Police are looking to take enforcement action after protesters on foot entered Auckland’s motorway network today without notice.
The protest involved Brian Tamaki’s “Make New Zealand Great Again” highway convoy, which is against flying flags other than New Zealand’s.
It travelled up the motorway to Auckland Domain and at one stage blocked State Highway 1’s northbound lanes near Bombay.
Others joined them by exiting vehicles, Acting Assistant Commissioner Naila Hassan said.
“Police acknowledge the right to protest, however will take action when that activity becomes unlawful, impinges on others’ freedom of movement, causes significant disruption and places others at risk.”
Hassan said police were told about the planned vehicle protest and were monitoring it but weren’t aware of plans for protesters to be on the motorway on foot.
“A permit for this activity had not been sought and as such, there were no traffic management plans in place in order to keep the wider public safe.
“It has subsequently become quite clear that this is what organisers had planned, and there is simply no excuse for putting other road users at risk,” Hassan said.
“This behaviour was reckless, unlawful and extremely irresponsible.”
Hassan said the “unexpected activity” caused disruption for thousands of people who hadn’t been able to plan for delays or take alternate routes.
“We want to acknowledge everyone who exercised patience on the roads today — we know how disruptive this would have been to your day.
“We will be following up with organisers and those involved, and taking appropriate action wherever possible.”
