Auckland Council has today removed equipment and vehicles from public spaces being used as campsites under the Occupy Auckland banner.

This morning, council’s warranted officers served notices to those people residing in Aotea Square, Queen Street, Albert Park and Victoria Park, requesting the removal of illegal structures from public land.

Cars, tents and camping gear were removed from sites at Aotea Square, Albert Park, Victoria Park, and outside council premises at 360 Queen Street. The items were removed using statutory powers granted under existing bylaws.

The activity was coordinated with police who had operational control over the sites. Auckland Council’s position is that people have a right to freedom of speech and protest, but not the right to camp indefinitely. Auckland Council’s action is consistent with the direction of the recent Auckland District Court decision.

The campsites are affecting council’s ability to take bookings and plan for community events such as this year’s Auckland Lantern Festival. Preparations for this festival, which will be held in Albert Park from February 3-5, need to begin this week. 

Auckland Council has restated its determination to respect and protect the right of citizens to free speech, but says it will not allow illegal camping in Auckland’s public spaces, which its citizens want returned to them.

The Auckland District Court last month issued an order that the protestors should cease residing in Aotea Square and also remove the various illegal structures they had been living in that square since 15 October 2011.

How to claim Occupy Auckland gear removed by the council

On 23 January 2012, Auckland Council seized property from four Occupy Auckland sites namely, Aotea Square, Victoria Park, Albert Park and 360 Queen Street in accordance with Section 164 of the Local Government Act 2002.  Items are being kept in secure storage.

Council must determine the rightful owners of the property as the goods in question were not claimed by any individual at the time of seizure.

If you believe you are the lawful owner of any property seized from the above sites you will need to take the following action:

• Contact the Team Manager, Compliance Projects and Bylaws at Auckland Council in writing at the address below:

Auckland Council
Private Bag 92300
Auckland 1142

• State where you believe your property was seized from and give a clear description of each item;
• Provide your full name, address and contact details;
• Provide an undertaking that you will not illegally occupy or re-occupy any public space; and
• On receipt of the above Auckland Council will contact you to arrange an appointment.

Auckland Council has the right to retain any seized items it reasonably believes will be used breaching its bylaws.  Further, we must establish lawful ownership before any goods are returned and will therefore make any enquiries necessary. The Council may exercise the right to retain the property if proof of ownership cannot be established.