A man is being sought by police following an alleged hate speech incident after a person was verbally abused on a bus in Wellington.
The incident occurred on a Metlink bus in Karori on September 25, police said.
Police have today released a CCTV image of a man who may be able to assist investigators with their inquiries.
In a media release, Greater Wellington Regional Council chairman Daran Ponter said he had assured the victim and the wider Islamic community hate speech would not be tolerated.
“Behaviour of the type experienced has no place on Metlink services or in our communities,” he said.
“We encourage all Metlink passengers to join us in standing up against hate speech in all its forms.”
Ponter “expressed deep regret” to the person affected.
Metlink group manager Samantha Gain said Metlink and its bus service operator are working with police as they investigate the incident, “including reviewing CCTV footage from the bus”.
Greater Wellington transport chairman Thomas Nash said passengers should report accounts of hate speech to aid investigations.
“Everyone needs to be safe when using our public transport services. By contacting Metlink and the police, passengers can join our stand against Islamophobia and help make everyone feel safe and welcome onboard,” Nash said.
Passengers have been advised by Metlink not to intervene in conflict if they feel unsafe and to call 111 or the Metlink Contact Centre on 0800 801 700.
Anyone with information on the September 25 incident is urged to contact police on 105.