Homeless Individuals Forced to Leave Christchurch Church Grounds

Homeless individuals living on the grounds of Holy Trinity Avonside in Christchurch have been required to vacate the premises. This decision follows an abatement notice issued by the Christchurch City Council in August, which mandated that the site cease functioning as a campground. Approximately ten people had been camping in the church’s car park, and by the afternoon of the eviction, nearly all had relocated.

Community worker Iain MacInnes expressed his sorrow over the situation, noting the challenges faced by those affected. He indicated that the group moved voluntarily to avoid causing any issues for the church. “They’ve moved without any problems at all,” he said. MacInnes highlighted the difficulty of finding safe accommodations for the vulnerable population, which includes women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasized the lack of suitable options in the area, stating, “It’s heart-breaking because there’s no way for us to signpost them to say, ‘This is a good, safe place’.”

The church had served as a vital intermediary between the homeless group and various support agencies, including Comcare, Housing First, and Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust. MacInnes noted that while these organizations are working to assist individuals in securing housing, the process is not immediate. “These things take time,” he said, adding that the group is now back on the housing register.

Despite the church’s supportive role, MacInnes expressed uncertainty about where the displaced individuals would go next. He mentioned a potential location but refrained from disclosing details, as current inhabitants did not welcome additional residents. The lack of available spaces exacerbates the difficulties faced by the homeless community.

In response to the situation, a new charitable trust named Te Puna Ora is in the planning stages, aiming for establishment by mid-2026. This initiative seeks to facilitate re-engagement with the homeless community, contingent on securing funding.

A spokesperson for the Christchurch City Council confirmed that the abatement notice period would be extended to allow time for alternative housing arrangements. The council has been actively liaising with support agencies to aid those impacted. “The council has not directed where people leaving the site should go,” the spokesperson stated. “Our focus is to support social service agencies in finding safe accommodation and support options for those affected.”

Holy Trinity Avonside chose not to apply for resource consent to convert the car park into a camping ground. The spokesperson acknowledged the need for a comprehensive city-wide strategy to address homelessness and indicated that community providers are in the early stages of planning this critical initiative.

As the situation evolves, the emphasis remains on ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the necessary support and resources to navigate their housing needs effectively.