The father of a man who drowned in Wellington Harbour has condemned new Wellington Mayor Andrew Little for filming a social media video at the site where another man lost his life. The video, which announced the removal of temporary safety fences along the waterfront, has angered families of previous drowning victims and reignited debate over waterfront safety.

Temporary fencing was placed around parts of Wellington’s waterfront after the 2023 death of 24-year-old Isaac Levings. Since 2006, seven people have drowned in the harbour. On Monday, Wellington City Council confirmed that the fences would be removed this week, sparking strong criticism from families who lost loved ones to the water.

Roger Calkin, whose son Sandy drowned in 2021, said he was “sickened” by the mayor’s decision to film the announcement at the same spot where Levings’ body was recovered. In an email to Little, Calkin wrote:

“Your choice to shoot this video in that place is just a further kick in the teeth to victims and their families. Do you have no empathy or understanding of the situation at all?”

Calkin said the move showed a lack of judgment and sensitivity. He added that Little could have made his announcement from anywhere else. “He didn’t have to do it in a place that is likely to offend people,” he said.

Mayor Little, who was elected earlier this year, expressed sympathy for the Calkin family in a written statement. “What happened to Mr Calkin’s son was a tragedy, and he has my sympathy,” Little said. He added that the council had already made safety improvements such as better lighting and that more work was planned. “Wellington City Council has made a number of significant improvements, including lighting, and will continue to invest in safety along the waterfront.”

Little said it was time to reopen the waterfront and that a permanent safety solution was still being explored for the higher-risk areas of Kumutoto and Queens Wharf. Around Te Papa and Frank Kitts Park, he said, there were already wide, open paths for pedestrians. “Part of visiting Wellington is to be able to go down to the waterfront, enjoy Frank Kitts Park, enjoy those areas around Te Papa, and so you want people to enjoy what that amenity is,” he said.

However, Little noted that temporary fencing could still be used during large events if needed.

Calkin remains disappointed that the council has not acted on the coroner’s recommendation to prioritise permanent safety barriers in dangerous zones. He said many Wellingtonians—especially the elderly, families, and people with disabilities—still feel unsafe near the harbour. “It’s not when major events are going on that people are dying,” he said. “It’s when people are going down to the waterfront by themselves, following the supposed safe routes that the city council have told them to follow.”

As Wellington reopens its waterfront, the city faces a difficult balance between accessibility and safety, and families like the Calkins continue to call for lasting change.

Story sourced from reporting by Krystal Gibbens, RNZ. Republished on Wellington.live.