Occupiers back 'to prove it ain't over'

Email
Print

Occupiers back 'to prove it ain't over'

3News NZ

Protestors forced their way back into the area police and security had removed them from hours earlier

Protestors forced their way back into the area police and security had removed them from hours earlier

By Kim Choe

Occupy Auckland protesters have refused to give in to authorities and have broken through the fences put up to stop them from camping in Aotea Square.

Their actions follow a clear message from the Auckland Council that they are no longer welcome.

Hours after being forced out of the square the Occupiers forced their way back in.

Activist Penny Bright says they are doing it to “prove that it ain’t over”.

A group of protesters rejoiced on the grass they had been camping on for a 104 days.

Their act of defiance was over 60 police officers and 40 security guards who arrived with a clear message that it was time to go.

Police arrested 20 protesters; the majority for trespass and breaching the peace and one for assaulting a member of the public.

But they came straight back again, much to the dismay of police, and the homeless.

Protesters say their treatment by police and council security guards has given them more incentive to stay.

An Occupier who has made a reputation for his leadership among the group, Chris Glen, says he was prepared to move on.

“But not anymore, they've made it too personal.”

Witnesses told 3 News two more people were arrested last night after trying to push over fences that had just been put back up.

The Occupiers say they have planned a protest march for tomorrow before those arrested go to court next week.

3 News

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

28/01/2012 4:25:40 p.m.

Michael Morris wrote:

A lot of the responses here demonstrate the complete self confidence of the totally ignorant. Personally I am unaware of any surveys of protestors, so cannot say with the same level of certainty that all of them are on the dole. Many said they were working, and I have no proof that they were lying. One of the organisers appearing on television did admit to being on a benefit due to medical issues, but she came across as intelligent, articulate and with obviously very good leadership and organisational skills, which is more than can be said for many of the detractors posting here. Martin, corporate greed and welfare is alive in NZ in spite of its small size. The United Nations Human Development Index reports a high level of inequality in New Zealand compared to most European States, and this has been steadily growing since 1987. Though it improved slightly after Working for Families was introduced, more recently inequality has increased again. Having said this, it is possible that the protests are becoming counter productive, though I require more evidence than a bunch of ignorant rants before I am totally convinced. Civil disobedience can be a force for positive change, and it gets people discussing the issues, but only while the public is laregly sympathetic to its aims. The back down by the Christchurch CEO in accepting his obscene pay rise has shown that the publicity is working and the corporates are feeling the public pressure. But now may be time to move on to diferent tactics, and leave peacefully - who knows. I would like some rational discussion - preferably evidence based - on what the best tactics are now.

27/01/2012 1:30:55 p.m.

Josie wrote:

GET A JOB, why should I support you while you are camping. You aren't taxpayers, you are once again costing the rest of us our hard tax dollars. YOU ARE AN EMBARRASSMENT

27/01/2012 1:28:48 p.m.

willyt wrote:

Just siop their dole payments
they will ALL be bludgers on the taxpayer(Who would empluy these types)

27/01/2012 12:43:00 p.m.

Mark wrote:

Time to bring in the fire brigade for some fire hose practice, this is beyond a joke now.

27/01/2012 11:13:47 a.m.

Martin wrote:

Thanks once again for selfishly occupying s small area of refuse for the people that pay for your holiday. Corporate greed will never be changed by you pathetic attempt at trying to protest against what Wilbur quite rightly states is primarily a US and EU protest issue. NZ is to small to entertain large corporate enterprise with ours propped up by Australia/US funding or organizations such as McDonalds etc. The biggies here are organisations such as the the Warehouse/Sanitarium etc who are still listed on the stock exchange with some overseas interests.. Want to protest? Go put up camp in the NZ "corporates" areas but make sure your BBQ's/tents/Peanut butter etc do not come from them. Their "fat" salaries and corporate greed have more legal resources than the council.

27/01/2012 11:07:25 a.m.

chris01 wrote:

These people are a bunch of selfish individuals. Time for them to go. As for Chris Glen's supposed about turn... what a joke. If he feels so strongly and wants to make a change then why doesn't he create or join a political party and come up with something that NZ's can feel comfortable with and vote for. The fact is these guys are an isolated bunch of cranks that no-one is really interested in. Lock them all up.

27/01/2012 11:06:28 a.m.

Frustrated wrote:

They need to ask for something specific and acheivable otherwise they are wasting their time.

27/01/2012 10:37:06 a.m.

James wrote:

Get their names when they are arrested...STOP their DOLE.!! Why should we taxpayers be keeping them while they are loafing around causing disruption and damage.. Obviously none of them have a job !!! Cheers James.

27/01/2012 8:53:21 a.m.

Wilbur wrote:

So now this pathetic protest is about defiance! These F**ktards have no real cause and never have. The Corporate Greed they keep talking about is in America not NZ. They need to be rounded up and detained indefinitely until they realise that all of New Zealand thinks of them as the Parasites! It would be quicker if some masked gunman did us all a favour!