April 15, 2020
Owairaka protesters ignore lockdown rules
Auckland’s Tupuna Maunga Authority has removed tents on Ōwairaka-Mount Albert erected by a group protesting its plans to restore native vegetation to the maunga.
Chair Paul Majurey says despite the alert level 4 lockdown the ‘Honour the Maunga’ protest group encouraged its members to maintain an around-the-clock presence at the illegal encampment.
Their activities were in clear breach of the lockdown, and removing the illegal encampment was necessary to protect the health and safety of Maunga visitors, staff and contractors as the COVID-19 crisis continues.
While non-essential work and maintenance on the maunga has been paused during the lockdown, staff are on standby to address urgent matters of public health and safety.
All tents, marquees and their contents have been securely stored for return to their owners once the alert level changes.
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