All southbound traffic lanes on State Highway One over the Auckland Harbour Bridge has been closed as anti-mandate protesters march across the bridge.
Photo: RNZ
State Highway 1 on the Northern Motorway is now closed to southbound traffic between Esmonde Rd and Fanshawe St.
Hundreds of people gathered at Onepoto Domain at the northern end of the bridge and have now set out towards the bridge.
Māori Wardens told RNZ they are escorting the protesters for safety reasons.
The march has been organised by Destiny Church’s Freedoms and Rights Coalition.
Anti-mandate protesters in Auckland. Photo: RNZIn a statement, police said the safety of staff, road users and protesters was the priority.
They will be actively engaging with the protesters to prevent them crossing the bridge due to the significant safety risks posed.
Auckland motorists are being told to avoid the harbour bridge and have been advised to use the alternative State Highway 16 to get around the harbour from late morning.
Despite the safety concerns, protest organisers say they have worked with the police on traffic management.
Anti-mandate protesters gather at Onepoto Domain on the North shore as they prepare to march across the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Photo: RNZ