Anti-asset sale Flash Occupation at Vodafone Building

.

.

30 October, Wellington. Wellington’s Aotearoa is Not For Sale action group today mounted another in an on-going series of  “flash occupations” – this time at Forsyth Barr, in the  Vodafone Building in Lambton Quay, down-town Wellington.

.

.

It was a beautiful sunny day when about a dozen members of ANFS met at Midland Park, in front of Vodaphone House,

.

.

.

Debbie and Warwick, displaying the latest printed signs to be used in on-going campaigns,

.

.

Activists  were all dressed in corporate-style clothing, to facilitate easier entry into company offices. (In the case of Clemenger BBDO, we were actually more stylishly dressed than the corporate staff!)

Warwick (on phone) and Richard, being photographed by Valerie,

.

.

Journalist students from Whitirea Polytech (L-R), Alastair, Anthony, and Damon, interviewing Richard to explain the rationale for flash occupations.

They presented their story online, here: Flash occupation hits key asset sales players

.

.

Lunchtime office workerswere treated to an impromptu public performance.

The group practised singing various songs, that had been amended to carry a protest message. The singing was not quite “New Zealand’s Got Talent” – but the songs were sung with enthusiasm and sincerity…

.

.

.

.

.

A curious moment occurred when this chap was seen photographing the group, using the smartphone in his hand. One person suggested that he was a police photographer.

He seemed intent on taking his pics and then walking away. At no time did he  approach the group to discuss  issues relating to  the purpose of our activities…

.

.

The protest group entered the Vodafone Building – only to be confronted by two security guards.

Whether they had been pre-warned of  our presence, or had spotted us ourside during our practice singing, they blocked further passage of the protest group,

.

.

The smile on one of the security guards showed the laid-back, non-threatening nature of the protest. The ANFS group at all times maintained a peaceful, non-aggressive attitude.

Undeterred, and under surveillance by a camera (top right), the group set up a protest picket-line in the lobby of the building,

.

.

One of the security guards, attempted to cajole the protest group to leave the foyer. Again, there was no aggro from either side,

.

.

.

Having set up a picket line (to one side of the foyer, so as not to block other peoples’ ability to move with freedom to-and-from the building), the protestors began to sing a loud and clear message; asset sales were not wanted!

.

.

Banner unfurled; signs held aloft; voices in full song – the group were getting their message across to the public,

.

.

Office workers walking past the protest,

.

.

Realising that this was a peaceful protest, the security guards stood back as the  group presented it’s anti-asset-sales message, and eventually wound up the action and left without incident.

Though entry to Forsyth Barr’s offices was not gained, the mere presence of the  Aotearoa is Not For Sale  group was sufficient to remind those within this edifice to corporate power, that this issue will not go away.

Aotearoa is not for sale. Not now, not ever.

.

*

.

Copyright (c)  Notice

All images are freely available to be used, with following provisos,

•     Use must be for non-commercial purposes.

•     Where purpose of  use is  commercial, a donation to Child Poverty Action Group is requested.

•     For non-commercial use, images may be used only in context, and not to denigrate individuals.

•     Acknowledgement of source is requested.

.

.

= fs =

About these ads