Quick Read
- Auckland police implemented a major operation to prevent the Freedom and Rights Coalition from marching across the Harbour Bridge.
- The coalition’s permit to cross the bridge was denied in December 2025, with authorities reiterating a no-access policy.
- Multiple other protests, including a Palestine solidarity rally by Toitū te Aroha, caused significant traffic disruptions in Auckland’s CBD.
- Auckland Transport and NZTA warned of widespread delays, detours, and longer travel times for buses, trains, and ferries.
- Superintendent Naila Hassan confirmed police resources from across the country were deployed, warning of enforcement action against unauthorized bridge access.
AUCKLAND (Azat TV) – Auckland is experiencing significant traffic disruptions and a major police operation as authorities moved to prevent a planned march across the iconic Harbour Bridge. The move comes after the Freedom and Rights Coalition’s bid to traverse the bridge was denied, leading to widespread warnings of delays across the city’s transport network alongside multiple other planned demonstrations.
Police officials confirmed a large-scale operation was underway to ensure no protesters gained access to the Auckland Harbour Bridge, emphasizing public safety and minimizing disruption. The enforcement action follows a December decision to deny the permit for the march, a stance reiterated by authorities in the days leading up to the planned event on Friday and Saturday, January 30-31, 2026.
Harbour Bridge Access Denied Amid Police Operation
Superintendent Naila Hassan, Waitematā District Commander, confirmed a substantial police presence, with resources deployed from across the Auckland region and other parts of New Zealand, to prevent any attempts by the Freedom and Rights Coalition to cross the Harbour Bridge on foot. Superintendent Hassan stated that anyone attempting to do so would face enforcement action, issuing a strong warning to potential participants to reconsider their actions. This firm stance by the police indicates a zero-tolerance approach to unauthorized bridge crossings, a policy now explicitly stated to apply to all future protest actions.
Brian Tamaki, a leader affiliated with the Destiny Church and the Freedom and Rights Coalition, had previously expressed his intention to proceed with the protest, describing it as being about ‘presence, not permission.’ Despite police offers to help the group find an alternative venue, Superintendent Hassan noted that no response had been received from the coalition. The police’s proactive measures included the closure of the Onewa Southbound off-ramp on Saturday morning due to protest activity, alongside the deployment of extra officers to deter any attempts to access the motorway.
City Center Rallies and Expected Disruption
Beyond the Harbour Bridge, Auckland’s central business district (CBD) was the focal point for several other planned protests, contributing to the city-wide transport challenges. The group Toitū te Aroha organized a Palestine solidarity rally, gathering at Te Komititanga Square (Britomart) around midday. Spokesperson Bianca Ranson indicated the rally’s purpose was to advocate for unity and stand in solidarity with diverse communities across Aotearoa, in response to what organizers described as increasing harassment and intimidation targeting migrants, faith groups, and rainbow communities. The rally was followed by a planned march up Queen Street to Myers Park.
Inspector Jacqui Whittaker of Auckland City Police noted expectations of ‘large numbers’ participating in the Toitū te Aroha rally and march. Police affirmed their focus on ensuring the hīkoi (march) proceeded safely while balancing the need to minimize disruptions to the public. Additionally, a separate protest advocating for Iranian solidarity was scheduled to convene at Western Park in Ponsonby later in the day, further adding to the complexity of managing public gatherings across the city.
Authorities Emphasize Safety and Enforcement
Auckland Transport (AT) and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) issued joint advisories urging motorists and commuters to plan ahead, anticipate significant delays, and allow extra travel time. The warnings specifically highlighted disruptions to city centre bus services, the wider Auckland Transport network, and state highways. Detours were implemented for all bus services traveling through the city centre from approximately 11 am on Saturday, expected to last several hours. Commuters using buses, trains, or ferries were advised to allocate additional time for accessing Waitematā Station (Britomart) and the Downtown Ferry Terminal, with Te Komititanga Square expected to be particularly busy.
Police reiterated their commitment to facilitating the right to peaceful protest while upholding public safety and ensuring minimal disruption to the city’s infrastructure and daily life. The coordinated response by law enforcement and transport agencies underscored the logistical challenges posed by multiple simultaneous demonstrations, particularly when involving critical infrastructure like the Harbour Bridge.
The extensive police operation and firm stance against unauthorized access to the Auckland Harbour Bridge underscore the ongoing tension between the right to protest and authorities’ mandate to maintain public order and critical infrastructure integrity, signaling a hardening of enforcement policies in response to large-scale demonstrations.