NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and councils are urging people to plan ahead and check the latest information before travelling on Tuesday, 19 November. The North Island hīkoi (march) is expected to cause delays on the state highway network and local roads.
NZTA, Wellington City Council, Porirua City Council and Hutt City Council are working with NZ Police to prepare for possible disruptions to State Highways and local networks. The planned hīkoi is expected to arrive in Wellington city on Tuesday morning.
NZ Police is leading the operational planning and response to the hīkoi, which has the potential to cause congestion on key highways and arterial routes.
One hīkoi group is expected to depart in vehicles from Porirua around 6 am on Tuesday travelling south on SH59 then SH1 towards Wellington city.
Another group is expected to hīkoi (march) from Petone at around 4 am on Tuesday, travelling via the Esplanade, SH2 to Ngauranga, Hutt Road and Thorndon Quay.
More traffic than normal is expected on the Wellington state highway network during the morning.
Wellington CBD will be congested, particularly around Waitangi Park, Courtenay Place, Manners Street, Willis Street, Lambton Quay, Parliament, and neighbouring streets.
Police will monitor activity by hikoi groups on highways and roads to ensure the safety of all road users and people participating in the hikoi. NZTA will support the response on highways where required.
NZTA will closely monitor the impact of the hīkoi on the Greater Wellington transport network from our Wellington Transport Operations Centre and provide real-time updates for road users on any delays or disruptions to state highways.
Wellingtonians are advised to allow extra time and plan their route using the NZ Transport Agency Journey Planner.
Metlink buses will divert around the hīkoi to temporary stops in Wellington city centre. All rail lines will be open during the day, with increased capacity between 9 am and 3 pm.
Passengers are encouraged to allow extra time for travel, to expect delays, and to stay up to date with the latest travel information on the Metlink website or app.
People heading in and out of the city should allow extra time for the journeys and check road conditions before they travel. Updates will be available on our social media channels.
People can check the Metlink website for public transport updates and the Wellington City Council website for city information.
Note to Editors:
Questions relating to the hīkoi should be directed to NZ Police, as they are leading the operational planning and response throughout the planned activity.
