“Mental health system turned him away” neighbour speaks following Bryndwr death


A neighbour who lives next to the house where a person was found dead and another seriously injured said she urged social agencies to help.

A police scene examination continues at the house on Eden Place after police found a dead person at 6.20PM on Saturday.

It’s understood a serious assault took place, although police have not confirmed this.

A police command unit has been set up outside the house and police forensics are inspecting the house.

A cordon remains in place at the start of the cul-de-sac.

A neighbour told Chris Lynch the man who was seriously injured, lived at the house and was often intoxicated and on drugs.


”We tried getting him help through the landlord - Housing New Zealand.

They ended up getting him some help, but the mental health system turned him away because they didn’t have any beds.”

“This man was badly affected by mental health and unfortunately didn’t receive the correct help” the neighbour said.

“I believe more could have been done had there been the correct support for him.

He was affected by depression and other problems on top of bad drug and alcohol addiction.

I had been in contact with the landlord and told them a number of times he needed help, but unfortunately they were only able to do so much.”

She said she didn’t know who the deceased person was.

However, a teenager, who arrived near the house last night said there had been a serious assault and his mother’s partner’s friend was the victim.

Another neighbour said it was very common to hear “yelling and anti-social behaviour” at the house.

Neighbours said an argument took place on the street early Saturday morning, but it was unclear if that was connected.

SUPPORT HELPLINES

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).

Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.

Samaritans – 0800 726 666

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).

Healthline – 0800 611 116

Alcohol and Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797 or online chat.

Are You OK – 0800 456 450 family violence helpline.

Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 655

Anxiety NZ – 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY).


Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email chris@chrislynchmedia.com

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