Wellington is bracing for one its largest-ever protests, with up to 30,000 people expected to join the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti marching on Parliament tomorrow in opposition to Act’s Treaty Principles Bill.
Commuters have been warned to expect significant delays as the nine-day journey from Cape Reinga reaches its endpoint.
The hīkoi is expected to depart in vehicles from Takapūwāhia Marae in Porirua to Waitangi Park at 6am, before leaving Waitangi Park for Parliament at 9am.
Another group is expected to hīkoi from Petone about 4am and travel via the Esplanade, State Highway 2 to Ngauranga, Hutt Rd and Thorndon Quay, according to NZTA.
The route from Waitangi Park to Parliament will follow the Golden Mile (Courtenay Place, Manners St, Willis St and Lambton Quay) and pass sites of significance before reaching Parliament grounds at 12pm.
Protesters will leave Parliament grounds at 2.30pm and return to Waitangi Park by 4pm for a concert, karakia, and farewell.
Delays are expected on Tuesday morning along the Wellington state highway network and local roads, according to NZTA.
“Wellington CBD will be congested, particularly around Waitangi Park, Courtenay Place, Manners St, Willis St, Lambton Quay, Parliament, and neighbouring streets.”
State Highways 1 and 2 are likely to be busier than usual for the morning and evening rush hours, Wellington City Council said.
Police said Hutt Valley residents could also experience heightened traffic and disruption along SH2 between Lower Hutt and Wellington City.
NZTA advises commuters heading into the city to plan ahead and check the latest information before travelling.
The agency said it would be closely monitoring the Wellington transport network and provide real-time updates on delays or disruptions to state highways.
“Police will monitor activity by hīkoi groups on highways and roads to ensure the safety of all road users and people participating in the hīkoi. NZTA will support the response on highways where required.
“Wellingtonians are advised to allow extra time and plan their route using the NZ Transport Agency Journey Planner.”
Police asked motorists around the wider Wellington region to plan ahead for expected delays and take extra caution on the roads.
Victoria University said it would remain open but warned students and staff of “widespread disruption”, with some classes being held online tomorrow.
Buses will be detoured and trains will run at extra capacity to accommodate the extra crowds arriving in the capital.
Metlink says buses would detour away from Courtenay Place, Manners St, Willis St and Lambton Quay while the hīkoi moved to Parliament Grounds.
“Stops A, B, C, and D at Wellington Station Interchange would close and buses will detour via Featherston St. An alternate stop is available at Stop 5519 — Featherston St at Waring Taylor St.”
The Wellington Station Bus interchange would be closed when the hīkoi is at Parliament.
“Alternate stops will be on Lambton Central — Stop A (near Farmers) travelling north; Featherston St and Brandon St for services heading south.
“Route 2, 4, 22, and 24 services will detour via The Terrace as Bowen St and Molesworth St will close.”
Trains will run at extra capacity outside of the 9am-3pm peak hours to facilitate increased demand, according to Wellington City Council.
Some parking would also be reserved for vehicles travelling with the hīkoi.
MetService says Wellington will be sunny with clear skies and reach a high of 17C on Tuesday, with fresh northerlies developing in the morning.
No rain is expected.
A look ahead to the upcoming week:
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) November 17, 2024
We start off with quiet weather on Monday 🌤️, but on Tuesday rain will arrive in the West Coast. 🌧️
Both Wednesday and Thursday will be unsettled with showers and isolated thunderstorms. ⛈️
Late week, conditions may turn more settled again. pic.twitter.com/8XNOWutRPr
Government agencies have been advised to do their own workplace risk assessments, ensure staff are aware of the hīkoi, and for any staff with concerns to talk to their manager.
A Public Service Commission spokesperson said a message advising public servants on political neutrality was sent recommending workers “keep your politics out of your job, and your job out of your politics”.
Public servants could attend protests, but were advised to consider the seniority and nature of their roles, as well as the scope and scale of political activity.
The memo said public servants had the same political rights and freedoms as all New Zealanders but must be politically neutral at work, in order to serve under any given Government.
Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.