How does a private citizen go about closing down a section of state highway?

That's the question that arose from Sunday's protest by local iwi who succeeded in closing the Wairoa Bridge on State Highway 2 near Te Puna.

It was only for around 15 minutes, to allow the protesters to cross safely. But it resulted in a traffic snarl-up that wasn't cleared until two hours later.

Road closures for private events are not uncommon – graduation parades, for instance, can close city streets for hours, while Christmas parades can have the same effect.

However, while efficient detours are usually in place for such CBD events, closing the main route into Tauranga from the north, with no quick detour, is almost unprecedented.

Mana Moana Campaign lead coordinator Meremaihi Aloua, who helped organise the protest march, says they communicated with police and NZTA before the protest, and that because their protests have been peaceful, these organisations have in turn been supportive.

'The Hauraki Collective Treaty settlement claim involves Katikati and Te Puna, so we did one in Katikati and now we've done a march in Te Puna.”

She says she understands there were many frustrated motorists as a result, but the issue affects everybody, 'not just tangata whenua”.

'We're trying to raise awareness. If everybody knew the extent of what was happening, they would be a lot more supportive than not. Some of our Pakeha community were there on Sunday because they are informed.”

Senior Sergeant Ian Campion says police and the NZTA were advised of the proposed march by the organisers. Their role was to ensure the lawful right to protest was upheld, while ensuring the safety of all involved.

'Given the bridge is particularly narrow with no pedestrian facilities, police requested the road be closed for a short period of time due to safety concerns. The road was closed to ensure the safety of everyone.”

SunMedia contacted the NZTA to find out what the guidelines are around private citizens shutting down the Wairoa Bridge, or any section of state highway.

'State highways may be temporarily closed for planned events such as parades or sporting events or for unplanned events where public safety is a priority,” says a NZTA spokesperson.

'Planned events require an applicant to detail the purpose of the event, provide a description of the course to be followed, communicate with affected stakeholders such as local authorities, and clearly show how traffic, participants and spectators will be managed on the day.

'For planned events the Transport Agency requires the procedures contained in the Transport Regulations to be followed. For what is deemed unplanned or emergency events, the road can be shut by police or the fire service under the Local Government Act and the Fire Service Act.”

Under the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004, pedestrians must, at all times when practicable, remain on the footpath if one is provided. Non-compliance may result in a fine of $35.