Parking officer hospitalised

8 April 2018

On Friday 6 April at about 11am a Wellington City Council parking officer, who was on duty outside Newtown School on Riddiford Street, was assaulted and seriously injured.

The officer was knocked unconscious and suffered a fractured eye socket and broken nose.

Wellington City Council’s acting Chief Executive, Kane Patena, said the parking officer was admitted to hospital and has undergone surgery. “I visited the parking officer this morning. The officer is conscious and will fully recover, but it will take some time.”

Mr Patena said “the Parking officer and their family have asked the media and public to respect their privacy at this time. However, the officer wants me to convey their sincere gratitude to the members of the public who rendered assistance straight away and to the officer’s colleagues who arrived at the scene in a matter of minutes.”

Mr Patena said “I am utterly appalled and disgusted at what can only be described as an idiotic and gutless act of thuggery.”

“Our parking officers are good men and women who are simply trying to do their job. Not one of our staff deserves to be treated like this irrespective of what people think about the profession.”

Wellington City Council’s Director of Human Resources, Nicola Brown, said she understands the Police are continuing their investigation but have made an arrest.

“We will also be notifying WorkSafe on Monday and carrying out our own internal investigation which is standard practice when we have safety incidents.

“We are also actively supporting our parking officers who will no doubt be shaken by this incident.”

Mayor Justin Lester said “this type of behaviour is unacceptable. Councillors and I have sent our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the officer.”

© Scoop Media