Police say they will stop people walking across Auckland's Harbour Bridge this weekend after a Brian Tamaki-linked 'freedom' group called on anti-mandate protesters to take part in a day of action.
The Freedom and Rights Coalition, linked to Destiny Church leader Tamaki, released a statement on Wednesday afternoon saying a protest to "march out these mandates" across the Harbour Bridge would go ahead on Saturday.
In a statement to Newshub, a police spokesperson said they were aware of the planned protest and "will respond accordingly with the safety of all as our priority".
"Crossing the Harbour Bridge on foot would be unlawful and so police will be working to prevent this as it could be extremely dangerous to those walking on the bridge and to other road users."
The spokesperson said the protest's organisers would be contacted for dialogue and "to set our expectations while also acknowledging a person's right to lawfully protest".
A Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency spokesperson said it had not been contacted by the demonstration's organisers.
"There are no plans to close the bridge to traffic," the spokesperson said.
"NZ Police will lead the response to this demonstration with Waka Kotahi providing support to ensure the safe management of traffic in the area."
The Freedom and Rights Coalition is planning multiple other anti-mandate protests around New Zealand this weekend including in Christchurch, Nelson, Napier and Tauranga.
