Hillmorton Hospital Link To Homelessness Near Westfield, As Riccarton Business Owners Speak Of Safety Fears

Episode 1: The NZR speaks to fearful business owners, and looks into downtown Riccarton's homelessness and youth problems, & Police's refusal to respond. The NZR is a member of the NZ Media Council.

Riccarton business owners spoken to by The NZR have expressed fears for the safety of themselves, employees and customers, as the homeless and youths dominates the area bordering Westfield Mall and main bus interchange.

“A spokesperson from Housing First Christchurch, which works with the homeless, has told The NZR the issue is city-wide.”

~~~

Despite The NZR being a member of The New Zealand Media Council, they [the Police media team] declined a request for information, saying it was not a “recognised news outlet”.

~~~

“They have advised me that you can expect to hear directly from Police concerning an explanation. …”

The office of Mark Mitchell, the Minister of Police

For lease signs dot both sides of Riccarton’s main street, with The NZR counting at least six empty buildings, and a heavy security presence hovering in and around the interchange.

A Police source acknowledged that other business areas were experiencing a homeless problem and that this had resulted from an increased security and Police presence that had moved them out of the central city.

However he was unaware of Riccarton had a homeless problem and questioned whether the owners’ perception reflected reality.