Key Takeaways:
- Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki is planning to lead a march across the Auckland Harbour Bridge on January 31st, despite being denied permission by NZTA.
- The march is expected to be met with counter-protests and has been heavily advertised on social media by the church’s offshoot, True Patriots of NZ.
- Police have warned that anyone attempting to cross the bridge will be breaking the law and subject to enforcement action.
- The march has been deemed a potential disruption to the Auckland transport network and poses a serious danger to pedestrians and motorists.
- Police have offered to work with protest organisers to find an alternative location for the protest.
Introduction to the Controversy
The Auckland Harbour Bridge is set to be the focal point of a contentious protest on January 31st, as Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki plans to lead a march across the bridge, despite being denied permission by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). Tamaki has been vocal about his intentions, stating that the march is not just about crossing the bridge, but about carrying the future hopes of the country. The event has been heavily advertised on social media, with posts from the church’s offshoot, True Patriots of NZ, encouraging people to attend and "be in the heat of the moment".
The NZTA’s Decision
The NZTA’s decision to decline the group’s application to use the bridge was based on the fact that the information provided in the Coalition’s Traffic Management Plan did not meet the agency’s strict criteria. The spokesperson for NZTA stated that the bridge is not designed for use by pedestrians and that the potential disruption to the whole Auckland transport network due to the timing and duration of the event was also a major consideration. The agency has a high threshold for accepting requests to access the bridge for special events, and it appears that the Destiny Church’s application did not meet these requirements.
The Police Response
The police have been preparing for the event, with Waitematā district commander Superintendent Naila Hassan stating that a significant police operation has been planned and is well advanced. Hassan warned that anyone considering crossing the bridge on Saturday should "carefully consider their actions", as they would be breaking the law and subject to enforcement action. The police have also offered to work with protest organisers to find an alternative location for the protest, where they can "carry out their protest peacefully and lawfully". This offer has been made in an effort to minimize disruptions and ensure public safety.
The Controversial Group
The Destiny Church’s offshoot, True Patriots of NZ, has been at the center of controversy in recent weeks. The group attended a Sikh parade in South Auckland last month, holding banners that read "This is NZ, not India". This incident has raised concerns about the group’s intentions and the potential for conflict at the upcoming protest. The group’s social media posts have also been criticized for being divisive and inflammatory, with some calling for a peaceful and respectful protest.
The Risks and Consequences
The march across the Auckland Harbour Bridge poses a significant risk to public safety, with the police warning that any pedestrian access to the bridge poses a serious danger to the pedestrians themselves as well as law-abiding motorists using the motorway network. The potential disruption to the Auckland transport network is also a major concern, with the police advising the public of any disruptions on Saturday. The consequences of attempting to cross the bridge without permission will be severe, with those involved facing enforcement action and potential prosecution.
The Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding the Destiny Church’s march across the Auckland Harbour Bridge has broader implications for the community and the country as a whole. The event has highlighted the need for respectful and peaceful protest, as well as the importance of following the law and respecting the rights of others. The police and NZTA have a difficult task ahead of them, as they work to balance the right to free speech and assembly with the need to maintain public safety and order. The outcome of this event will be closely watched, and it is hoped that it will be a peaceful and respectful protest that does not result in conflict or harm to anyone involved.
