Mauger No Comment On City Homeless Or Princess Margaret Hospital to House The Homeless
Ep. 3: The NZR continues its series on homelessness in Christchurch, seeking answers from city mayor Phil Mauger, Health NZ's commissioner Lester Levy and the Police.
The NZR has sought Phil Mauger’s comment on homelessness in Christchurch.
It has been met with a response from unnamed council staff members and fallen short of offering any direct help to business owners and employees impacted by the presence of aggressive, criminal or antisocial behaviour in the area.
“Princess Margaret Hospital is a health asset so they would be better to answer this question. Opening a facility is a complicated process and housing services are offering housing opportunities to those who make a commitment to leaving the street.”
Unnamed council staff members
The comments come after City Mission Missioner Corinne Haines told the NZR that it “visits all suburbs and there are homeless people in most suburbs including Riccarton”, and after several Riccarton business owners expressed concern for their and others’ safety in light of their presence.
Told about The NZR doing a series on the presence of the homeless in Riccarton and Haines comment, the council said it -
“has contracted the City Mission to do outreach work with the street community. Riccarton is a regular spot they work in, but they do deliver services across Christchurch.”
Asked to comment on what it is doing and will do in connection with this issue in the lead up to Christmas, it responded -
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