A spate of gay-bashings in Christchurch has resurfaced old fears that the city isn’t safe for rainbow people, and the mayor admits urgent action is needed. Sinead Gill reports. It’s midnight. A man is being chased by a group of teenagers through a park in Fendalton, one of Christchurch’s safest neighbourhoods. He was targeted through the dating app Grindr, popular amongst gay men. He thought he was meeting another gay man for a hookup. Instead, at least half a dozen teens were laying in wait. The group catches up to him. While the man ducks for cover, a teen jumps from a handrail and onto the victim’s head. The assault – mainly kicking and stomping, according to court records – is focused almost exclusively on his head and face.