Homeless and needing help. Photo: Mart Production, pexels.com
Waipā mayor Mike Pettit is offering to meet Cambridge Chamber of Commerce chief executive Kelly Bouzaid to discuss people sleeping rough in the town centre.
Waipa mayor Mike Pettit
Bouzaid wrote to council acting chief executive and strategy manager Kirsty Downey and regulatory services manager Wayne Allan last month concerning “rough sleepers” in Jubilee Gardens and Lake Street.
“We believe that a framework is needed to ensure our town centre remains safe, welcoming, and fit for purpose for residents, businesses, and visitors alike,” Bouzaid said.
Pettit told The News he would be happy to talk to Bouzaid.
“As a community we need to own the problem and we need to own the solution,” he said.
Kirsty Downey
Pettit said he was not interested in kicking the can down the road, but taking a multi-agency approach.
Downey told The News, in statement, tthe council was aware of the chamber’s concerns.
“While we can’t comment on specific individuals, these situations are often complex and vary widely — from people experiencing genuine housing challenges to those who have chosen alternative lifestyles,” she said.
“Council’s focus is always on balancing community wellbeing, public safety and individual circumstances.
Kelly Bouzaid
“Council staff and enforcement officers continue to engage with relevant agencies, including police and social support services, to ensure the right support is offered where possible.”
Downey said the council had bylaws that address nuisance or obstruction in public spaces that were limited in scope and not designed to “move people on.”
“Enforcement options are generally restricted to cases where an actual offence has occurred,” she said.
