15 Aug 2015

Police not worried about TPP protest

8:49 am on 15 August 2015

Police say they have no concerns an anti-TPP rally in Auckland might get out of hand.

Protest rallies against New Zealand potentially signing the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal will be held in several cities this afternoon, with thousands expected to march down Queen Street.

The United States consulate this week emailed American citizens urging them to avoid the march, saying even peaceful demonstrations can turn confrontational.

But Inspector Regan James said police have had regular contact with the organisers, and have been assured the rally will be family-oriented.

He said motorists and shoppers may want to avoid central Auckland in the early afternoon.

Protests are being held in many other centres including Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

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