Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Inspector Stefan Sagar, Relieving Waitematā District Commander:
Police can advise that organisers of protest activity taking place in Auckland tomorrow have shifted locations due to unsafe weather conditions.
Protest activity will now take place in central Auckland, between Aotea Square and Victoria Park.
A Police operation will still be carried out tomorrow to monitor this activity.
Police have been in ongoing discussion with organisers for some weeks now around their intentions to march across the Harbour Bridge.
While Police recognise the right to protest, our planning alongside partner agencies has focused on safety first and foremost.
Weather forecasts indicate high winds were expected tomorrow, which created unsafe conditions.
Our position was that this protest activity should not take place given the risks posed to anyone who was to participate.
This advice was given to organisers this afternoon. Organisers have informed Police that they have heeded this advice and moved to another location, and we acknowledge them for reaching this decision.
Police advise that there will be disruption in parts of Auckland CBD and Victoria Park tomorrow, and for motorists to avoid this area if possible.
Traffic management will no longer need to be put in place on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Previously advised disruptions on the motorway network are no longer expected outside usual congestion on the network.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
