Auckland, New Zealand – January 26, 2024 – A planned protest targeting the Auckland Harbour Bridge on January 31st is drawing a strong response from both police and transportation officials, who cite safety concerns and the lack of required permits. The potential disruption has ignited debate over the right to protest and the limits of public access to critical infrastructure.
Harbour Bridge Protest Sparks Safety Concerns
Authorities are bracing for a demonstration that could considerably impact traffic and possibly endanger lives.
- Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki is promoting the protest, framing it as a demonstration against immigration policies.
- Police have warned that walking on the bridge without a permit is unlawful and poses a risk to protesters and motorists.
- The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says the bridge isn’t designed for pedestrian traffic and could sway under the weight of a large crowd.
- The True Patriots of NZ, a group linked to Tamaki, has a history of controversial demonstrations.
What exactly are the risks associated with a protest on the Auckland harbour Bridge? The bridge’s structure isn’t designed for pedestrian use, and a large group walking across it could cause notable swaying, potentially leading to perilous movement in the bridge lanes and even impacting emergency services access.
Tamaki announced plans for the demonstration, stating, “It’s obvious [the] government and Police are panicking that big numbers of kiwis will be turning out to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge on Sat 31st January.” He added that a meeting would be held at Victoria Park in Auckland central at 11 a.m. on January 31st.
Tamaki characterized the decision to deny permission for the protest as a “desperate panic reaction” from the police. He also made reference to the ethnicity of senior police officials, stating, “the Muslim police commander and Indian police commander in charge.”
Potential for Disruption and Safety Risks
Authorities are concerned that a protest in the center lanes of the bridge could necessitate the closure of all lanes in at least one direction, causing significant disruption to the public.The potential for attendees to be in close proximity to live traffic and impede emergency services is also a major worry.
The situation remains fluid as January 31st approaches. Authorities are preparing for a potential demonstration while emphasizing the importance of public safety and adherence to the law. The protest’s outcome will likely hinge on the number of participants and their willingness to comply with police directives.
