Auckland Council removes camping gear from occupation sites

Auckland Council has today removed equipment and vehicles from public spaces being used as campsites under the Occupy Auckland banner.

This morning, council’s warranted officers served notices to those people residing in Aotea Square, Queen Street, Albert Park and Victoria Park, requesting the removal of illegal structures from public land.

Cars, tents and camping gear were removed from sites at Aotea Square, Albert Park, Victoria Park, and outside council premises at 360 Queen Street. The items were removed using statutory powers granted under existing bylaws.

The activity was coordinated with police who had operational control over the sites. Auckland Council’s position is that people have a right to freedom of speech and protest, but not the right to camp indefinitely. Auckland Council’s action is consistent with the direction of the recent Auckland District Court decision.

The campsites are affecting council’s ability to take bookings and plan for community events such as this year’s Auckland Lantern Festival. Preparations for this festival, which will be held in Albert Park from February 3-5, need to begin this week.

Auckland Council has restated its determination to respect and protect the right of citizens to free speech, but says it will not allow illegal camping in Auckland’s public spaces, which its citizens want returned to them.

The Auckland District Court last month issued an order that the protestors should cease residing in Aotea Square and also remove the various illegal structures they had been living in that square since 15 October 2011.