Police are monitoring a protest on State Highway 2 near Katikati.

"People are driving slowly along the road," says a police spokesperson. "[We] understand it is in protest at a proposal/decision to put a barrier in the middle of the road."

A SunLive reader says the rolling protest involving vehicles travelling slowly in convoy was seen heading south from Katikati towards Matahui Road at Aongatete, where it is expected to return to Katikati.

SH2 side road residents have been waiting on a decision by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on whether median barriers will be placed on a stretch of the state highway and decided to to their vehicles to protest today.

One of the organisers of the rolling protest Lund Rd resident Gino de Graaf says the protest is to show the SH2 side road residents’ frustration at the proposal to install median barriers along SH2 – which they believe will restrict access to their homes and also disconnect them from their nearby Katikati community.

“We feel our message to NZTA needs to be louder and from more people, so along with residents from other roads, we are doing a rolling protest,” says Gino.

SH2 side road residents, Gino de Graaf, Mike Williams and Kirsten Warbooke at the Lund Rd/ SH2 intersection which will be impacted by median barrier installation. Photo: John Borren/SunLive.

The rolling protest, being held from 10am - 12 noon, includes tractors, utes, trucks and cars displaying signage and using hazard lights.

"The vehicles will begin at various roads and will endeavour to link up to form a convoy," says Gina.

Protesters meeting along State Highway 2 near Aongatete who are protesting NZTA Waka Kotahi's proposal to install media barriers along SH2 - restricting access for locals to their homes. Photo Michaela Barratt. :

Gino says the convoy will loop between Sharp Rd, Lockington Rd, and possibly Morton Rd.

“The roundabouts will allow the following traffic to move through. Expect minor inconveniences in travel time.

"We have significant local support as the proposed blocking [median] barriers will affect many rural residents and their visitors."

Gino says another result of the median barriers is that emergency responses will be delayed, and community connection to services and support will be reduced.

“No accidents have occurred at any of the affected intersections for many years.”

A slow moving convoy of vehicles on State Highway 2 near Aongatete is protesting NZTA Waka Kotahi's proposal to install media barriers along SH2 - restricting access for locals to their homes. Photo Michaela Barratt. :

Former Western Bay of Plenty District councillor and Work Rd side road resident Mike Williams says of NZTA: “They’ve got to listen to the community”.

Organisers decided to hold the protest today, Sunday, June 9, to minimise disruption to SH2 traffic.

“We need to stay focused on the message: We are not opposed to barriers as a whole but want our connection to our community and environment to stay how it is – not blocked by side road barriers.

“Residents can meet at the beginning of their roads prior to starting [or join any time after] and travel at a reduced speed between roundabouts—Rae Rd to the north and Morton Rd to the south."

Protesters have been encouraged to make colourful signs to display on their vehicles.

"Now is the time to do something that supports all our combined efforts so far."

Mike says that when NZTA did a study on this stretch of SH2 in 2016, they decided that the narrow 100km/hr road with intersections was very compromised.

“Since then, they have widened the roads reduced the speed limit, and upgraded all intersections.”

The sign on the back of a vehicle that is part of the protest convoy on Sunday morning on SH2 between Katikati and Aongatete. Photo Michaela Barratt. :

NZTA proposes installing 8km of median barriers along SH2 between Wharawhara Rd and Morton Rd as part of their safety improvement works for SH2. These works are planned to begin mid-this year.

The area’s residents are concerned about these plans as they will restrict access to side roads by preventing right-hand turns. Mike says this means “another seven kilometres” of travel to access the side roads.

“It’s just ridiculous.”

He says NZTA needs to consider the impact these median barriers will have on the community.

NZTA director of regional relationships for the Bay of Plenty and Waikato district, David Speirs says they were aware of the planned protest, and that public safety is being managed by NZ Police.

“NZTA appreciates median barriers mean a change for some people, in terms of disruption to their current travel patterns," says David.

“Between 2009 and 2018 when our safety improvement project began, 24 people died and 65 were seriously injured on this stretch of SH2.

“The analysis of these crashes shows most were caused by running off the road, head-on collisions, and intersection crashes. The safety improvements we are making are evidence-based road design.

“Median and side barriers already installed on this stretch of SH2 have been hit 47 times since they were installed in 2020.

“They are a highly effective and cost-effective road safety tool that have proven to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in crashes by 75 per cent at locations where they are installed.”

A police spokesperson says police were aware of the planned protest and are monitoring and will take action where necessary.

“Police will be focused on maintaining public safety while recognising the right to peaceful protest.

“Motorists and residents in the area planning time-critical travel should plan ahead for expected traffic disruption in the area during the morning and through the middle part of the day on Sunday.”

At the scene?

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