Mayor organises public meeting for Christchurch parents

21 May 2007

Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore and the Mayoress Pam Sharpe have organised a public meeting, Keeping Our Teens Safe, for Christchurch parents concerned about their children’s safety.

Former head of Christchurch Women’s Prison, Celia Lashlie and former All Black and youth advocate, Norm Hewitt will be the guest speakers at the public meeting on Monday May 21 at 7.30pm in the main auditorium of the Christchurch Town Hall. Entry is free and open to all Christchurch parents who are reeling in the wake of the Edgeware Road tragedy.

Garry Moore and Pam Sharpe, parents to four children aged between 18 to 28, say the deaths of 16-year olds Jane Young and Hannah Rossiter on May 5, are an absolute tragedy.

“We, like many parents in the city, are feeling devastated.  Pam and I attended the funerals of both the young girls who died and the question of what we can learn from the tragedy has been on everyone’s lips,” Mr Moore says.

“People are struggling and concerned and have been asking each other what we can do about our children. They know that the current culture of binge drinking and the alcohol fuelled weekend party scene our teenagers indulge in are dangerous.”

Mr Moore said the problem was nationwide and not just an issue in Christchurch.

“We’ve talked to a large number of people since that dreadful night and have asked for assistance on behalf of the city,” he said.

Mr Moore says that when he and Pam spoke to Ces Lashlie and Norm Hewitt both wanted to come to the city and address the meeting of parents to consider widespread concerns about teen safety.

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