Protesters who stormed Auckland's CBD for five hours and shut down on-ramps to the motorway believe they achieved their goal of total disruption and had their voices heard.
One of the activist groups estimated about 15,000 people joined the multi-faceted action against the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, while police put the number at more than 5000. Organisers said the turnout exceeded expectations given it was a weekday and it was during a strike by bus drivers.
Activist and former Green MP Sue Bradford was among the Real Choice group that blockaded several access points to State Highway 1. Social media, the mainstream media and email networks were all to thank for the turnout, as well as the different protest options of the march down Queen St, rallying at Sky City and blocking motorway exits, she said.
"It showed the strength of feeling people have across Maori, Pakeha, young and old, students, workers and beneficiaries all coming out.
"It was such provocation that John Key invited those ministers to sign the TPP here in Auckland ... also the day before everything starts at Waitangi with all the issues surrounding the treaty and the agreement."