Hikoi - North Island
Police have established a Major Operations Centre (MOC) to provide oversight of the Police response to the upcoming hīkoi from Northland to Wellington.
The MOC, based at Police National Headquarters in Wellington, is providing logistical, resource and communication support to all districts along the hīkoi route.
Major Operations Director Superintendent Kelly Ryan says Police have been engaged with hīkoi organisers for many weeks.
“Our discussions with organisers to date have been positive and we expect the hīkoi to be conducted in a peaceful and lawful manner,” she says.
The hīkoi is expected to leave Northland today (Monday 11 November) and travel to Wellington, arriving at Parliament between Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 November.
“We’ve planned for large numbers to join the hīkoi, with disruption likely to some roads, including highways and main streets along the route,” Superintendent Ryan says.
“The MOC will support our frontline, district-based staff with the management of people, vehicles and activities, while also maintaining central oversight.
“We will continue to co-ordinate with iwi leaders and our partners across government to ensure public safety and minimal disruption to people going about their daily routine.
“We’re also well connected with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and local councils to ensure road users have up-to-date information and can plan accordingly.
“The MOC will remain in place while the hīkoi is in Wellington and as participants make their way back home safely.”
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
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Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.