MEDIA STATEMENT
Friday 30th August 2013

Cannons Creek community stops off-licence application

The Maori Party congratulates the Cannons Creek community who have successfully opposed an off-licence application in their town centre in Porirua.

The people have spoken and it’s a big no! And the authorities have heeded their call.

“We are pleased that the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority has listened to the people’s concerns. This is their community. And they want it to be safe and family friendly where their children and elders can walk freely and live without fear - and where alcohol and the negativity it can sometimes cause does not dominate their environment,” says Maori Party Co-leader and MP for Te Tai Hauauru, Tariana Turia.

“At the Cannons Creek community hui last month 400 locals turned up – and their message was very clear. The people spoke passionately about their community and their experiences of a liquor outlet close to their schools and homes. They spoke about their desire not to put their families and particularly their children and elderly at risk of bad behaviour often associated with alcohol consumption,” says Maori Party Co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell.

“Their submissions to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority highlighted many examples of unsavoury behaviour they have been subjected to as a result of a liquor outlet in Cannons Creek. Being woken at all hours by disorderly behaviour. Being unable to send their children to the shopping centre without adult supervision because it is too unsafe. Broken glass on the pavements and roads. An increase in traffic and noise levels. Loitering and people relieving themselves in the street or other people’s front yards. All due to a liquor outlet close by.”

“The local school was forced to build a high fence around their property to keep out drunks and others walking through the school property carrying alcohol during school hours. As you can imagine, the 3 metre high fences did not enhance the school’s appearance. The community has also been concerned at the advertising of alcohol in full view of children on their way to school and to the town centre,” says Mrs Turia.

“Congratulations to the parents and staff at the local schools, to the Salvation Army and all the groups involved in the Porirua Healthy Safer Trust who have opposed this licence. You have spoken with a single voice on behalf of your community. Nga mihi nui ki a koutou.”

ENDS

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