Thursday, 30 June 2022 - 2:16pm |
Wellington

Arrests made after Mahanga Bay occupation

1 min read

Police have arrested six people during an operation to clear occupiers from a site at Mahanga Bay.

Police had issued a trespass notice to the occupiers on 24 May (on behalf of NIWA and LINZ), which took effect on the evening of 25 May.

Fresh appeals were made by Police to the approximately 15 occupiers this morning for them to leave the area.

Most did so without incident, however six people were arrested – four for trespass, one for obstruction, and one on a warrant.

Court dates are yet to be confirmed.

Police earlier escorted people back into the site to retrieve their property.

Contractors will be used to assist in clearing the site once this process is complete.

Property will be stored securely off site and arrangements made for owners to retrieve it.

Once the site is cleared, it will be returned to the owners.

Police have also worked to connect the occupiers with Kahungungu Whānau Services, to ensure the appropriate support is in place for those who may need it going forward.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre