Crowds gather for nationwide hīkoi

Traffic in the city calmed down significantly as crowds began to gather for the national day of action.

Earlier, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said there was “slow traffic” on State Highway 1, both north and south.

However, traffic seemed to be moving normally.

Te Pāti Māori and others associated with the Toitū Te Tiriti (Treaty Respect) movement called for strikes following last year’s National Māori Day of Action.

Organizers have called on all Māori and Tangata Tiriti to go on strike and protest against the Coalition Government’s policies affecting Māori ahead of the 2024 budget.

Many hīkoi were predicted to cause major traffic disruptions across the country.

Easing traffic in Auckland

NZTA said Auckland’s North West Motorway was now clear of slow-moving traffic, but added drivers should allow extra time for delays in the city as traffic calms down.

Auckland Airport earlier warned travelers to be aware of the possibility that National Day of Action hīkoi could impact roads.

“Planned protests are expected on highways across Auckland, as well as disruption across the entire Auckland urban road network. Please plan ahead.”

In response to the planned actions, police said officers would be highly visible on the roads throughout the morning.

Yesterday, police said a gathering was planned at Aotea Square from 11am.

About 700 Hamilton protests

About 700 people gathered at Kirikiriroa Marae to set off from Hamilton for the hīkoi.

Speaking to Breakfast, Māori activist and father of Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke said he had seen people from all walks of life join the cause.

“I think it’s (about people) expressing themselves however they can, wherever they can.

“Whether they’re at work, talking to colleagues, it’s just about educating people that being Māori is great, being Māori is part of this land and there’s nothing wrong with expressing Māoritanga.

“That’s what I’m trying to say: promote conversation.”

Tauranga protest gathers on Whareroa Reserve

A large crowd gathered at the Whareroa Reserve in Tauranga.

This morning, a Tauranga resident said there was a “large police presence” on Totara Street.

“Traffic is backed up on Hewletts Road.”

According to Google Maps, there was heavy traffic on many key roads in Tauranga.

A large crowd gathers at Kaitāia

In Kaitāia, a large crowd gathered for a nationwide hikoi.

Protests were planned for yesterday from as far north as Dunedin, each with its own organizer.

The Wellington hīkoi was expected to reach Parliament by 12:00.