According to the statement,  “The hīkoi of truth started just five short weeks ago with the intention of one, and the unconditional support of a few to bring to light the truth, that we are all free, and that we are all enititled to live in freedom.

Free to travel, free to live without medical discrimination, free to gather and free to demonstrate our own self-determination as living, breathing divine beings.”

However, many including Maori leaders, iwi groups, Dame Nadia Glavish, and former Te Tai Tokerau MP have condemned the hikoi, calling it ‘unhelpful’, ‘scam’, and associating the group with ‘anti-vaxxers’.

Police have also warned the group in a statement release on the New Zealand Police website.

“Police are aware of a planned hīkoi intending to travel from Rotorua to Northland early on Wednesday.

We are strongly advising those who intend to take part in this that any travel across the Auckland boundary that is not specifically permitted by the Health order requires an exemption.

Police have been planning around this hīkoi and we are monitoring the situation. As a result, there will be an increased Policing presence at the Auckland boundary.

Those who are found to be deliberately breaching alert level restrictions can expect to face enforcement action. Anyone found to have unlawfully crossed the Auckland boundary may also face difficulties in returning to their place of residence given the restrictions in place.”

Sources: Scoop, New Zealand Police