New Zealand: Countrywide Māori protests planned August 6

Event

Māori groups are calling for a countrywide day of action on Tuesday, August 6, to protest plans to build a housing project on sacred land known as Ihumātao in the south of Auckland. Organizers have called for a rally in Auckland at 810 Great South Road at 07:30 (local time). Activists are also planning to demonstrate outside Parliament in Wellington at 12:00, and in Dunedin at 84 Albany Street at 11:00. Further protests are possible in the coming days and weeks.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are possible. Clashes between police forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Several thousand people protested in Auckland on July 30 against plans to build a housing project on land considered sacred to the Māori people. Local media outlets reported that police clashed with protesters, leading to several arrests. Activists have been holding a peaceful sit-in at the site since July 25.

Advice

Individuals in New Zealand are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities