Central Christchurch residents say it's a slap in the face that a $50,000 fine issued to protestors earlier this year has been waived.
This comes after locals put up with months of disruptions to their central city park.
And today locals enjoyed the peace of Cranmer Square, but it was a very different sight just a few months ago.
"Just foul-mouthed language, cars parking anywhere they like over footpaths on the grass," said one local.
Christchurch City Council staff issued The Freedom and Rights Coalition a $50,000 invoice for disruptions to traffic.
But now, the council has informed the protest organiser Derek Tait that the fine has been waived. And residents are fuming.
"I feel like it's an absolute slap in the face for us local residents who have had to put up with this and the camping and abuse we've had," one person said.
"Think it was quite a farce the way the whole thing was handled," said another.
"If you're invoiced it should be paid."
It's a view echoed by the central city councillor Jake McLellan.
"I would have much rather we held Mr Tait to the damage and the traffic management costs he incurred."
But the decision was made by operational staff at the council, rather than elected members.
"Residents are gutted. They feel there is one rule for Mr Tait and another rule for everyone else," McLellan added.
The council's general manager of infrastructure Jane Davis said The Freedom and Rights Coalition didn't engage with the council about planned protest marches and how they could be managed safely, as other organisers do.
The Coalition has agreed to follow the rules from now on, so the council is no longer pursuing payment.
McLellan was also critical of the handling of the situation.
"I don't think it was appropriate that as an organisation we would be meeting with Mr Tait. We've invoiced him and it was appropriate he pay that invoice. That's the course of action I would have much rather seen us pursue."
A sentiment shared by Christchurch residents.
