The father of a man who drowned in Wellington Harbour is appalled that new Wellington Mayor Andrew Little filmed a video announcing the removal of safety fences near where another man drowned more recently.
Temporary fences have been in place around Wellington's waterfront since the the death of Isaac Levings in 2023, but on Monday council announced it would remove the temporary fencing this week.
Levings was one of seven people who drowned in the capital's harbour since 2006.
In March, the Coroner also called for immediate action in "high-risk" areas of the waterfront following an inquest into the accidental drowning of Sandy Calkin in 2021.
But in August, the council voted against a $7 million proposal to urgently put fences up around Wellington's waterfront.
A new council has since been elected, helmed by Andrew Little.
On Monday, Little posted a video on social media announcing that the fencing was coming down, standing on the waterfront.
This prompted an email from Sandy Calkin's father Roger Calkin.
"I find it sickening that you have used the spot where the body of Isaac Levings was recovered from the water to choose to make a Facebook video celebrating the removal of the temporary fencing," Calkin emailed.
"Your choice to shoot this video in that place is a 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 told RNZ the video showed a complete lack of judgement.
"He could have just gone online and made his announcement anywhere. He didn't have to do it in a place that is likely to offend people," he said.
In a statement, Little said what happened to Calkin's son was a tragedy and had his sympathy.
"Wellington City Council has made a number of significant improvements, including lighting, and will continue to invest in safety along the waterfront."