
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.


Do you have a great recipe for pears?
Kia ora neighbours. We give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're still on the hunt for pear recipes! Send your family's favourite way to use up this delicious fruit, to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by the end of this week . If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of the April issue.


ENGLISH CHAT GROUP 😁 Forrest Hill Church, 151 Forrest Hill Road, Forrest Hill
Hello 🖐 again & welcome to our English Chat Group on Monday 17th March. The morning session is 10am-12pm or evening session is 7pm-830pm 😄 come to one or both, whichever suits you. Learn some new words or practise some old ones. No skill level required. Tea ☕️ & biscuits🍪 provided. A gold coin donation 🪙appreciated to cover costs, but not necessary. Everybody welcome. Bring a friend along if you wish. Laughter & fun guaranteed! 🤣🍒 See you there! Cheers Helen

Poll: Should the second harbour crossing be a bridge or tunnel?
The government is prioritizing building a second crossing additional to the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
What's your preference? Bridge or tunnel?

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41.5% Bridge
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56.2% Tunnel
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2.3% Other - I'll share below