Christchurch City Council is providing facilities including rubbish skips and portaloos to anti mandate protestors camping in Christchurch’s red zone.

The protestors set up camp just over a week ago.

Residents contacted Chris Lynch media last week complaining about what they described as “anti social” behaviour.

Christchurch City Council staff, supported by police, are meeting daily with a group occupying residential red zone land in Burwood to “help understand their situation.”

The Council became aware the group were staying on the land on Friday 1 April.

Council Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge said “we are working with the Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and relevant social service agencies to ensure both the safety of the people camping there and the safety of nearby residents and the public who use this area.”

“We are talking daily with the group occupying the land and we’re hoping we can get a quick resolution. However, this is a very difficult situation as the land is owned by Land Information New Zealand but managed by the Council.”

“One of the first things that we need to establish is whether the residential red zone is considered a park and therefore subject to our 2016 Parks and Reserves Bylaw, that will help determine the next steps.”

“In the meantime, for health and safety reasons, we are bringing a rubbish skip and portaloos into the area so the group staying there can keep the site tidy and hygienic.’’

Mr Rutledge said the Council has received a number of complaints from the local community about the presence of the group and some of their behaviour.

“It is important that if anyone in the area has concerns, they call the appropriate lead agency. For example if they are worried for their safety, they should call the Police, or if there is a fire they should call Fire and Emergency New Zealand.”