THURSDAY 26 APRIL, 9.30pm
An occupation today of the minicipal building in Onehunga, due for demolition, has won a promise of a mayoral meeting.
Auckland City's development manager David Manton promised the occupiers that the Mayor of Auckland, Christine Fletcher,
and other councillors will meet the occupiers tomorrow (Friday 27 April) at 8.30am. This promise was made in view of
media representatives.
This "roundtable" meeting with the mayor will literally take place in the open - in the front courtyard of the municipal
building in Onehunga. The media will be able to view these proceedings out in the open.
Upon receiving this promise, the occupiers left the building. No arrests were made, although the police had been called
by the development manager.
The occupation was to retain the facilities of community groups and social services which operated out of the minicipal
building. This building is to be demolished shortly, and the plans for the new one exclude some of these groups. This
issue is also tied up with moves to downgrade or remove community service facilities from the nearby community house in
Onehunga.
For more information, contact Michelle Tawhai-Apelu (09) 636 8366 or Estabin Espinoza (09) 636 9380. The media are
welcome to attend the "roundtable" meeting tomorrow (Friday).