Hack Circle

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The Hack Circle or 'Hack' is a nickname given to an amphitheatre in central Christchurch, New Zealand<ref name=emo>Chch emos have style, lack anguish The Press 2006-10-21</ref> which was once a popular hacky sack venue. Today it is a popular hang out for "black-dressed emos, goths, heavy metal fans and United States style gangstas"<ref name=press>City Mall plan 'bars youths' The Press 2006-10-21</ref> A 2004 survey conducted by the Christchurch City Council identified the Hack Circle as a popular place for young people to "hang out, smoke, meet friends etc."<ref name=survey>Urban Leisure Report - Young People in the Central City. Christchurch City Council.</ref> The same survey found that 90% of 13-15 year olds and 94% of 16-18 year olds came to the central city in their spare time.

Christchurch police say the Hack Circle is a venue for criminal activity; on October 20 2006 a 19 year old was arrested for swinging a metal pipe around, and police claim that aggravated robbery, assault and dealing cannabis happen in the area. Sergeant Murry Hurst told The Press that "Ninety per cent of the kids hanging around there are fine, the other 10% cause the problems."<ref name=press />

As of October 2006, the city council plans to demolish the amphitheatre and replace the pedestrian mall its located in with a one way slow road. Daniel Griffiths, a student at nearby Unlimited high school, stated that the council plan was to remove an "undesirable youth element" though the council has stated this is not their intention.<ref name=press />