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I pulled out of the garage located on Onewa Rd in Northcote Point, Auckland, headed Auckland South motorway 1.
I exited the garage on a special T3 lane. I didn't have a chance to merge safely so I was thinking on merging after the redlight.
On the intersection of Onewa Rd. where I was intending to merge, there was a bunch of political activists holding signs, jumping and causing drivers attention and cars started honking at them.
Nobody would let me merge as they were all distracted, including myself.
I was charged with a Lane Offence infringement for $150 for driving in this lane.

You can easily see these political activists in the picture they have taken as well my car indicating that I was trying to merge.

Is this something that I could dispute? If so, what are the most relevant arguments to do so?

Thanks!

Hi there,
According to recent member enquiries of similar situations, it is unlikely that disputing the infringement would result in it being cleared. You may write a letter requesting it be dropped and siting the situation mentioned in the photo.

news item and comment that maybe relevant from the item: https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/82976205/auckland-t3-lanes-create-mixed-reactions "Non-T3 drivers can use up to 50 metres of the T3 lane to get around turning vehicles," Hannan says.