Te Pāti Māori mass protests: Two arrests on Auckland’s motorway, convoy converged on Parliament
Two people have been arrested in Auckland this morning as Te Pāti Māori protests brought peak-hour traffic to a standstill.
Thousands turned out to protest against Government policies labelled “anti-Māori”.
Police say an estimated 300 cars joined the Auckland protest, which was “peaceful and the vast majority of groups dispersed relatively quickly”.
A spokesperson said the first arrest was made near Esmonde Rd on the Northern Motorway after a vehicle failed to stop for police. The vehicle was impounded. A second arrest came when a woman near Orams Rd on the Southern Motorway was arrested for disorderly behaviour.
Further south, the Waikato Expressway suffered a 3km backlog after being blocked by about 50 cars. This had a “significant impact on traffic”, police said.
Hamilton, Whakatāne, Rotorua, Tokoroa, Taupō and Palmerston North also held gatherings of about 100 people each, with minimal disruption.
A large truck in Tauranga blocked a lane on Hewletts Rd because of alleged safety concerns. Police arranged for it to be moved and made clear that using a vehicle to block the road in this way was not acceptable.
Most of the convoys have now dispersed and traffic has returned to normal. A crowd of about 200 remained at Māngere Bridge at 10am with Bob Marley’s Get Up Stand Up playing through loudspeakers.
Earlier, protesters parked along the motorway in Albany, blocking motorists, while State Highway 3 in Whanganui was blocked by protesters walking slowly along the highway, flying flags and playing music. A protester said on TikTok that they were walking towards the Whanganui courthouse and had plans to speak to the judge.
In Wellington, 1000 protesters gathered on Parliament grounds, where Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer addressed the crowd.
The convoys gathered about 7am in several cities and at traffic pressure points including near Auckland’s Northern Motorway at the Palmers Albany Garden Centre, near the Upper Harbour Motorway on Brigham Creek and Hobsonville Rds, and near the Southern Motorway at BP Bombay.
STORY CONTINUES AFTER THE LIVE BLOG
Have you seen our photos from today?
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Have a look at some of NZ Herald's best photos from today's mass protests across the country.
Road network returning to normal with protests drawing to a close
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The state highway network is largely returning to normal following the conclusion of protest action this morning, NZTA says.
NZ Transport Agency, Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport thanks road users for heeding advice to plan their journey and travel outside of peak times.
Auckland Transport says there was only minimal impact on public transport with bus services experiencing up to 8 minute delays at the peak of the protest period.
The most significant impact was experienced on State Highway 1 south of Auckland where protest action stopped traffic in both directions at Rangiriri for around 20 minutes earlier this morning.
There was also widespread congestion around Tauranga, where protests reduced SH2 Hewletts Road to one lane.
There may still be delays in certain areas throughout the morning as traffic congestion clears.
NZTA will be continuing to monitor the network throughout the day.
Road users are advised to check the NZ Transport Agency Journey Plannerhttps://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner.
Auckland public transport users should check the AT Journey Planner, or the AT Mobile App for updates.
Thanks for joining the NZ Herald for live updates on the protests this morning.
Please check nzherald.co.nz throughout the day for all reports and analysis of the news making headlines in New Zealand and across the globe.
Ka kite anō!
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Hundreds of protesters still on Mangere Bridge
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Bob Marley's "Get Up Stand Up" plays as protesters wave to passing motorists.
Video / Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai
Protesters walking along SH3 in Whanganui
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Video / Bevan Conley
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Protesters in Hamilton on Te Rapa Road outside The Base shopping mall.
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Whanganui protesters are now clearing the road and heading to the courthouse. Traffic is being let through.
12km-long queue: Trip into Auckland taking 54 minutes longer than usual
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Auckland's Northern Motorway remains near standstill coming into the city this morning.
Google maps shows the trip is taking more than 54 minutes longer than usual.
The queue extends more than 12 km
SH3 blocked in Whangaui
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On SH3 in Whanganui a line of trucks and other traffic is being held up by the protest.
The road is completely blocked with protesters flying flags and playing music.
Two police cars are at the scene.
A protester on Tiktok said they were walking towards the Whanganui courthouse and had plans to speak to the judge.
Update from Mahunga Drive (Māngere Bridge)
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Video / Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai
This is just the beginning, Ngāti Kahungunu says at Hastings gathering
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Ngāti Kahungunu is hurting, and a protest in Hastings is the beginning of a mobilisation that will be a “marathon”, its chairman Bayden Barber told a crowd of 300 on Tuesday morning.
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Convoy 'clears' motorway
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'Surreal' moment as the motorway looks clear of traffic, seen from Mangere Bridge.
'We will do what we have to do for our people' - Māori MPs will swear allegiance to King Charles II
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Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said the hīkoi was a message to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his government that they needed to listen to the Māori people rather than making decisions about them.
Asked about Luxon’s comments that what mattered to Māori was issues that impacted on their daily lives, such as the cost of living, health and education, Ngarewa-Packer said Luxon needed to listen to Māori more.
“How do you go off and form a coalition based on the fact that you think you know what Māori want – and [today] they come out in their thousands and tell you ‘you’ve got it so wrong.”
“What he should be doing is asking Māori what matters. Because he has refused and hasn’t done that well in the last three years and in making his decisions as a government, those with whakapapa and those who support those with whakapapa are telling him.”
She said one of the purposes of this morning’s hīkoi was to unite and send a message at the start of a government which had a range of plans that would impact on Māori.
The MPs will be sworn in this morning, taking an oath that requires them to swear allegiance to King Charles II.
Ngarewa-Packer said the Te Pāti Māori MPs would say the oath, because they owed it to their people to be sworn in and represent them.
“Our people put us here to be MPs and as revolting as I find it to to mihi to a Crown that was so treacherous and murderous to our people, colonisation isn’t something that should be celebrated – but we will do what we have to do for our people.”
However, there was also a plan afoot to take a stand on the issue as well.
“We’ve always shown – when we were refused taonga, when we weren’t allowed to assert our own tikanga – that everything’s up for a challenge. It’s got to be.
“I think our people expect that. We couldn’t change the oath but we’ve used our influence in this place to do what’s important and this [hīkoi] gives us inspiration to making sure we stick to that plan.”
She said this morning’s hīkoi around the country were predominantly to hold the line on the Treaty of Waitangi and the numbers who turned out should have sent a message to the government.
“Everything we have fought for comes under Te Tiriti. The point is protecting our rights and interests as tangata whenua. Everything else, whether it be hauora, the Māori Health Authority, the reo, the justice system, they are all part and parcel of Te Tiriti.
"What we have is a government that has allowed the review and re-writing of a critical part of how tangata Tiriti got here.”
“I think the point made was, first of all, this was a karanga to ourselves about ourselves, and being able to mobilise and come together in our various pockets of community.”
“What this says to ourselves is that we do stand in solidarity. What is says to the Government is ‘heed and watch how you are treating kaupapa Māori and our people'.”
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In Whanganui protesters are gathering near the Pūtiki roundabout to block State Highway 3.
Heavy traffic delays continue across Auckland
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Waka Kotahi has given an update on which roads are still blocked or heavily delayed around Auckland due to the protests.
Carkoi going past Waterview, Auckland
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Video / Michael Craig
Commuter describes edging past protesters
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A motorist on Auckland's Northern Motorway described edging past protesters in his vehicle to avoid rolling blockades.
Around 30 cars were at a stand still and creating a blockade along Greville Rd on the motorway coming into the city.
A commuter heading to work said there was a heavy police presence.
“We tried to get past all the protesters so we edged past them,” he said.
“It was quite peaceful. People were waving Māori flags out their windows.”
He said Police were taking photos of car license plates of those involved in the blockade.
Waikato Expressway re-opens
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The Waikato Expressway at Rangiriri has now re-opened after being fully closed for 20 minutes due to the protests.
Current travel times from Constellation Drive on-ramp on the Northern Motorway
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A spokesperson with NZTA said she understood the protesters from the North Shore all the way down to Hamilton are planning to meet at the Harbour Bridge.
'A lot of support here today': Lady Tureiti Moxon on the protest turnout in Kirikiriroa
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Video / Supplied
Protesters in some locations start to disperse
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Protesters in some locations across New Zealand have started to disperse, following large gatherings this morning.
In Tāmaki Makaurau, police are continuing to monitor groups in various locations across the motorway network.
While there has been traffic disruption, the protests have been peaceful and there have been no arrests.
There may continue to be delays for motorists as traffic congestion clears.
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The spirits are high in Mangere Bridge, the protest is scheduled to wrap up by 9, but looks like everyone is enjoying the music and beeps.
No police presence at the scene.
Protesters waving flags through Waterview
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The convoy going through Waterview
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The convoy going through Waterview, Auckland.
Video / Michael Craig
No significant impact to road network at this stage
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A Waka Kotahi spokesperson said the protest activity is not making a significant impact on the road network at this stage.
"NZ Police is leading the operational planning and response to the protest activity, which has the potential to cause significant congestion, disruption and delays on key highways and arterial routes in Auckland, Waikato, Tauranga and Wellington and other smaller centres," the spokesperson said.
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Speaking to people gathered at Pākaitore, Ken Mair says action will be taken to either block the main highway in Whanganui or ask the Whanganui court to not hold hearings today.
“You will no longer carry on locking up our people.”
He says protests will remain passive and non-violent.
Hundreds gathered outside Parliament in Wellington
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A convoy of very slow driving protesters is just now approaching Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Traffic delays across Auckland
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Approximate length of delays as of 8.15am, compared to a regular Tuesday morning at the same time:
Bombay to Tauranga – 37 minutes longer than usual
Pokeno to Drury – 34 minutes longer than usual
Bombay to Manakau – 29 minutes longer than usual
SH18 Squadron Drive to Hobsonville – 24 minutes longer than usual
Albany to Queen St – 18 minutes longer than usual
Westgate to Henderson – 17 minutes longer than usual
Source: Waka Kotahi
The hīkoi approaching St Luke’s junction in Auckland
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Protester on Mangere Bridge, Auckland.
The Whangārei protest has wrapped up
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The Whangārei protest has wrapped up, allowing people to go to work or school.
At its height, an estimated 800 people took part in the hīkoi, causing some minor disruption for motorists.
Matua Ross Smith said Māori are here to stay and will continue to let their voice be heard.
'Hands off my mokopuna': Protesters block Waikato Expressway
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Protesters have blocked the Waikato Expressway at Rangiriri, brandishing signs reading "Hands off my mokopuna".
Videos and photos posted to social media by Waikato MP Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke shows a car barricade has stalled the highway while protesters and their signs stand on the hills alongside.
Hundreds gather in Whanganui
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More than 100 people have gathered at Pākaitore in Whanganui this morning.
Iwi leader Ken Mair said hundreds of people attended a protest at the reserve last night.
There are Tino Rangatiratanga flags flying and a marquee set up for the protest.
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Debbie Ngarewa-Packer tells the group at Parliament to 'hold the line'
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Debbie Ngarewa-Packer tells the group at Parliament to “hold the line.”
She says her mokopuna will never be second-class citizens in their own land.
She also has a jab at NZ First MP Shane Jones, saying he had accused them of playing the victim.
“Is anyone here playing the victim?”
“No,” they shout back.
'If they’re gonna come for us, we’re not gonna stand for it'
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Manawa Udy (43) Te Arawa, Tainui and Mataatua is at the protest in Mangere.
“We’ve fought so hard and so long to have our own rights in our country, and this one f***ing government wants to come and take us back in to the dark ages," she says.
“It doesn’t need to be that way, why can’t we all just get along and be allowed to be who we are.
”If they’re gonna come for us with our people that are going to impact our people, we’re not gonna stand for it.
"If they’re going to be aggravators then so are we.
“Today was about solidarity.”
Police provide update: Heavy traffic delays across Auckland
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Police are advising commuters to allow additional time to reach their destinations this morning.
A number of planned protests are now under way in various locations across New Zealand.
There are large gatherings in Tāmaki Makaurau and central Wellington, along with a number of other cities and towns.
As expected, some of the gatherings are impacting on traffic across our roading networks.
Auckland motorists are advised there are heavy delays on parts of the motorway network this morning.
Police are monitoring heavy traffic heading northbound on State Highway 1 south of Ramarama.
Meanwhile, out west there is also heavy traffic heading city bound on State Highway 16 near Royal Road.
Delays are also expected on the Upper Harbour Highway ahead of the connection with State Highway 16.
There have been no arrests so far.
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A commuter stuck in the chaos on State Highway 1 in Albany this morning said the protesters are lining up their vehicles along the motorway and parking up with their blinkers on.
“I've got, like, a barricade in front of me, barricades behind me and they're just lining up and just stopping traffic from going,” she said.
“It's crazy.”
Protests spread to the South Island
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The Te Pāti Māori protests have also spread across the Cook Strait into the South Island.
A small gathering is currently underway in Nelson while a hīkoi is planned to meet at Christchurch's Bridge of Remembrance at 5.30pm.
Australian tourist explains why she joined the protest
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Australian tourist Amber Hamil heard Lady Tureiti Moxon on the radio and decided to support the protest in Hamilton.
"I'm a guest under the provisions of the Treaty. If it weren't for Te Tiriti, I don't feel like I would have a place here," she said.
Video / Supplied
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Hundreds gather in Rotorua to protest “anti-Māori” policies
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Hundreds of protestors are marching in Rotorua this morning as part of Te Pāti Māori calls for nationwide action in response to the Government’s “assault on tangata whenua and Te Tiriti o Waitangi”.
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Protesters on Mangere Bridge in Auckland.
Organisers expected 30 people in Whangārei, 600 showed up
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Police have had to block parts of the road in Whangārei as the hīkoi moves through, after an estimated 600 people took part.
Organisers were originally expecting just 30, which could’ve kept to the footpath.
Protesters gather outside Parliament in Wellington
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Protesters assembled at Mangere Bridge, Auckland.
Protesters in Wellington enter Parliament grounds
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Non-Māori join the protest: 'It's about solidarity, a better Aotearoa'
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Abby (left) and Jo, who aren’t Māori, are in Mangere to show their support and solidarity for Māori and the treaty.
Abby says: "I didn’t learn about the treaty until my 30s, I don’t have to feel insecure about fitting here anymore, I work in architecture, and architecture and colonisation are like two fingers crossed together, always building on someone’s land.”
Jo said the protest is "about solidarity, a better Aotearoa”.
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Actor and singer Awhimai Fraser and her partner James Tito, former Shortland Street actor, are in Mangere to support the protest.
“I’m here today for our mokopuna, I’m here to represent my whanau and I tautoko the kaupapa, and the importance of honouring the te tiriti and this whenua," says Awhimai.
Gridlock on Auckland's motorway network
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Gridlocked sections across Auckland's motorway network.
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The group has just entered the grounds of parliament.
'Racism won't win': More than 1000 people marching towards Parliament
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More than a thousand protesters in Wellington are now marching to Parliament.
They'd gathered above State Highway One's Terrace Tunnel, holding signs like "Honour the Treaty" and "Racism Won't Win".
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi briefly addressed the crowd, which included young demonstrator Tessa.
She says she wanted to show up, add to the numbers and make a point on the first day of Parliament that Māori aren't going to be quiet - and they're going to fight for their rights.
Hobsonville convoy heads into the city
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There are police officers manning the protest point in Hobsonville, as the convoy leaves towards the city.
Police cars are also posted at a nearby roundabout.
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More than 1000 Wellington protesters to march to Parliament
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More than 1000 protesters in Wellington will be marching to Parliament.
The protesters on Aurora Bridge have stayed off the road and caused little disruption, but will now be marching on foot to Parliament.
Hastings crowd grows to roughly 300 people
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A draped in a Palestinian flag leads a call to action.
The crowd in Hastings has grown to roughly 300 people.
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Pākeha Bryan Bevege supporting the protest in Hamilton, says he does not want to see the treaty undermined.
Video / Joseph Lose
Hundreds begin marching in Whangārei
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There are so many people marching in Whangārei - an estimated 600 - they are struggling to keep to the footpath.
A few police officers on foot are helping to keep people safe by directing them back to the footpath.
Motorists are being slowed but most are tooting in support.
'They are eating away at our equity': Crowd of 500 gathers in Tauranga
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A crowd of about 500 iwi members and supporters have met at Whareroa Reserve aiming to hinder traffic on Hewletts Rd/State Highway 2, a major commuter and freight route in Tauranga.
Many are carrying Māori flags and there are many children and kaumatua.
Whare Hika, who is carrying a Māori flag, said it was important he was here today because in his view the Government was trying to marginalise the Māori language, tikanga and values.
Kaya Waiariki, who is matching with her tamariki, said she felt it was important to do so for the future generations.
Sue Elliot, who is an iwi partnership board member, said the government was taking away the public health initiatives.
“They are eating away at our equity.”
Motorists are tooting and waving and one man yelled from his window “too much, bro” as the crowd walked towards a nearby Bunnings Warehouse where the hīkoi will officially start.
'My challenge is to the government now come out' - Rawiri Waititi
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Around 300 people have gathered on Aurora Terrace Bridge in Wellington this morning with Te Pāti Co-leader Rawiri Waititi.
“This is not a protest but an activation,” Waititi said.
Today is an opportunity for everyone to come together to ensure a progressive future for Aotearoa, he said.
Waititi responded to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s comments on the protest.
“My challenge is to the government now come out. We have an opportunity to bridge the gap.
“We will not be silenced or subjected and we stand here in solidarity.”
Update from Bombay
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All of those involved in the convoy appear to have now left Bombay.
There is congestion for traffic at the food and fuel service centre on Mill Rd as traffic earlier stopped to allow the convoy underway begins to clear.
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Protesters wave flags at traffic in Hamilton, motorists toot in support. Video / Joseph Lose
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Crowd gathers in Hastings
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Ngāti Kahungunu chairman Bayden Barber addresses a 200-strong at the Hastings Clocktower in Hastings.
Former Minister for Māori Development Tau Henare joins protest
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Former Minister for Māori Development Tau Henare has joined protesters at Hobsonville this morning.
He told TVNZ’s Breakfast he was there because of a “myriad” of the new government's policies, including the disbandment of the Māori Health Authority and the “attack on the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi which have been here for many, many years”.
“It’s no wonder people around the motu are disappointed, are dismayed."
To those who were responding negatively to the protest, his message was one of “hope for the future”.
“If you want to be part of a truly cross-cultural nation, then have a check about what you’re seeing in front of you this morning. It’s only the first day of a three-year action campaign.”
He thanked Te Pāti Māori for what they were doing for Māori and the whole nation.
“We might have our political differences along the road but this country is about unity, not about Māori having to be on the back foot.
“All you need to do is look at the statistics, the health system, the education statistics - and not once - and that include the government that I was in - did we make a dent in those poorest statistics.”
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Traffic is at a standstill on Hobsonville Rd, West Auckland.
The protest meeting point in the area is at the Washworld Pod on the same road.
Convoy leaves Bombay
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Farewells as the convoy gets underway at Bombay.
Hundreds of protesters gather in Wellington
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Hundreds of protesters have flocked to the Aurora Terrace Bridge in Wellington.
The group is waving signs above State Highway 1, with lots of motorists tooting their support.
Crowd gathers in Rotorua
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Vanessa Paraki (left) and Taniko Rangihau are among those holding signs in Rotorua.
Police highly visible on roading networks as protests get underway
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Police are highly visible on the roading network as a number of planned protests get under way this morning.
Motorists should expect delays and plan their travel accordingly.
Police will be proactively issuing updates throughout the morning.
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Kahu who’s been to many protests since 1984 standing here, with so much emotion and mana, thinking of her grandchildren and all her ancestors who have gone before her.
“I’ve been here since 1984 and to many protests.”
Whangārei organiser says turnout 'much greater than expected'
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Whangārei organiser Te Hiwi Preston said the turnout is much greater than expected.
He said the march was about, instead of pledging allegiance to the King, pledging allegiance to mokopuna.
There are now about 400 people gathered, including a number of children.
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Protesters at The Base in Hamilton.
Bombay convoy begins to head north on SH1
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The convoy is heading north on SH1.
Protesters gather in Albany, Auckland
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A crowd of around 100 people have gathered in Albany.
They’re about to head onto the motorway.
Te Pati Māori treasurer and secretary Lane Norman says: “It’ll create some economic hardship and it’ll annoy a lot of people and we’re sorry for that. But it might get the government to reflect, and have a positive conversation and look at how we might enhance our country and enhance our relationships between Māori and non Māori.”
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At least 50 or so people gathered at Mangere Bridge as part of the nationwide protest.
Dave Letele tells Bombay crowd to 'keep it peaceful'
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Dave Letele is telling the crowd:. “Do not give anyone a reason to say ‘these bloody Maoris’. Keep it peaceful and keep it respectful.”
“Please do not get out of your waka. If you want to haka, do it in your waka”, another organiser told the crowd.
Crowd gathers in Hamilton
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People begin to gather at The Base in Hamilton.
Hundreds gather in Whangārei
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There are at least 300 people gathered in Whangārei, ready to start marching at about 7.30am.
Crowd gathers on Mangere Bridge
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Johannah Rawiri (39) Ngāti Paoa, Whanaunga, Tamaoho, Ngai Tai Ki Tāmaki says “This is WOKE”.
“This could be a game changer for our people, the reason why we are protesting is to fend for mana motuhake (sovereignty)."
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Motorists reported “slow-moving” protesters in their cars crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge, creating a traffic backlog.
A commuter stuck in the chaos on State Highway 1 in Albany this morning said the protesters lined up along the motorway, parking with their indicators on.
”I’ve got, like a barricade in front of me, barricades behind me and they’re just lining up and just stopping traffic from going. It’s crazy.”
The mass nationwide protests were planned against Government policies labelled “anti-Māori” and signalled by Te Pāti Māori as possibly one of many this parliamentary term.
Police said earlier they were continuing to monitor groups in various locations across the motorway network.
“While there has been traffic disruption, the protests have been peaceful and there have been no arrests. There may continue to be delays for motorists as traffic congestion clears.”
At Rangiriri, protesters brandished signs reading “Hands off my mokopuna”. Videos and photos posted to social media by Waikato MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke showed a car barricade had stalled the Waikato Expressway while protesters and their signs stood on the hills alongside. It was closed for about 20 minutes.
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi led protesters on a march to Parliament. They gathered above the Terrace Tunnel on State Highway 1, holding signs with slogans such as “Honour the Treaty” and “Racism Won’t Win”.
Waititi briefly addressed the crowd, which included young demonstrator Tessa, who said she wanted to show up on the first day of Parliament and make a point that Māori were not going to be quiet – they were going to fight for their rights.
Ngarewa-Packer told the group to “hold the line”. She said her mokopuna would never be second-class citizens in their own land.
She also had a jab at NZ First MP Shane Jones, saying he had accused the party of playing the victim. “Is anyone here playing the victim?” “No” they shouted back.
In Auckland, Dave Letele, aka the “Brown Buttabean”, joined others at the BP Bombay and warned the crowd: “Do not give anyone a reason to say ‘these bloody Māori’. Keep it peaceful and keep it respectful.”
Another organiser told the crowd: “Please do not get out of your waka. If you want to haka, do it in your waka.”
Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere and former Minister for Māori Development Tau Henare joined protesters at Hobsonville.
Another protester at Bombay, Te Huia Taylor, of Papakura, said the main reason she attended was “about ensuring that Te Tiriti is upheld in the next three years”.
“There have been multiple people with the expertise required to determine what Te Tiriti means for New Zealand and the current Government is choosing to ignore that.
“And the policies ... they’ve put out has influenced a change in attitude that we’ve felt already in New Zealand.”
Warning of a ‘real economic imposition’
If this morning’s protests happened again, they would prove “a real economic imposition”, Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Simon Bridges said.
“I am sure, at a level, the protests would have had an economic effect but just once is an inconvenience.
“The issue is if we see a lot more of this over time, a rolling maul if you will.”
Given heavy traffic already hampered productivity and efficiency businesses, further protests would exacerbate the issue.
“Hopefully, the politicians can sort things out, so protests don’t become yet another part of this mix, making Auckland an even harder place to get around and do business in,” Bridges said.
Why are they protesting?
The protest was planned in response to the Act party’s bid to redefine Treaty principles, the planned scrapping of the Māori Health Authority, Oranga Tamariki policies, and the repealing of smokefree laws.
Many in Māoridom have been wary and critical of the new Government, with calls from Whanganui iwi leaders Dame Tariana Turia and Ken Mair this month for a national gathering of Māori leadership to raise concerns.
Ngarewa-Packer said in front of Parliament this morning that the hīkoi was a message to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Government that they needed to listen to Māori rather than making decisions about them.
Luxon said his Government was committed to improving outcomes for Māori and he wanted iwi to understand that.
MPs were sworn in this morning, taking an oath requiring them to swear allegiance to King Charles III. Ngarewa-Packer said Te Pāti Māori MPs would say the oath because they owed it to their people to be sworn in and represent them.
”Our people put us here to be MPs and, as revolting as I find it to mihi to a Crown that was so treacherous and murderous to our people, colonisation isn’t something that should be celebrated – but we will do what we have to do for our people.”
A party spokesperson told teaonews.co.nz it was “just the start” of a series of protests over the next three years.
Party secretary Lance Norman said the protest aimed to “send a clear message to [the] Government ... that we are not happy, [a] response to the National, Act and NZ First coalition’s policies around Te Tiriti o Waitangi”, among other grievances.
The disruption of “potentially thousands of vehicles [in] convoys heading into the city centre” would “likely cause millions of dollars in lost productivity”, he said.
“We understand a lot of people will be unhappy, but we have been talking nicely to this Government, so this is the reaction.”
Norman said the party had spoken with police while “facilitating” the protests and he expected police to “make sure there is no rule-breaking”.
“In New Zealand, we have the right to peaceful protest. The key message is: We have a Treaty that says we are a partner. For the first 140 years, it did not go so well. [Over] the last 40 years we have had some good wins – now this new Government wants to take it all away.”
He said plans for a protest came from iwi leaders and Māori service providers meeting soon after the formation of the new Government. Tuesday’s protests were planned on Sunday evening.
Work from home
Police said this morning they were “highly visible” on the roads as the protests began.
“Police recognise the right to peaceful protest and will be reminding protesters about lawful behaviour on our roads. Motorists should expect delays and plan their travel accordingly. Police will be proactively issuing updates throughout the morning.”
Earlier they told motorists to try to avoid disruptions by travelling earlier or later than planned, taking public transport, or working from home.
The Automobile Association (AA) warned motorists to be extra vigilant, with the potential for pedestrians on roads, and slow-moving traffic likely to create major delays.
Martin Glynn, the AA’s policy director on motoring affairs, told the Herald people should monitor news websites and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s updates throughout the morning.
“And just be prepared, psychologically, if you have to travel at the time, for the potential for longer delays. Anyone who’s not planning on essential travel, we suggest they consider not travelling, that’s out of caution.
“It’s not that we’re saying, ‘You’re going to get caught in a two-hour traffic jam or worse,’ because that we don’t know. But if people have that flexibility, [avoiding travel] is something they should consider.”
Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport also urged people to plan and make use of the transport entities’ online journey planners.
The NX1 and NX2 Northern Express bus services, along with the WX1 Western Express, could face “significant” disruptions in particular.
PM advocates respect
Speaking yesterday afternoon on the expected disruption, the Prime Minister said everyone was entitled to the right to protest and he encouraged people taking part to be respectful and lawful.
Luxon said his Government was “deeply” committed to improving outcomes for Māori, many of which he claimed had gone backwards under the previous Government.
He said the coalition had been in Government for only a week and he wanted iwi to understand it was deeply committed to Māori.
Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.