New Zealand: The Maori Party plan to stage nationwide protests, strike May 30

The Maori Party has called for a nationwide work stoppage and protests across New Zealand May 30. The purpose of the action is to denounce government policies that allegedly impact the rights of indigenous people, as the Minister of Finance presents the Budget to Parliament on May 30. Participation in the labor walkout is unclear. Organizers have confirmed protest plans across the nation, including in the following cities:

• Auckland: Aotea Square, 11:00

• Christchurch: Bridge of Remembrance, 11:00

• Dunedin: Queens Garden from 12:00

• Hamilton: Kirikiriroa Marae from 07:30

• Hastings: Clock Tower from 07:00

• Invercargill: 101 Esk Street, 10:00

• Nelson: Christ Church Cathedral from 12:30

• New Plymouth: Puke Ariki Landing, 12:00

• Palmerston North: Te Marae o Hine from 07:15

• Rotorua:

  • Intersection of Bennetts and Lake roads from 07:00

  • Intersection of Old Taupo Road and Pukuatua Street from 07:00

  • Intersection of Fenton and Amohau streets from 07:00

  • Intersection of Sala Street and Te Ngae Road 07:00

• Tauranga: Whareroa Reserve from 08:00

• Taupo: Lake Terrace from 08:00

• Wellington: March from Wellington Station to Parliament House, 12:00

Most of the gathering sites are situated on North Island. Protests in Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, and Wellington will likely attract the largest crowds of up to a few thousand participants. Attendance at other demonstrations will probably vary by location.

Protesters are also expected to conduct vehicular convoy demonstrations nationwide during morning rush hour around from 06:30. The largest convoy is likely in Auckland, where hundreds of vehicles will likely join convoys from four starting points in Auckland before converging on Aotea Square at 11:00.

Security personnel will almost certainly deploy to announced protest sites. Significant traffic disruptions are likely along the routes of protest marches and vehicle convoys. The largest impact is likely in major urban centres such as Auckland, particularly on highways and arterial routes.

Bus services on impacted routes will likely face delays. While gatherings will probably pass peacefully, clashes are possible, especially if police attempt to forcibly disperse protesters and reopen roadways.