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Occupy Dunedin protestors given their marching orders

NZ Herald

3:57 PM Tuesday Nov 1, 2011

Occupy Dunedin has been given their marching orders from the Octagon.

The dozens of residents must cease camping in the area by 8pm tonight, or be trespassed from the area in the "wider interest of the community".

One resident said a meeting would be held at the site at 7pm to gauge reaction, with several indicating to the Otago Daily Times they would not be moved.

Shortly after 3pm Dunedin City Council representatives, including a security guard, visited the site, which has been occupied since October 15, and handed trespass notices.

A statement issued by the council said despite offering an alternative site, that option was rejected by Occupy Dunedin.

"The Octagon is a reserve which the Council administers for the benefit of the public and your occupation is standing in the way of the wider public's right to use the area," the statement said.

"Your camping in the Octagon has gone well beyond what is reasonable and now displays a disregard for the lawful entitlement of others to enjoy the Octagon.

"The Council cannot condone continuing breaches of legal requirements such as the camping bylaws.

"In the absence of any gesture on your part to negotiate a mutually agreeable outcome the Council now requires you to cease camping and leave the Octagon.

"The Council regrets we have had to resort to such a move but in the wider interests of the community your unwillingness to negotiate has obliged the Council to seek a resolution through legal enforcement action."

If the protesters do not leave the Octagon by 8pm they potentially face a fine not exceeding $1000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.

A copy of the norice served  on the occupiers is available HERE