Occupy Auckland loses legal bid to stay in square

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

Occupy Auckland protesters are set to march on the town hall after having their legal bid to stay at their Aotea Square campground declined.

An Auckland District Court judge yesterday ordered Occupy Auckland protestors to pack up and leave Aotea Square within 48 hours.

The movement's request for a stay on that judgment was turned down this afternoon, meaning protestors have a day to leave the site.

A post on the Occupy Auckland facebook wall announced plans for a "symbolic occupation" of the Auckland town hall in the wake of the hearing.

Protesters were planning to march on the hall at 4pm.

City leaders yesterday spoke out in favour of the court's decision to evict the movement.

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.''

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.''