Friday 15 October 1999

Youth Card Withdrawn

The Youth Card produced by the Christchurch Youth Council and supported by the Christchurch City Council has been withdrawn as it contains an ad for a political party. A decision on reprinting will be made in the next few weeks.

Tony Gemmill, acting Community Relations Manager of Christchurch City Council, explains the issue is one of political neutrality.

"Christchurch City Council, like all government agencies, has to be, and has to be seen to be, politically neutral, therefore not favouring one political party over others. Unfortunately the impression could be created by this advertisement that the Christchurch Youth Council and the Council may support one political party. The Council is clear that political party advertising should never have been sought for the publication and the current edition has been withdrawn."

Any decision on future publication be advised as soon as it is made.

For further information contact

Tony Gemmill 372-2748

Acting Community Relations Manager 338 1472 (home, ph and fax)

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