Council snoops on quarry protests
The Christchurch City Council has been accused of muzzling free speech after an official was found snooping on Templeton homes displaying signs protesting against a planned quarry.
A council official was spotted driving around the suburb on Tuesday, reportedly peering over fences and noting down the address of every property with the yellow placards.
When challenged, he told one resident he was gathering information about which houses had signs – and told her homeowners could face fines if they refused to remove them.
The council confirmed it was investigating whether the signs – smaller ones a little bigger than a piece of A4 paper and larger ones measuring 80cm by 120cm – broke laws over their size. It said it did so after receiving complaints.
Furious residents say it is ‘‘unfathomable’’ the council is scrutinising the size of placards while there is no law to stop a huge quarry being developed near their homes.
Joanne McMaster, from the Templeton Residents’ Association, accused the council of being heavy-handed and making unnecessary threats against the community. She branded the investigation a ‘‘ludicrous’’ waste of money.
She said: ‘‘It’s outrageous that they’re punishing us over our signs, however there is no law against a quarry on our doorstep.
‘‘I’m sure they have a lot more pressing issues than going around looking at who’s got signs on their fence. How about they put their energy into helping us fight the quarry rather than waste ratepayers’ money.
‘‘These signs are not offensive and most are on private property. We thought [the council] supported us, so I’m very surprised they have taken such extreme measures. It really does question the council’s priorities, doesn’t it.’’
Scores of residents turned out for an impromptu protest after hearing of the council’s move.
McMaster, who initiated the signs campaign, said about 450 were sold to residents in return for a donation to the campaign.
She believes the council’s stance is ‘‘another kick in the guts’’ for residents fighting plans by construction company Fulton Hogan for a quarry on a 170-hectare parcel of land.
‘‘Here we are, it’s a David and Goliath situation – here’s the community trying to protect the safety of our community and this is the grief we get.
‘‘That quarry doesn’t have to be located there.’’
The council investigation is believed to have been triggered after complaints from people in Templeton who do not back the No Quarry campaign.
The official was spotted by several residents around the town, including Janice van Tongeren, who said she caught him peering over the fence of her home before making notes in his car and moving on to another property.
Van Tongeren, who has two signs in her garden, said the snooping was ‘‘heavy-handed’’.
‘‘It’s a free world. They are not offensive – for God’s sake, it says ‘No Quarry’. We pay rates and I think we’ve got a right to show our concern – it’s freedom of speech, isn’t it?
‘‘We are concerned about our health and our kids’ health.’’
A council spokeswoman confirmed it is investigating two complaints and that none came from Fulton Hogan.