Media release

Auckland Councillor Cameron Brewer

16 November 2011

$20k security not needed for peaceful protest

“News that $20,000 of ratepayers’ money is being spent each week on security to guard Occupy Auckland in Aotea Square is not necessary given it is a peaceful protest and there hasn’t been any confrontation from members of the public,” says Auckland Councillor Cameron Brewer.

“It is completely over the top to spend over $20,000 a week to guard the small number of occupiers who actually sleep there. The total annual rates revenue from 10 average Auckland households is going towards funding this every week. A two-metre high perimeter high fence is also costing ratepayers $500 a week to hire.

“The occupiers tell us they are peaceful and no members of the public are trying to pick a fight, so who are we trying to protect? Ratepayers have already spent nearly $100,000 on these security guards who look bored to tears. The provision of these private security guards needs to be withdrawn immediately and the fence taken down. If there’s any real threat, the police can respond.”

Mr Brewer says the costs of security will only be a part of the total bill for Auckland ratepayers.

"It’s absolute rubbish to say this occupation will cost ratepayers about $300,000. The costs are being downplayed in an attempt to appease ratepayers. By the time everything's taken into consideration, I believe it will have cost Auckland ratepayers over $1m.

“The cost to fix the whole area, including re-grassing and replacing damaged paving stones and native trees, will be in the hundreds of thousands alone. The council will also need to inspect the protective membrane between the square and its underground carpark at a cost of $60,000 once the occupation ends. Staff tell us repairing it if it is damaged would come at considerable cost. Considerable staff time and legal advice will also need to be added to the bill.

“We also understand cleaners are working overtime to constantly clean up the likes of urine in the stairwells of the Aotea carpark.

"The refurbished Aotea Square cost ratepayers $80m and was only finally finished just before the Rugby World Cup. That grassed area took forever to grow and even if the occupiers leave soon, it will still be out of bounds for the entire summer.

“It’s not only the monetary cost. It’s also the cost of 99% of Aucklanders losing that precious green space in the central city this summer,” says Cameron Brewer.

Ends

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