City leaders happy Occupy Auckland protesters ordered to leave

Protestors camped out and occupying Aotea Square in Auckland. Photo / Janna Dixon

City leaders are supporting a court decision forcing Occupy Auckland protesters from their central city campsite in Aotea Square within 48 hours.

Auckland councillor Cameron Brewer said he supported the court's decision to grant the council's application for a permanent injunction to end the occupation of Aotea Square.

"They've had a fair go and made their point loud and clear. The public and council have been very patient.

"They tell us they're peaceful and operate within the confines of the law, so they now need to demonstrate it,'' said Mr Brewer. He said Occupy Auckland should follow Dunedin's example by leaving peacefully.

"If they dig in their toes, they're only going to lose public support and any empathy they may have had for their cause.''

The judge this morning ordered the protesters to cease residing in Aotea Square and to remove all of the paraphernalia associated with the protest campsite within 48 hours.

The protesters have been camping in the square since 15 October.

Protest spokesman Chris Glenn said the decision was disappointing and the movement was in the process of lodging an appeal.

Many in the camp were resolved to stay there through Christmas despite the eviction order, he said.

"As far as we're concerned it's business as usual. We're continuing to protest against corporate greed and gross inequality in our society.''

Mr Glenn said the occupy protesters had always expected to face legal obstacles and were expecting to win their appeal.

"It's important we don't limit the rights of people to protest.''