Friday 26th November 2021
Page 6
TRYING TO HELP OTHER VICTIMS
Kieran Heenan kph@meareswilliams.co.nz
Anita Molloy-Roberts am@meareswilliams.co.nz W: www.meareswilliams.co.nz T: (03) 374 2547 Offices located at: Lincoln - 43 Gerald Street Rolleston - 80A Rolleston Ave Christchurch - 225 Papanui Rd
Loving family man and experienced Ironman triathlete Craig Petrie was hit by a car when cycling locally in Darfield on November 11th, 2020. He passed away shortly after, from his severe injuries, on November 12th, 2020. It has been a heartbreakingly hard year for his family without him. Craig’s wife Danielle has started a petition to try and see a positive change from her and her
family’s tragic loss and to help other victims, the community and all of New Zealand needs. She has lodged a petition with New Zealand Parliament to get all youth driving charges, resulting in death, heard in the District Court. “The driver that hit Craig was a youth (17 years, 10 months old) on a restricted licence. Therefore this case was heard through the Youth Justice System, despite the
www.parliament.nz/en/pb/pe ons/ document/PET_116704/pe on-of-daniellepetrie-hear-all-youth-driving-charges
Craig and Danielle with their children, Kendall, Boden.
Rebecca Smith
Phone: 027 313 2270
Email: rebecca@ruraltenancy.co.nz Website: www.ruraltenancy.co.nz WE HAVE MOVED TO NEW PREMISES… 1972 Telegraph Road, Darfield
driver then being an adult,” Danielle explained. The petition reason is listed as:
‘Careless Driving Causing Death’ is not listed in Schedule 1A of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, so this offence is dealt with in family group conferences and in the Youth Court, rather than being heard in the District Court, if the defendant is under 18 at the time of the incident. “As a victim, this was an extremely lengthy, painful, unprofessional process achieving no justice whatsoever for Craig and no closure for the family. The outcome being, six months driving disqualification for careless or inconsiderate vehicle operation causing death,” she added. “I know this petition isn’t going to change anything for Craig, but it will stop other victims having to face the unjust New Zealand Youth Justice System for such a serious offence like we did. “Old enough to drive, old enough to be accountable and take responsibility for your actions! Having access to a powerful machine like a motor vehicle is a privilege, not a right of any driver. The actions you take on the road impact so many and I encourage people to get behind this petition. “To all that have shown me and our children so much support and kind words during the last year, I thank you all so much, Darfield is a wonderful community. To all that have asked if there is anything you can do to help, then this is it. Please go online and sign the petition to make a positive change! It will be open until January 31st,” Danielle concluded.
