Re-Occupy Dunedin protest shortlived

The re-occupation of the Octagon in Dunedin is over.

It is understood the about 12 occupiers vacated the Octagon last night, after setting up a new tent there yesterday in support of a fellow occupier who they thought was scheduled to appear in Dunedin District Court yesterday on a wilful damage charge related to his putting up a tent in the same spot during the original occupation of the Octagon.

The 49-year-old man did not appear, but is expected to appear next Tuesday.

Dunedin City Council community and recreation services manager Mick Reece said it would remain to be seen if the group would reappear in the Octagon next Tuesday.

He said if they did, the council's first port of call would always be to the police.

The area where the tent was set up was cordoned off while the grass recovered from the last occupation, which caused nearly $4000 worth of damage to the grass.

"In the meantime, well cut the grass, get some of those bald spots sorted out, so we have it all nice for them when they come back."

Senior Sergeant Bruce Ross said he was not aware that police had any involvement in the group leaving the Octagon.