As Toitū te Tiriti focuses on protests over Act Party leader David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill, which had its first reading in Parliament this week, police say there is a risk other protest groups will join in and to ignite tensions.

Police anticipate that gang members who oppose a patch ban may join the march. Police also believe groups protesting the Gaza conflict may join. A spokeswoman for Toitū te Tiriti said protest groups like these were part of the “cause” of the eight-day event.

The police expect peaceful, legal protests, after speaking with the organizers

Superintendent Kelly Ryan today said police had set up a major operations center at Wellington headquarters to oversee the response in the North Island.

The center will provide logistical, resource and communication support to all districts along the convoy route, Ryan said.

She said the police had been talking to the organizers for many weeks.

“Our discussions with the organizers to date have been positive and we expect the hīkoi to be conducted in a peaceful and lawful manner,” she said.

“We have planned for large numbers to join the hīkoi, with possible disruption on some roads, including highways and main streets along the route.

“The operations center will support our front-line staff across the district with the management of people, vehicles and activities while maintaining central oversight.

“We will continue to coordinate with iwi leaders and our partners across government to ensure public safety and minimal disruption to people going about their daily routines.

“We are also well connected with Waka Kotahi/NZTA and local councils to ensure road users have up to date information and can plan accordingly.”

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter covering breaking news. He joined Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.

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