Rotorua police advise commuters to plan for disruptions due to protest hīkoi as the Government delivers its Budget today. Protesters gathered at four locations in Rotorua. Organisers have encouraged people to walk off the job to unify against “the Government’s assault on tangata whenua and Te Tiriti o Waitangi”.
Hundreds of protesters blocked a major Rotorua intersection as part of a national day of disruption launched by Te Pāti Māori to coincide with Budget day. Protestors gathered at four locations around the outskirts of the CBD before congregating at the Fenton and Amohau St intersection, blocking the junction, and walking in a large circle before moving slowly north up Fenton St with large banner, flags and signs. “We are here for the liberation of our people” a woman on a loudspeaker is telling the crowd.
Police directed traffic away from the group which has stopped at Te Manawa. Music is playing and there is a friendly family-focussed atmosphere. People are singing and dancing.
Image 1 of 12 : Rotorua protest moves up Fenton St. Photo / Ben Fraser Rotorua protest organiser and Te Pāti Māori co-vice president Fallyn Flavell said the activation was “beautiful” It was great to see so many people turn out but it did not transfer into voting or participating in the democratic system, she said. The party’s job now was to transfer passion into votes.
“We’ve got a million people registered through the census data that was released yesterday. “I.