"We have a civic duty": Christchurch Mayor on councils' responsibility for red zone campers

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger believes the Christchurch City Council has a responsibility to help campers living in the residential red zone find alternative accommodation.

Speaking to John MacDonald on Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings, Mauger said homelessness remains primarily a central government responsibility, and the council needs more support from Wellington to help relocate campers.

"We do have a sort of civic duty to house these people, but we need the dough to be able to do it."

Residents of the homeless encampment in Bexley's residential red zone have been told to move out by next March despite no alternative accommodation being arranged, as the council plans to start wetland restoration in the area.

They also discussed plans to reduce future spending on cycleway projects, the council's bid to retain voting rights for some unelected committee members, and the mayor's suggestion of possible ways to cool the overheating One New Zealand Stadium.

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