Christchurch City Council abruptly cancelled a public meeting meant to update the community on the Wastewater Treatment Plant, citing “health and safety considerations.”
In an email send residents the Council said, “We’re getting in touch to let you know that unfortunately we’ve had to cancel the Wastewater Treatment Plant community information session scheduled for tonight from 6pm–7pm at St Ambrose Anglican Church.
“We’ve made the decision due to health and safety considerations. The wellbeing of attendees and Council staff is our priority. We’ll consider options for an alternative in the future.”
When chrislynchmedia.com pressed council for more information, Acting Head of Community Support and Partnerships Matt McLintock said “Concerns were raised by some meeting attendees regarding the tone of emails and social media posts that had been circulating about the Wastewater Treatment Plant update meeting.
“Yesterday, in discussion with the Community Board Chair of the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board, it was decided to cancel the meeting, as the wellbeing of attendees and Council staff is a priority for all.”
Chris Lynch Media has asked council to provide examples of emails which raised concerns.
Christchurch resident Don Gould, who hosted a previous meeting, said, “It’s insulting to suggest that the community is an unsafe environment. At the height of concern, I hosted 250 people in an angry meeting and there was not a single problem. There is no real level of public concern at present. This looks political and more about a host’s inability to control the room.”
Initially, the council decided to live stream the event on their own platforms, rather than allowing a member of the community to provide the live streaming.
Paul McMahon, Chairperson Community Board member for the Linwood Ward, who was meant to chair the meeting was unavailable for comment due to illness.
