Police are urging motorists to allow extra time for travel on Thursday, with planned Budget Day protests being organised around Aotearoa.
The Coalition Government will release its first Budget on Thursday, with protesters marching to Parliament to coincide with the day. Other events will also be taking place around New Zealand.
Toitū Te Tiriti, alongside Te Pāti Māori and the party's co-leader Rawiri Waititi, shared a post on Instagram that said: "We are being attacked for being Māori."
The post asked people to take strike action for the day "to prove the might of our economy by disconnecting entirely from it".
Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson said police were preparing for planned hīkoi and public gatherings in various locations around the country on Thursday.
"Hīkoi travel is scheduled to take place from 6:30am around the country and is likely to disrupt traffic in a number of areas through the morning," Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson warned.
"Officers will be highly visible across the roading network throughout the morning and, in some locations, will put measures in place to prevent participants putting themselves and motorists in harm's way."
Johnson said police were also working with protest organisers to provide advice on lawful behaviour around roads and public places, as well as any health and safety implications.
"Police recognises the right to peaceful protest. Unlawful behaviour will result in enforcement action, either at the time or following the event if safety issues prevent immediate action.
"Motorists in areas likely to be affected are advised to plan ahead to mitigate any disruption to their travel. Anyone travelling for time-sensitive commitments are advised to allow more time for their journey," he advised.
Areas that will be affected:
- Motorways across Tāmaki Makaurau
- Kaitāia
- Whangārei
- Port Waikato
- Hamilton
- Thames
- Matamata
- Tauranga
- Ōpōtiki
- Whakātane
- Taupō
- Tūrangi
- Rotorua
- Gisborne
- Hawke’s Bay
- Tokoroa
- Hāwera
- Palmerston North
- Hastings
- Masterton
- Wellington
- Nelson
- Christchurch
- Dunedin
"We are aware that gatherings are planned for Aotea Square in Auckland City from 11am and Parliament Grounds in Wellington from 12 noon which are expected to continue in to the afternoon," Johnson said.
