Police evict Occupy Wellington campers

Occupy Wellington protesters camping in Civic Square were evicted today by police.

About 20 police officers and 25 security guards turned up at 6.30am to issues eviction notices which gave the protesters 30 minutes to pack up and move.

The protesters were packing up their belongings.

This morning protesters turned their anger on the media, swearing and abusing reporters.

The occupation, which was initially part of a global protest movement against corporate greed, began at Civic Square on October 15.

Initial numbers peaked at about 100, with participants gathered from all walks of life including students studying at university.

But as time went on and camping became more difficult, cracks began to appear at the camp, which split into two factions.

Some original members alleged the movement had been occupied by notorious protester Benjamin Easton, and claims of threats to women’s safety, and violence against the police surfaced. Many left and, last night, about 20 tents remained.

A legal to-and-fro between the Auckland protesters and the supercity council came to a head last week, with security guards and police moving in to confiscate tents and belongings. Some occupiers returned the next day, but again their belongings were removed and only a few individuals remain.

The Wellington City Council took a softly softly approach in the first few months, allowing the camping to take place and then issuing several letters as time went on.

A letter delivered last week made it clear patience was wearing thin.

Mr Easton remained defiant, even stating he was considering legal action to stop the removal, but last night seemed to have softened that stance. ‘‘If the council issues an order to remove the tents and other structures, then the occupiers are agreed that they will dismantle these on their own but continue in occupation,’’ he said.