A recent local news report suggested a connection between the north Christchurch park and the young men’s illness, which is not uncommon among the code’s players. As a result, Dr Mel Brieseman, the Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, was asked to investigate by the City Council. He says he sees no reason why people should not use the park.

“It’s extremely unlikely to have come from the park itself,” Dr Brieseman says. “It’s more likely to have been transmitted between people and, at this stage, I know of no reason why people should not continue to use the park.”