Traffic stopped as Tauranga residents marched through the city centre yesterday.
The rally aimed to highlight concerns at a loss of democracy in New Zealand. It was one of several marches held around the country yesterday at 2pm.
Rally leader Noel Peterson said the Government had bulldozed its way to change laws without consulting the public.
The event was about making sure opposing voices were heard, he said. "We don't get to say what we want to say on things. They're just done. It's time we ... took a stand."
Despite placards and a megaphone, the event was not a protest but a "demo for democracy" Mr Peterson said.