Plans by Brian Tamaki and his supporters to protest by crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge are not the only proposed action of their kind, with Police confirming they are also aware of another hīkoi that had similar intentions.
A hīkoi known as “Heal the Nation” had also outlined plans for a symbolic walk across the Auckland Harbour Bridge around the same time as Tamaki’s proposed protest. Waatea believes less than 50 people attended the Hikoi at Parliament with one Maori Warden saying it appeared “chaotic” with numbers dwindling to “25” shortly after – it is not a sitting day at Parliament and the majority of media are in Auckland covering the Prime Minister’s “State of the Nation” – follow Waateas coverage of the PMs speech HERE
However, Police have made it clear that no approval has been given for either action, and that any suggestion otherwise is incorrect.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed Police are aware of the Heal the Nation hīkoi and are monitoring developments.
“Police are aware and will be monitoring this hīkoi,” Rogers said.
She stressed that monitoring does not equate to approval, endorsement, or coordination. “Foot access to the Auckland Harbour Bridge is strictly managed by New Zealand Transport Agency. We are not aware of any application being made by hīkoi organisers to walk on the bridge. Unless an application is granted, Police will not condone any foot traffic on the bridge.”
Police have also denied claims circulating online that they are working alongside organisers of the hīkoi.
“Police have nothing to suggest that this is the case,” a spokesperson said, rejecting assertions that authorities are part of any joint planning effort.
Police have reiterated that foot access to the Auckland Harbour Bridge is strictly controlled and managed by Waka Kotahi / New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
Authorities say no application has been made by organisers of the Heal the Nation hīkoi seeking permission to walk across the bridge.
“We are not aware of any application being made by hīkoi organisers to walk on the bridge,” Police said.
“Unless an application is granted, Police will not condone any foot traffic on the bridge.”
This position mirrors the response taken in relation to the Tamaki protest, where both Police and NZTA issued a joint statement earlier this month outlining the same restrictions and safety concerns.
Police have confirmed that, like Tamaki’s planned protest, the Heal the Nation hīkoi has been organised by individuals associated with right-wing social media influencers.
Authorities say this has contributed to confusion and misinformation online, including false claims that approval had been secured or that Police were cooperating with organisers.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge is one of the country’s most critical transport corridors, carrying tens of thousands of vehicles daily. Any unauthorised foot access presents significant safety risks, including disruption to emergency services and public transport networks.
Police have reiterated that while the right to protest is recognised, it must be exercised lawfully and safely, and that infrastructure of national importance cannot be used for unauthorised demonstrations.
In a joint statement released earlier this month regarding the Tamaki protest, Police and NZTA made it clear that any attempt to walk across the bridge without approval will not be permitted and may result in enforcement action.
That position remains unchanged for all groups, regardless of kaupapa, timing, or political affiliation.
Radio Waatea News will continue to follow developments as Police, transport authorities, and protest organisers respond in the lead-up to planned action dates.
