As someone who deeply values Ōtautahi, New Zealand, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens has always been a sanctuary where everyone can go, no matter their financial situation. Unfortunately, with the city council’s recent decision to introduce paid parking, this access is under threat. Starting from 28 October, visitors will be charged $2 for the first hour and $1.30 for each additional hour, with a maximum of $4.60 for three hours. These fees will apply seven days a week, from 8 am to 5 pm, and are expected to generate $2.1 million annually.

For many in our community, the gardens have served as a free space to relax, reflect, and connect with nature. The introduction of paid parking, however, creates unnecessary barriers and risks excluding those who rely on the gardens as a place of solace. Councillor Yani Johanson pointed out that there was no occupancy data to justify these changes and questioned why parking wardens hadn’t enforced the existing rules around overstaying. "If we do parking charges here, outside our gardens and sports fields, where does it stop? Does it mean we're going to start charging at children's playgrounds in the central city as well? Does it mean we're going to start charging at Nga Puna Wai?" he asked.

The fact that no fines were issued for overstaying during March, April, or May only strengthens the argument that this plan is a revenue-driven move rather than a response to a real problem. Johanson said, “I’d much rather have people using this car park as much as possible, than reducing people’s access to the gardens, Hagley Park, and the sports fields.”

This proposal goes against the spirit of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens as a free, accessible space for all. Charging for parking, especially over the weekends when visitors are not daily commuters, will reduce access for families and individuals who depend on this space as a refuge. As Councillor Sara Templeton rightly noted, "Especially at the weekends, our gardens should be accessible to everyone."

We urge the city council to withdraw this plan and prioritise the wellbeing and accessibility of the gardens over revenue. Let’s work together to keep the Christchurch Botanic Gardens free and inclusive for all. Please sign this petition to protect the gardens and resist the commodification of public spaces.