Mayor spells out Council position on Octagon protest

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull is pleased Police have finally made a decision, though disappointed that in considering the reasonableness of protest, they have ignored the issue of DCC by-laws. The Trespass Notice was based on the city’s Camping Control By-Law.

In addition Mayor Cull, this morning suggested that the efforts to find a legal solution to the Occupy Dunedin protest in the city centre go beyond matters of concern to local Police.

“Our attempts to bring this protest to a conclusion by legal means have national implications and are clearly being considered at national level,” said Mayor Cull at a media conference today.

“There has been considerable on-going, behind the scenes communication between the Dunedin City Council and the Dunedin Police leadership and it is helpful to know where they stand in relation to our legal attempts to end the occupation.

“We now need to consider our further legal options.

“My very strong view, reinforced by many emails, phone calls and messages received by the Council is that the tide of public opinion is heavily in favour of the Octagon being reinstated so that the whole community can use it.

“My Council and DCC staff will continue to work with the Police and Occupy Dunedin to find a solution that is in the best interests of the city’s residents.”