Mel Taylor – a grassroots report on the S.H.O.T. events today.

We arrived at the Northland/Auckland Border Checkpoint at 5.45am to find a small group of Northland supporters hoping to welcome the Hikoi from Auckland to Northland.

One of the attendees had witnessed the Police take the road spikes from the police car and place them on the road, and others reported seeing large Police activity approximately 3km north.

We were first approached by the Police asking us to stay as far to the side of the road as possible.  A very reasonable request.

The second time we were approached by a Police Officer was to explain that we may be requested by her senior to move further north up the road, in order to keep us safe should any issues arise from the Hikoi.  In addition, it was explained to us that the Police were setting up another checkpoint further south to help avoid any further traffic congestion.

During that particular conversation, I explained that I was reporting for The Daily Examiner. The Police officer was very friendly and positive, and and stated that she was simply passing on the information from her superiors.  Before she left, she asked me again for my name, and the name of my media organisation.

Not long after this, I was directly approached by a Police officer who asked if I was with the media.  Again, I relayed my name and name of my media organisation – The Daily Examiner.

I was told that I was allowed to take some photos, then I would be required to leave.  The reason given was that the area we were in was a drop off area for child custody handovers.  I asked if instead of having to leave, I could move a considerable way further north up the road, in order to continue reporting.

“No, but you can take some photos and then you are required to leave” was the response given.

So, we left and proceeded to head towards Whangarei, to meet up with the Northland part of the Hikoi gathering at the Kensington Park.

On our drive north, we noticed a large gathering of Police vehicles including ‘Paddy Wagons’ located approximately mid-way between the Northland/Auckland Boarder Checkpoint and Kaiwaka.

After that, not one police car was seen throughout our entire trip to Whangarei.

We arrived at Kensington Park where a crowd of approximately 100 to 150 people had gathered.  Everyone there was in a positive mood, and explanations were given on which way to travel as a Hikoi, along with reinforcing messages to stay positive, and to stay respectful to the Police.

All in all, a positive day and I have enjoyed meeting so many friendly, passionate people.