2 days ago
Targeted Vandalism Harms Democracy
Press Release – City Vision
City Vision representatives say election vandalism has gone too far following a raft of attacks cutting out the faces of candidates on hoardings across Auckland.
Moustaches and pirate patches are a familiar sight during election season, but progressive candidate alliance City Vision say that 2025's signage battles have taken a darker turn. Vandals have sliced the faces out of numerous signs promoting progressive candidates, especially women candidates, across the Auckland isthmus.
The targeted vandalism comes in the wake of abuse directed at high-profile women in politics, such as the threats against Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward councillor Josephine Bartley, Auckland's first female Pasifika councillor. Māori and Pasifika candidates' signs have also been targeted, including those for Cr Bartley, mayoral candidate Kerrin Leoni, local board teams for Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board, and MP Peeni Henare, who is standing in the current Tāmaki Makaurau by-election.
Bobby Shen, City Vision co-chair, says, 'This is a targeted attack on progressive candidates, and an attack on a well-functioning democracy. Election signs are there to promote the election and show Aucklanders their options for who to vote for. It's especially concerning that they appear to be targeting women, Māori and Pasifika candidates.'
'Having a diversity of great people standing is how we get results for Auckland. We're always happy to debate the issues in good faith and respond to people's concerns, but this isn't debate, it's abuse. It's unacceptable to try to intimidate people in this way. With such hateful actions on public display, it's never been more important to vote for candidates who stand against hate,' says Emma McInnes, candidate for Albert-Eden Local Board.
Paul Chalmers, Albert-Eden local board candidate and City Vision hoardings manager, says, 'Graffiti is to be expected, that's politics, but this is something nastier. I'd tell the vandals to cut it out, but they already are.'
A police report has been lodged.
Notes:
City Vision is an alliance of Labour, Greens and community independents working together for progressive change in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Since 1998, City Vision has championed policies that support a liveable, safe, connected, healthy, economically and environmentally sustainable city for all Aucklanders. City Vision stands candidates for the Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa and Waitemata and Gulf wards' the Albert-Eden, Puketāpapa and Waitematā local boards; and the Portage Licensing Trust.
