7 Dec 2011

Council rejects claim of bias in occupation protest

6:52 pm on 7 December 2011

Auckland Council says it has not singled out the Mana Party in the trespass notice it's issued to the Occupy Auckland protesters.

The Mana Party says the document covers those among the protestors who are a part of, or associated with, the party

On Tuesday, Mana Party president Annette Sykes said members of other mainstream political parties have been part of the protest in Aotea Square against corporate greed, but they haven't been targeted by the Council.

She says freedom of association is a fundamental right.

In response, Auckland Council says it has "certainly not" singled out any group within the campsite for different treatment.

In a statement, it says trespass notices were handed to as many people as possible who were there on the day.

The Council says it has a good relationship with the group overall.

Another court hearing is due on Thursday on whether or not the Occupy Auckland protesters can be removed permanently.