Black Lives Matter rally, Super Rugby and mall opening prompt Auckland road closures

Thursday, 11 June 2020

Road closures and bus diversions will be in place from midday on Sunday to accommodate for Auckland's second Black Lives Matter protest down Queen St.

Multiple road closures and public transport disruptions are anticipated for Auckland CBD on Sunday as three big events take place.

A Black Lives Matter protest down Queen St and the opening weekend of the new Commercial Bay mall are expected to cause woes for those travelling in and around the city from midday on Sunday, according to Auckland Transport.

It will be Auckland's second Black Lives Matter protest against racism following one of the largest demonstrations seen in the city in several years, on June 1.

It is also the first weekend shoppers can explore 120 new stores at the $1 billion Commercial Bay shopping precinct, following its official opening on Thursday.

Auckland Transport expects the CBD to be busy on Sunday following shopping precinct Commercial Bay's official opening on Thursday.

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Queen St is mostly affected, with closures between Wakefield St and Customs St. Customs St will also be closed between Lower Albert St and Commerce St.

Bus services, including the City Link, Inner link and NX1, will be diverted around the events.

Beauden Barrett has had plenty of time to think about his Blues debut against the Hurricanes, the team he played 125 games for, ahead of Sunday's game.

A full list of diverted services can be found on the Auckland Transport website.

Road closures and public transport disruptions are expected to last until about 5pm.

Crowds heading to and from a Super Rugby game at Eden Park are also expected to cause delays, with travel on trains and buses included with tickets.

The game will mark All Black Beauden Barrett's Blues debut against his former team the Hurricanes.

'A big crowd is expected for this first post-lockdown game in Auckland so there will be delays because of the large numbers,' Auckland Transport media manager Mark Hannan said.

'If you're heading to the game by bus try to avoid the central city and travel early.'