11 Nov 2024 | 10:08 AM UTC
New Zealand: Maori activists staging vehicular convoys, protest marches in multiple cities nationwide through Nov. 19
Maori activists stage protests across New Zealand through Nov. 19. Increased security likely.
Maori activists are staging a series of demonstrations through Nov. 19 consisting of vehicular convoys, protest marches, and rallies as they travel across the country to protest the Treaty Principles Bill. On North Island, demonstrators will stage protests while travelling between the following cities and towns:
Nov. 12: Whangarei, Dargaville, Auckland
Nov. 13: Auckland
Nov. 14: Huntly, Hamilton, and Rotorua
Nov. 15: Rotorua and Hastings
Nov. 16: Hastings and Palmerston North
Nov. 17: Palmerston North and Porirua
Nov. 18: Porirua
Nov. 19: Activists will gather at Waitangi Park ahead of a rally at Parliament House, Wellington.
Specific details and timings of actions are unavailable as organizers typically release protest details at short notice. On South Island, activists will stage the following rallies separately:
Nov. 12: Rally at the Octagon, Dunedin 12:00-13:00
Nov. 13: March through Remembrance Bridge, Cashel Street, and City Centre in Christchurch, 12:00-13:00
Nov. 14: Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson 12:00-13:00
Nov. 17: Convoy from Invercargill to Christchurch 12:00-20:00
Nov. 18: Convoy from Christchurch from 06:00 with planned stops in Kaikoura 08:30 and Picton 12:00, before taking the ferry and arriving in Wellington 18:00
The largest gathering is likely in Wellington Nov. 19, with thousands of protesters likely to join the action; hundreds to thousands of people could join other rallies.
Security personnel will almost certainly deploy to announced protest sites and convoy and march routes. Significant traffic disruptions and business disruptions are likely along the routes of protest marches and vehicle convoys. The largest impact is likely in major cities, especially Wellington, particularly on highways and arterial routes. Bus services on impacted routes in Wellington will likely face delays. While gatherings will probably pass peacefully, clashes are possible, especially if police attempt to forcibly disperse protesters and reopen roadways.
Avoid protests as a precaution. Plan for likely significant transport and business disruptions in Wellington Nov. 19. Seek updated information on planned protests and transport disruptions if travelling via impacted areas; Use alternative routes to circumvent known gathering locations and allow additional time to reach destinations near impacted areas. Heed all official security and transport advisories.
