Christchurch City Council - OIA Request, Council position on 'safe area' designation and signage.

Christchurch City Council,

Dear Sir

I wish to request under the Official Information Act the following information:-

The Minister of Health has advised that a safe area designation has been given to the Gynaecological Procedure Unit at the Christchurch Public Hospital and to the Christchurch Women’s Hospital where abortions are carried out. The safe area of 150 meters around the Hospitals comes into operation on 25th August 2023.

It will then be an offence for any member of women’s family or person to offer assistance to the women to choose life for her baby within the safe area.

Right to Life is opposed to this legislation which restricts our right of free speech and assembly upheld by the New Zealand Bill of Rights. There has been no consultation with the community and there is no right of appeal to the imposition of a safe area..

Does the City Council support this safe area designation imposed on the Christchurch Public Hospitals?

I request a copy of any correspondence with the Ministry of Health on this issue of a safe area?

Will the Council provide signage on the perimeter of the safe area including in Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens to warn citizens that they are entering a safe area where free speech and assembly is restricted and that they could be subject to arrest?

Yours sincerely,

Ken Orr,

Secretary, Right to Life