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'Occupy' Dunedin protestors won't leave

Occupy Dunedin protesters have not budged overnight and say they will not leave the Octagon despite being served with a trespass notice by the Dunedin City Council.

TVNZ

5:11AM Wednesday November 02, 2011

The anti-corporate greed protesters have been camping in the Octagon since October 15 and were given until 8pm last night to leave, though people remained in the area past the deadline.

The occupiers say they will not budge and called on Dunedin residents to join them.

"We invite you all to join us in forming the ring around the Octagon to tell the council that the Octagon belongs to the people of Dunedin and remind them that they are in breach of the Bill of Rights Act, which a bylaw should not exceed," a statement from the group said.

A man not associated with the protesters was arrested and charged with common assault last night after police said he approached the group, pulled out some of their tent pegs and punched one of them.

Occupy Dunedin spokesperson Andy Tait said the group has the support of most Dunedin residents.

"We have caused no harm, and have created an open forum for discussion in the heart of the city," he said.

Another protester Vincent Antony said there were about a hundred people at the Octagon after news spread that the trespass notice had been served.

He said they would not move overnight.

Antony says they have been liaising with police who say they have no plans to act immediately because it is a council issue.

The protesters face fines of up to a $1000 or up to three months in prison if they refuse to leave.

The council has withdrawn its offer of Market Reserve as an alternative camping spot for the protesters.

Occupations throughout New Zealand have rallied in defence of Occupy Dunedin.

Occupy Auckland protesters, who have been in Aotea Square since 15 October, said they planned to march on Auckland Central Police Station in support of Occupy Dunedin.

Joe Carolan, one of the organisers of the occupation of Aotea Square last month, expressed his astonishment at the proposed eviction.

"We are calling for all supporters of Occupy Dunedin to join us to defend the right to peacefully assemble and to object to the gross inequalities that surround us every day."

"Keep it up everyone, solidarity from Occupy Otautahi Christchurch! We are with you," Regan Stokes posted on the Occupy Dunedin Facebook page.

Occupy Christchurch made a complaint to the Dunedin City Council over the eviction.

"Kia Ora. I am a member of the public of Aotearoa New Zealand who pays taxes for the upkeep and maintenance of public assets and city council properties. I support the Occupy Dunedin peaceful protest, and ask the council not to evict the occupiers from this public space," the group's complaint read.

With only weeks to an election, Labour leader Phil Goff yesterday expressed the concern he shares with the Occupy movement about the "greed and recklessness of the corporate world".

Recent eviction attempts in Oakland, California and closer to home in Melbourne, turned violent and have led to accusations of police brutality.

A member of Occupy Oakland gave her support to Dunedin last night on their Facebook page.

"Hey, folks! Lauren from Occupy Oakland here, just sending out a message of love and solidarity. Keep fighting the good fight! We're proud of you, we love you, and we're holding you in our hearts!"