Māori leaders are defending calls for workers to strike and to join anti-Government protests on this week's Budget day.

Multiple hīkoi are planned around the country, including rolling road blockages in Auckland and a rally outside the Beehive.

The Prime Minister today said strike action could be illegal - and if people wish to protest, they could do so on the weekend.

Lady Tureiti Moxon is leading one protest.

She says if people want to strike, they can.

"I think it's a way of our people expressing the fact that they are not happy with this Government - and what they're doing is not just in breach of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi, but very disrespectful to Māori." 

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