Christchurch council to evict Bexley red zone campers by February

Approximately 60 residents of a makeshift camp in the Bexley wetland must vacate the land by 28 February. The Christchurch City Council intends to proceed with the move to allow for landscaping, flood protection, and wetland restoration.

Advocate Trudy Burrows stated that the council has indicated there is no alternative public land for the residents to move to. Burrows, who founded the New Brighton Foodbank, said the decision was disappointing but not unexpected as the council planned to close the road for restoration.

Residents are appealing to landowners and organisations to provide a site where the community can stay together. Resident Tere Moana Mokotapu-Rueben, known as Moko, said the community found safety and stability at the site when the wider system could not support them.

The council stated that residential occupation of public land is not permitted and that they are working with agencies like the Christchurch Mission and Ministry of Social Development. A council spokesperson said the decision to seek alternative accommodation rests with each individual.

How it developed

• Tue 3 Nov, 7:00pmThe council spokesperson clarified that residential occupation of public land is not permitted and residents have been advised to relocate by February 2027.

Where reports differ

• One report states the residents must leave by February, while another report states they have been advised to relocate by February 2027.

Compiled from reports by The Press, RNZ, 1News and Otago Daily Times.