Brian Tamaki says Destiny will cross harbour bridge, major police operation planned.
Video / Ryan Bridge Today
Auckland’s transport network is expected to be crippled today as three major protests take place in the CBD.
The Freedom and Rights Coalition, an umbrella organisation created by Destiny Church, is planning to march across the Auckland Harbour Bridge after gathering at Victoria Park at 11am.
A marchorganised by the group, Toitū Te Aroha, is also happening at 11am. Protesters are planning to gather at Te Komititanga Square (Britomart) before marching up Queen St to Myers Park in support of the Palestine, Arab, and Muslim communities that have been targeted by hate and intimidation.
Another protest is taking place later in the day for Iranian solidarity, which will meet at Western Park in Ponsonby from 6pm.
There will be a “large-scale police operation” running to prevent followers of the Freedom and Rights Coalition from accessing the bridge.
“A large operation has been planned, with resources coming from across the Auckland region and other parts of the country,” said Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan.
“If you are accessing the motorway network near Victoria Park, or city centre and Ponsonby, please prepare ahead for delays and significant bus detours.”
“Anyone attempting this will be subject to enforcement action, and we strongly urge anyone considering taking part to think about their actions.
“Police reiterate that the public has the right to protest, provided that it is peaceful and lawful.”
Despite this, the church’s leader, Brian Tamaki, said he was pressing ahead with protest plans, telling parishioners and supporters to assemble at the central Auckland park near motorway on and off ramps ahead of the march.
A group linked to Brian Tamaki disrupted a march by Sikhs in South Auckland. Photo / Facebook
“I am not a law-breaker,” Tamaki told the Herald.
“We are gathering at Victoria Park for a peaceful, family-friendly protest … we are never violent."
He intended to let the police “sweat it out”, with the protest about “presence, not permission”.
Auckland City Police Inspector Jacqui Whittaker said a large number of people were expected to march up Queen St with Toitū Te Aroha.
“We expect numbers to grow around Te Komititanga Square from mid-morning, with those taking part expecting to disperse from Myers Park in the afternoon.
“Police will be monitoring the hīkoi as it progresses up Queen St, and our focus is on ensuring this is completed safely.”
Auckland Transport said it was bracing for public transport and roads to snarl, with buses that travel through or to the city centre being detoured from 11am for an unknown amount of time.
Manager of the joint NZTA/AT Auckland Transport Operation Centre Claire Howard said motorists travelling through the city centre and on state highways should allow extra time and prepare for detours.
Te Komititanga Square is also expected to be “very busy”, and people travelling by bus, train or ferry should allow extra time accessing Waitematā Station and the Downtown Ferry Terminal.
