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Occupy Wellington Camp Attracts Prominent Guests

The Occupy Wellington camp, part of the global Occupy Together movement against economic and social inequality, has received support from several prominent unexpected visitors in the last three days while camping out in Civic Square.

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown visited the camp of around 50 people on Monday, expressing her approval for the Occupy movement and leaving a contact card in case the camp faced any trouble from the Council.

The group has been in close contact with the Wellington City Council to ensure that their activities do not interfere with passersby or WCC activities, and to provide a family friendly space.

“The Council has been right on board with helping us make the Occupy camp a positive experience that gets a worthwhile message out without impinging on the public” says Benjamin, a volunteer who supports the Occupy movement. “And we really appreciate that the Police have been nothing but friendly”.

Peter Dunne visited the Civic Square occupation yesterday morning, voicing his agreement with the overarching message of the Occupy movement.

“The disparity of wealth and opportunity is greater now than it has been for many years. The question is how to resolve these issues” said Dunne.

MP Catherine Delahunty expressed similarly positive sentiment when she visited the camp later in the afternoon.

Other visitors include Don Richards, independent candidate for Ohariu, who has visited the site on several occasions to express his support.

Both MPs were greeted politely, and welcomed to share their views with the group.

Joel, another volunteer supporting the movement, says “Consensus was reached in the Occupy Wellington group early on to avoid aligning with any specific political party or organisation. But we welcome MPs, public figures, and anyone else to come down to Civic Square as individuals and discuss their perspectives with us.”

“I think that on a personal level most politicians want the same things that I do; a sustainable planet for our future generations, a fairer system with less inequality and more democratic decision-making. It’s just a shame that the constraints of their party politics and the influence of corporations and other institutions so often get in the way of these things being put into practice. This is something I’d like to see change.” Joel says.
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