our frontline, district-based staff with the management of people, vehicles and activities, while also maintaining central oversight.
âWe will continue to coordinate with iwi leaders and our partners across government to ensure public safety and minimal disruption to people going about their daily routine.
âWeâre also well connected with Waka Kotahi/NZTA and local councils to ensure road users have up-to-date information and can plan accordingly.â
Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.
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