New Zealand: The Maori Party plan to stage nationwide protests Dec. 5

The Maori Party has called for protests across New Zealand Dec. 5 to denounce the newly formed government's policies, which would allegedly impact the rights of indigenous people. Participants will assemble at around 20 locations and hold marches and vehicle convoys towards Auckland's city centre between 07:00-09:00. Most of the gathering sites are situated on North Island. Organizers have announced the following locations:

• Auckland: Palmers Albany Garden Centre; Washpod Hobsonville; and BP Bombay on Mill Road from 07:00

• Christchurch: The Bridge of Remembrance 17:30

• Hampton Downs: 20 Hampton Downs Road 07:00

• Hawera: Town Square 07:00

• Invercargill: 101 Esk Street 17:00

• Masterton: Queens Street 09:00

• New Plymouth: Cobb & Co. carpark 07:00

• Ohinewai: Ohinewai Hall 07:00

• Palmerston North: Thames Street, Skoglund Park 07:00

• Rangiriri: 10 Talbot Street 06:00

• Rotorua: Energy Events Centre 07:00

• Tauranga: Whareroa Reserve 06:30

• Tokoroa: Youth Park 07:00

• Waikato: Hampton Downs and Ohinewai Hall 07:00

• Wellington: Aurora Terrace Bridge 07:00

• Whanganui: Pakaitore 17:30

• Whangarei: New World Regent 07:00

Gatherings are possible in other cities, especially outside government buildings, public squares, and parks. Smaller urban centers will also likely be affected by the action, which could impact travel on local roads. Protest turnout will likely vary by location; the highest attendance is likely in Auckland and Wellington. Hundreds to a few thousand people could attend each gathering.

Security personnel will likely deploy to affected sites and monitor any protests. While gatherings will probably pass peacefully, minor skirmishes between police and activists remain possible. Transport disruptions are likely along the routes of protest marches and vehicle convoys. The New Zealand Transport Authority has warned of significant traffic disruptions on North Island, particularly on highways and arterial routes in Auckland, Waikato, Tauranga, and Wellington. Bus service disruptions are also likely on several routes in Auckland, including the NX1 and NX2 Northern Express services and WX1 Western Express.