Media release

19 January, 2011

For immediate release

Deadline extended after petition cracks 10,000 signatures

The Avon-Otakaro Network (AvON) has extended its petition to turn the Avon River Red Zone into a park after a late surge in interest and signatures.

The petition, which asks Parliament to work with the people and local authorities of Christchurch to ensure the land becomes a river park and reserve, rather than being remediated and rebuilt on, was to have closed last Sunday (January 15).

However, AvON spokesman Mark Gibson said as the deadline approached people started asking if it could be extended.

“When we counted all petition forms that have arrived, we had 10,312 signatures from supporters, most of which came in the last couple of weeks. Forms are still arriving, so we know there are more.

“But people wanted more time to gather signatures, and also some people were only just becoming aware of the petition and hadn’t had the chance to sign.”

The AvON committee agreed at its meeting this week to extend the deadline until March 31. It also agreed to focus on gathering signatures at public events, starting with The Breeze Lazy Sunday Concert at Riccarton Bush this Sunday (January 22) from 3.30-5pm.

“Many of our supporters have gathered signatures from their friends, family and colleagues and posted them in to us,” Mr Gibson said.

“However, we have also had an overwhelming response whenever we have gone out to public events such as Christmas in the Park or to the Re:Start Mall on Boxing Day, with around 80% of the people we have approached wanting to sign the petition.

“We’re now focused on co-ordinating volunteers to collect signatures at these events.”

Volunteers will also gather signatures at the Busker Club Stage at the Busker’s Festival on January 28, Classical Sparks on February 5 and the Chinese Lantern Festival on February 11.

Mr Gibson urged supporters to volunteer to help gather signatures by registering on AvON’s website, www.avonotakaronetwork.co.nz. “We have to make sure everyone in Christchurch who wants to sign the petition gets the opportunity to do so.”

When the petition closes, AvON will present it to Parliament.

ENDS

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