By Amanda Gillies/RadioLIVE
Protestors demonstrating against global inequality have spent the night camped outside the Aotea Centre in Auckland.
More than 100 people stayed the night, sleeping in tents or on the grass in protest against bankers and financiers who they say control an unhealthy amount of the world's wealth.
Demonstrator Chloe King says ethnic minorities and women are trampled on.
“I’ve actually been waiting for something like this to happen for years now and I’m so glad that we’re finally waking up from our sleep.
“We’re actively coming together and disbelieving the right-wing media and actually looking for more progressive stuff now.”
She says that she plans to stay in the square until corporations become aware of the harm they are causing.
Another occupier, Simon Ohsterman, says complete strangers have come together to achieve similar goals:
“The overall message we’ve got is that people and planet before profit.
“Some people have been criticising that the occupied movement isn’t specific enough, the thing is is that the decision-making process itself is the message. If we make decision collectively with consensus and we engage with people – that itself is the message.”
Mr Ohsterman says many protesters are prepared to occupy the area until action is taken.
Earlier Saturday afternoon, 3000 people marched up Auckland’s Queen Street as part of the worldwide grassroots movement against corporate greed and inequality.
Involved in the march was veteran protestor John Minto.
“This is about people being sick and tired of 99 percent of the people who create the wealth, not getting it and it all that wealth going to the one percent.”
It was also about the Rena – there was anger and frustration.
“It makes me very angry. And if we hadn't allowed ships of convenience to come into New Zealand we wouldn't be where we are with the Rena in Tauranga,” said one demonstrator.
“The government action hasn't been good enough in that respect,” said another.
Occupy Wall Street started in New York and now nearly 1000 cities in 82 countries are involved including Christchurch, Wellington, Invercargill and Dunedin – dubbed Occupy Aotearoa, or Occupy Queen Street in Auckland.
The protesters are preparing to set up camp in Aotea Square for the next six weeks.
“If the numbers, if we have people coming down and supporting here, there is no reason this can't go on as long as the occupy of Wall Street, as long as any of the other occupations,” says Mr Minto.
Inspector Mike Hall of Auckland police says the movement is in early days.
“They have just arrived here, we will see what their intentions are and then we will be talking to the council and see what the council wants to do about it.”
3 News