Candidate billboards across Hamilton West are being targeted by vandals, prompting Minister Tama Potaka to call for basic respect for private property and confirm that the incidents have been reported to the police.
Inspecting damaged campaign signs in his electorate, Potaka pointed out the extent of the vandalism, which ranges from graffiti to severe abuse directed at political figures, including the Prime Minister.
“One of the biggest challenges that we have is that people have got a lot of time on their hands and they’re really abusive and violent towards some of the messaging on some of the signage and that’s really unfortunate,” said Potaka.
“Here’s one that I think is absolutely outrageous. When people start abusing the Prime Minister and the Deputy Leader of the party. It’s just not helpful and people wouldn’t want their photographs and images of their tupuna being drawn on like this. Why do you do it to these ones? Just leave them alone and get on with your life. If you don’t like it, kei te pai move on,” he said.
While noting that some defacements are brushed off or repaired, Potaka condemned the personal attacks on leaders and the destruction of property.
“It’s simple. It’s not yours, don’t touch it… If you don’t like us, don’t vote for us! But ultimately leave private property alone,” he said.
Tauranga man charged following Pāpāmoa hoarding vandalism spree
While Minister Tama Potaka grapples with damaged signage in his electorate and has reported the incidents to the authorities, police in the Bay of Plenty have taken swift action against similar unlawful behavior.
A 43-year-old Tauranga man is facing four charges of wilful damage after an alleged vandalism spree targeting around 30 political hoardings across Pāpāmoa. The incidents occurred during a two-hour period, beginning on Parton Road at approximately 6:30 am.
Senior Sergeant Shannon Clifford, Area Manager – Response, praised members of the public for reporting the activity as it happened, which enabled police to arrest a suspect the same day.
“The damage in some cases is significant and unfortunately, that’s an unnecessary cost for the people who own them,” said Clifford. “We won’t tolerate this illegal and destructive behaviour in our community.”
The accused appeared in the Tauranga District Court and was remanded on bail to reappear on 2 October. Police ask anyone with further information, including dashcam or CCTV footage, to contact 105 and quote file number 260910/0619.
Billboards set to multiply as Election Day approaches
With election day drawing closer, motorists and pedestrians can expect to see more and more political billboards springing up across local neighborhoods. As campaigns ramp up and additional signage hits the streets, candidates and authorities are urging the public to respect private property and keep the electoral process fair and lawful.
Strict regulations govern electoral advertising: all campaign billboards must be removed by midnight on Friday, 6 November, ahead of polling day. Additionally, signs must comply with local council placement rules, sizing restrictions, and safety guidelines to ensure they do not cause distractions for drivers or obstruct public footpaths.