Occupy protest makes a move

The relocated group was part of Occupy Auckland in Aotea Square. Photo / Greg Bowker

A reduced number of Occupy Auckland protesters have made Victoria Park their campground after being ordered to leave Aotea Square.

The protesters are part of a global demonstration against corporate greed and had been in Aotea Square for more than two months before being told by a court to leave the square on Friday. The protesters were warned that they could face arrest under contempt of court charges if they did not move.

James Heremia, who claimed to be a kaumatua for the local movement, said the decision to move to Victoria Park followed a general assembly meeting.

He said 80 of the 300 protesters were at the new site, although only about 30 were seen when the Herald visited the park yesterday.

"Many had to leave us temporarily to be with their families for Christmas and New Year, but they will be back again to join us in January.

"Those who feel strongly have decided to carry on, to provide a moral dimension of support to the cause."

Mr Heremia said the plan was to continue the protest "indefinitely" or "at least until Christmas 2012".

"We [are] protesting against corporate greed and gross inequality between the rich and the poor, which we have seen to be increasing in New Zealand. The Occupy movement is relevant as long as there is this great divide."

New movement member Grahame Lamb said: "It is frustrating that authorities are still not acknowledging, or doing anything, for the poor in Auckland.

"This protest is also a great way to get the message across that alcohol and drugs are also destroying families."

Mr Lamb, an artist, said he would be using his skills to help the group with signs and communications.