26 May 2016

Mayor questions whether protesters 'respectful'

12:36 pm on 26 May 2016

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel has accused an anti-asset sales group of showing a lack of respect by protesting during the public participation section of a council meeting.

Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel

Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel Photo: RNZ / Conan Young

The 10 protesters held up placards with the words, 'shame on you' and 'sellout', and photos of each of the councillors in favour of selling the council-owned company, City Care.

Lianne Dalziel asked them to put the placards down until the public had finished talking.

"I just ask people to reflect on whether that is respectful to people who are coming forward to speak to the council, absolutely no objection to silent protest, I think it's a great idea.

"I'm just asking you to reflect on whether it's respectful to the people who've made appointments to come to the council to speak on matters important to them."

But the protesters ignored the mayor's request.

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