- By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, Funded By New Zealand on Air
Billboard vandalism “hits hard” for ethnic candidates in this year’s local election, co-chairs of the ethnic people’s advisory panel say.
At the Park, Arts, Community and Events Committee on September 22, a discussion with the ethnic people’s advisory panel and councillors raised issues around ethnic candidates having billboards defaced.
Cr Linda Cooper expressed concern for ethnic candidates having their faces cut out of billboards and said it was very alarming.
“Have you had much feedback about ethnic candidates having their faces cut out of their billboards and defaced?”
Panel co-chair Mohamud Mohamed said it was a particularly difficult election for diverse communities.
“I have seen candidates [signs] being defaced. It is disappointing in a diverse city like ours that this is happening,” Mohamed said.
He believed the vandalism was a result of a “strange political season”.
Cr Sharon Stewart said she did not believe the graffiti was “a racist thing”.
“It is not only the Asian community and the ethnic community having [their faces] cut out. Maurice Williamson has had more cut out than anybody in my ward. Now I am getting them cut out,” Stewart said.
She said it was people “being silly” and was happening to everybody.
Panel co-chair Eva Chen said while it may not be a matter of racism it hit ethnic communities hard.
“For people who try to make Auckland home, it is a very discouraging thing because we have always been trying to fit in. Taking this step forward to become a candidate this election and experiencing this is quite a big shock in our community,” Chen said.
Chen said she hoped people would be more welcoming of diverse candidates in the future.
Cr Josephine Bartley responded to Stewart’s comments.
“While I can empathise with Maurice and his signs, I am pretty sure people do not say to him ‘go back to where you come, go back to your own home’ or comment on the colour of his skin and call him a coconut or yellow,” Bartley said.
“I know everyone’s signs get vandalised but where you are physically different to the majority that is something that is brought to your attention, held out there and used against you.”
“It is harder to put yourself forward when you do not look like the majority.”
