Official Information Request - 26 February 2019

Sent: Tuesday, 26 March 2019 4:36 p.m.

Subject: TRIM: LGOIMA request - Night Market incident 24 January 2019

I refer to your LGOIMA request of 26 February 2019 regarding the incident that occurred during the set-up of the Night Market on 24 January 2019.

You asked for:

• Communication between council staff members, including contractors, in relation to the incident.
• CCTV footage of the incident held by the council.
• The result of the council investigation into the incident.

There is no written communication between council staff members. All communication on the day was via staff radios.

The Police were called during the incident and it was left with the Police to investigate the matter. I understand that following their investigation no charges were laid but that the driver of the car received a warning.

As a result of the incident, a meeting was held with Council staff and CBD businesses the following week. No minutes of this meeting were recorded.

The CCTV footage is withheld under section 7(2)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 'protect the privacy of natural persons ' and we consider there is no over-riding public interest to release this. As noted above, the Police are not pressing any charges.

Council has since had discussions with VR Security and as a result of these discussions the following steps have been taken:

• Additional security has been allocated to road closure points.
• Staff are attending de-escalation training.
• Body cameras are being considered for security staff - VR Security are investigating this option.
• Alternative methods to close the roads are being considered, including more permanent bollard systems or barriers for safety of the public and staff.
• As part of the inner city safety strategy multi-pronged approach with Police, additional CCTV viewing and inner city guardians are being proposed.

As per the Act, we are obliged to advise that you may contact the Ombudsman at the address below if you have any concerns with the response provided by Council, by writing to:

The Office of the Ombudsman

PO Box 10 152

WELLINGTON 6143

Alternatively, you may email info@ombudsman.parliament.nz or use the online complaints form available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/make-a-complaint.

Regards