East Auckland commuters using the motorway in the next week can expect to experience traffic disruption due to a planned hīkoi travelling from Northland to Parliament in Wellington.
Police say they’ve established a major operations centre (MOC) to respond to provide oversight of their response to the upcoming event, which is being staged in protest of the ACT Party’s Bill on the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
The centre is based at police national headquarters in Wellington and is providing logistical, resource, and communication support to all districts along the hīkoi route.
Major operations director, Superintendent Kelly Ryan, says police have been engaged with hīkoi organisers for many weeks.
“Our discussions with organisers to date have been positive and we expect the hīkoi to be conducted in a peaceful and lawful manner,” she says.
The hīkoi is expected to leave Northland on November 11 and travel to Wellington, arriving at Parliament between November 18 and 19.
“We’ve planned for large numbers to join the hīkoi, with disruption likely to some roads, including highways and main streets along the route,” Ryan says.
“The MOC will support our frontline, district-based staff with the management of people, vehicles and activities, while also maintaining central oversight.
“We’ll continue to co-ordinate with iwi leaders and our partners across government to ensure public safety and minimal disruption to people going about their daily routine.
“We’re also well connected with Waka Kotahi/NZTA and local councils to ensure road users have up-to-date information and can plan accordingly.
“The MOC will remain in place while the hīkoi is in Wellington and as participants make their way back home safely.”
