A Christchurch city councillor says tougher measures could be needed to remove unwanted freedom campers from a carpark that was the scene of an incident on Friday night.
The Christchurch City Council has received complaints about backpackers camping in the car park in New Brighton. Photo: SUPPLIED
A German tourist allegedly brandished a knife at a photographer taking pictures at the site in New Brighton.
Councillor Glenn Livingstone said the incident followed a week of tension between residents and a group of freedom campers.
He says five "no camping" signs were put up at the carpark yesterday and they appeared to have worked, with campers packing up and leaving.
Mr Livingstone said a security guard patrolled the carpark for several hours as a precaution.
He said, if necessary, trespass notices would be handed to people who tried to camp.