The protest movement saw significant delays across the Auckland roading network this morning.
Police estimated a crowd of about 5000 while others say it could’ve reached more than 10,000 people, causing gridlock in both directions.
The hīkoi split into two groups, one making for Ihumātao near Auckland International Airport and the other to Bastion Point above Mission Bay.
Tamaki Drive was closed for marchers to walk from Okahu Bay to Bastion Point. It reopened about 2pm.
At noon, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said bridge lanes had opened in both directions and the previously blocked Curran St northbound on-ramp and Shelley Beach Rd southbound off-ramp would reopen shortly.
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“Allow extra time as delays northbound through the area slowly ease,” NZTA said.
During this morning’s rush hour, the bridge was operating with all four lanes in either direction but NZTA warned two northbound lanes would be closed later on.
The group is protesting Government policies affecting Māori — including the contentious Treaty Principles Bill.
The Treaty Principles Bill, advocated for by the Act Party, seeks to clarify the principles of the Treaty.
While National opposed the policy during the election campaign, the party agreed during coalition negotiations to support the legislation to a select committee. Luxon has said National will not back the bill past its first reading.
The Waitangi Tribunal last week said the Treaty Principles Bill would be “the worst, most comprehensive breach of the Treaty/Te Tiriti in modern times”.
Thousands of protesters gathered at Te Kamaka Marae on the North Shore last night ahead of this morning’s mass hīkoi.
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi could be seen welcoming people into the marae.
Auckland motorists were fuming last night about the “deliberate disruption”.
One questioned why police were allowing protesters to march across the harbour bridge during rush hour, saying authorities were “failing the vast majority of the public” to accommodate a group of “disaffected” demonstrators.
Police major operations director Superintendent Kelly Ryan said police were continuing to work closely with Hīkoi mō te Tiriti organisers to ensure the event remains peaceful and people remain safe.
Acting Mayor Desley Simpson said she supported the message to Aucklanders to plan ahead for their travel.
“Traffic disruption is expected across the city. I am very conscious it’s exam time for many students so please ensure you leave plenty of time to travel to and from exams,” she said.
“If you are using public transport please check AT’s journey planner and if you are driving, real-time information can be found on NZTA’s journey planner.”
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