Jennifer Shields Release 17.4.2025.pdf

This document has been released by New Zealand Police in accordance with applicable legislation.
17/04/2025

This document has been released by New Zealand Police in accordance with applicable legislation.
17/04/2025
No operation order or planning document was created for this event with Police relying
on their Public Safety Teams (PST) to respond. Police PST did respond to a request for
assistance, which was resolved with a warning notice being issued.
2.
On the 13 March 2024, Christchurch City Council notified Police of a second event at the
Central Library on Sunday 17 March. Police arranged for two PST staff to be present on
the day to provide an immediate response to any incident and call for assistance if
required.  Two additional officers were deployed.  No operation order or planning
document was created for this event,  however I enclose a copy of the email
correspondence which includes a direction from the Metro Commander for a Police
presence.
3.
On the 5 April 2024, Police monitored the Climate Strike Protests, and no new operation
order was required for this event as Police already had in place planning and operation
orders from the previous year’s event. I enclose emails and planning references for this
2024 event.
4.
Whilst  Police  can release further information regarding the planning and operational
processes referred to in your request,  Police  has withheld some information to avoid
prejudice to the maintenance of the law, including the prevention, detection, and
investigation of offences.
5.
Some information has been withheld pursuant to sections 6(c), 9(2)(a) and 18(g) of the
Official Information Act 1982 to avoid prejudice to the maintenance of the law, to protect
the privacy of natural persons, and some of the information requested is not held by the
Police.
6.
The Metro Commander in Christchurch and his team monitor protest activity and assess
what resources are likely to be required, how many are deployed and what units within
Police will be available on any given day. The scale of the incidents you refer to have
received  an appropriate consideration with limited requirement for detailed planning
documents.
7.
Police apologise for any confusion or concerns the original response may have caused
and hope this information release clarifies the Police position.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz  or
freephone 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
AKEA30
Supervisor
New Zealand Police

This document has been released by New Zealand Police in accordance with applicable legislation.
17/04/2025