Te Pati Māori calls for nationwide protests against some Govt policies

Police are warning of potential traffic disruption across the North Island tomorrow morning as more than a dozen planned protests take place.

Te Pāti Māori are calling for nationwide protests to coincide with the opening day of Parliament on Tuesday, in response to the coalition's policies related to co-governance and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer has confronted the new government's moves with the scheduled call to action.

"What we have is a government that is doing state sponsored terrorism to undo everything that we've done to try and live equally, to try and live with dignity, to try and live as peaceful people in Aotearoa," she said.

Police Assistant Commissioner Sandra Venables confirmed officers are working with organisers to provide advice on lawful protest, as well as any health and safety implications.

"Officers will be highly visible across the roading network throughout the morning and in some locations will put measures in place to prevent protesters putting themselves and motorists in harm's way," she said.

Protest action is scheduled to take place between 7.30am and 9am, and is likely to disrupt traffic in several areas, including:

In a statement, Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport said they are working with police to prepare for the possibility of "significant disruptions".

"Across Auckland there are likely to be significant disruptions on a range of key bus routes such as the NX1 and NX2 Northern Express services and the newly introduced WX1 Western Express," Auckland Transport said.

Waka Kotahi urged North Island road users to plan ahead by using the NZ Transport Journey Planner and checking the AT mobile app for updates.

When questioned about the planned protests at a post-Cabinet media conference this afternoon, Christopher Luxon said the coalition government is "deeply committed" to improving outcomes for both Maori and non-Māori.

"As I said to you before, I don't think the last six years were good for Māori," he said.

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Luxon reminded people to be lawful, peaceful and respectful while exercising their right to protest.

Venables said police recognise the right to peaceful protest but warned any unlawful behaviour will result in enforcement action at the time or following the event.