Several months of Police planning for two VIP visits and the annual Big Day Out come to fruition this weekend starting with the arrival of the United States' Secretary of State, the Honourable Hillary Clinton, early on Friday morning.
She will be in the city on official and informal business until her departure on Sunday morning.
That will be followed shortly after by the arrival of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales who will be in Auckland overnight on the 17th.
Auckland City District Police are well-versed in the management of VIP visits and major events and, while all three coincide this weekend, Inspector Derek Davison says the value of long-term planning that goes on behind the scenes for months is generally borne out by the smooth running of the visits and events.
"This district deals with up to 20 VIP visits a year and my team works closely with other Government agencies, security companies, hotel management, city councils and a range of other service providers to ensure our visitors enjoy a safe and pleasant time in Auckland.
"While we try to minimise any impact on the travelling public that motorcades have, we're not able to guarantee there won't be some disruption to them from time to time. To that end we encourage motorists and residents to have patience if they find themselves on the periphery of a motorcade or official engagement."
The Big Day Out will see thousands of music fans getting to and from Mt Smart Stadium throughout Friday the 15th and Police urge concert-goers to bear theirs and their friends' personal safety in mind by observing the following:
• Stay with your friends
• Have a plan to get home safely
• Don't drink to excess
• Avoid drug use
• Don't drink and drive
• Remove valuable items from sight if parking a car in the vicinity of the venue
• Where possible, use public transport to get to and from the venue
• If you need assistance at the venue, approach security staff, Police or St John's Ambulance officers.