In pictures: Thousands join Budget Day protest hīkoi across Aotearoa

Thousands across New Zealand have joined convoys or hīkoi for a National Māori Action Day to coincide with Thursday’s Budget announcements.

Three ‘carkoi’ slowed traffic on Auckland’s Southern, Northern, and Western motorways during peak morning commuter time.

In Hamilton, people left their cars at home, instead walking en masse towards Waikato University.

And in Wellington, more than 1000 people gathered at the Railway Station before a hīkoi to Parliament nearby.

Auckland

More than 1000 people gathered in Auckland’s Aotea Square to demonstrate against the government’s policies towards Maori.

Christchurch

Hundreds gathered in central Christchurch as part of the nationwide Toitu Te Tiriti protests.

Outside Christchurch’s Bridge of Remembrance, organiser Merita Waitoa-Paki told supporters today is about all Maori.

Wellington

Protesters gathered at Wellington Railway Station before marching to Parliament.

Whangārei

A march in Whangārei, escorted by police on foot, occupied one lane of Bank Street for more than a kilometre and caused disruption to central city traffic. Despite that, there was little of the heckling seen in other centres, but many toots of support from passing motorists.

Hundreds attended the Budget Day protest in New Plymouth’s Puke Ariki Landing.