25 Jan 2012

Council back to court over occupation

6:06 pm on 25 January 2012

Auckland Council is to go back to court next week over the removal of the remaining protesters occupying Aotea Square.

The council is seeking fresh orders to evict the occupiers after it managed to remove some of their equipment from the square on Monday.

The Auckland District Court issued an order in December to stop the protestors camping in Aotea Square and authorising the removal of all their equipment.

The council is now seeking further approval to remove the protesters' tents and other structures they are using as shelter.

It will also seek the right to arrest and imprison any protesters who refuse to leave of their own accord.

Auckland Council says it hopes protesters will leave voluntarily before the court hearing.

The square has been occupied since October 2011.