Protest will mark the start of a new term in Parliament, with Te Pāti Māori asking iwi to unite for a National Māori Action Day as MPs arrive in Wellington.

Demonstrations across the country have been planned, although Stuff has heard differing accounts of how large this first round of protest will be.

Te Pāti Māori is planning protests across Te Ika ā Māui (the North Island). In some cities, most likely Auckland and Wellington, there could be traffic disruption on key motorways leading to the cities.

Activists connected to Te Pāti Māori started speaking with different iwi and community leaders last week, with a focus on young activists. The day of action was originally titled “Operation Don’t F... With Our Whakapapa”, but has since rebranded to a “National Māori Action Day”.

The protest is in response to the National-led coalition’s policies related to co-governance, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and also grievances such as the promise to repeal the smokefree generation law.

While protest organisers hope to get the support of major institutions of te ao Māori, such as the Kīngitanga and Rātana church, few institutions of such stature have publicly voiced support for the demonstrations.

Ngāi Te Rangi, a Tauranga-based iwi, has backed the protest. In a pānui/newsletter, it asked its members and supporters to take to the streets on Tuesday morning, and will be marching along Hewletts Road from Jean Batten Drive to Totara Street between 7am and 8.30am.

The iwi says it will be protesting the incoming Government’s policies of removing Te Tiriti o Waitangi from legislation. It says the Government wants to “rapidly dismantle three generations worth of work”.

"The Treaty of Waitangi affects all people of New Zealand, not just Māori," says an iwi representative.

In Parliament itself, new Te Pāti Māori MPs have vow not to pledge allegiance to King Charles, when they’re sworn in on Tuesday.

There has been long-standing opposition from Te Pāti Māori to pledging allegiance to the British monarchy. In 2011, Hone Harawira was booted from the House after swearing an oath to Te Tiriti o Waitangi rather than the Queen.

Te Pāti Māori also submitted a bill to change the oath, so that members would swear allegiance to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

In a statement, Te Pāti Māori explains its issue with swearing allegiance to the King: “Māori owe no allegiance to the genocidal legacy of the British Empire.

“There is no honour in the Crown. It is tainted with the blood of indigenous nations, and its throne sits at the apex of global white supremacy.”

Wednesday will see the “Speech from the Throne”, where the Governor General reads the Government’s focus for the term ahead.

‘National Māori Action Day’ on Tuesday

Protests are pegged to start at 7am across the North Island.

Te Pāti Māori confirmed protests in Rotorua, Tauranga, and Wellington, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Tokoroa, Whanganui, Whangarei, Masterton and Porirua.

Multiple different protests are expected to start simultaneously across Waikato and Auckland.

In a statement to Stuff, a police spokesperson says they are “aware of the potential for gatherings”.

However, they say it's unclear – at that stage – how large those protests will be.

Te Pāti Māori confirmed its plans on Monday morning.

Stuff has heard from marae and iwi leaders in Taranaki, Wellington, and Whanganui on Monday, who say they are also aware of the plans, but will be speaking with whānau throughout the day to discuss whether to support the demonstrations or not.

On Sunday, Te Pāti Māori campaigner Kiri Tamihere-Waititi posted a video asking for “Māori influencers” to get in touch.

“Who’s ready to hit the streets and protest like you’ve never protested before,” she asked.

“We need to get ourselves organised. Organised real well.”

Labour leader Chris Hipkins, on Monday, says he supports the right to protest – but urged activists to do so “within the bounds of the law”.

According to some communications about Tuesday’s protest, roads across protests could target roads and motorways across Auckland, Waikato and Wellington.

-Glenn McConnell/Stuff.

Police are preparing for planned protests in various locations around New Zealand tomorrow morning, Tuesday, December 5.

Te Pati Māori protest action is scheduled to take place between 7.30am and 9am and is likely to disrupt traffic in a number of areas, including the following:

• Motorways across Tāmaki Makaurau
• Waikato
• Palmerston North
• Hawera
• New Plymouth
• Tokoroa
• Whanganui
• Porirua
• Whangārei
• Tauranga
• Rotorua
• Wellington

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

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

"Police recognise the right to peaceful protest and will be reminding protestors about lawful behaviour on our roads."

Police say unlawful behaviour will result in enforcement action, either at the time or following the event if safety issues prevent immediate action.

"Motorists in these areas are advised to plan ahead to mitigate any disruption to their travel," says Assistant Commissioner Sandra Venables.

Anyone travelling to the airport or to any other time-sensitive commitment is advised to allow more time for their journey.