Police are preparing to respond to large public gatherings around the country tomorrow – May 30 – following a call from Te Pati Maori (the Maori Party) for a strike in protest against the coalition Government.
Botany MP and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon yesterday labelled the call for a mass strike illegal and he’s repeatedly rejected the assertion his Government’s policies are harmful to Maori.
The Government is set to deliver its first Budget tomorrow.
The ‘Toitu Te Tiriti Nationwide Activation’ is being promoted on Te Pati Maori’s Facebook page with an image of two old-style firearms as well as the New Zealand and national Maori flags.
People who take part in the day of protest are expected to drive slowly in large convoys of vehicles on various roads around the country to disrupt the flow of traffic at peak times.
The motivation for the protest is “demonstrating a unified Aotearoa response to the Government’s assault on Tangata Whenua Te Tiriti o Waitangi”, “demonstrating the might of Tangata Whenua Tangata Tiriti working together”, and “asserting the mana of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as enduring and everlasting”.
Te Pati Maori is also asking all Maori to skip work on Thursday to take part in a hikoi near them “to prove the might of our economy by disconnecting entirely from it”.
People joining the protest are expected to gather at spots close to motorway on-ramps at 6.30am that day.
In Auckland the protests are expected to be held at locations including a Z fuel station in south Auckland, the BP in Hobsonville, the Palmers Albany Garden Centre, and at Aotea Square in the CBD.
Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson says police are preparing for planned hikoi and public gatherings in various locations around the country tomorrow.
Hikoi travel is scheduled to take place from 6.30am and is likely to disrupt traffic in a number of areas through the morning.
“Officers will be highly visible across the roading network throughout the morning and, in some locations, will put measures in place to prevent participants putting themselves and motorists in harm’s way.
“We are aware gatherings are planned for Aotea Square in Auckland City from 11am and Parliament grounds in Wellington from 12pm which are expected to continue in to the afternoon.
“Police are working with organisers to provide advice on lawful behaviour on our roads and public places, as well as any health and safety implications.
“Motorists in areas likely to be affected are advised to plan ahead to mitigate any disruption to their travel.
“Anyone travelling for time-sensitive commitments are advised to allow more time for their journey. Police recognise the right to peaceful protest.
“Unlawful behaviour will result in enforcement action, either at the time or following the event if safety issues prevent immediate action.”
