Auckland Central MP and Green party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has hit out at whoever vandalised the rainbow pride crossing on Karangahape Rd overnight, saying it’s “frankly embarrassing” and urging them to “just stop it”.
The prominent rainbow pride symbol was the second such crossing to be vandalised in New Zealand this week, after Gisborne’s Gladstone Rd pride crossing was also painted white in a staged protest.
Five people were arrested in connection with the Gisborne incident.
Police are investigating the K Rd incident and have released photos of the suspects and their vehicle.
Police have labelled the paint attack a hate crime.
Swarbrick’s electorate office was on K Rd. She told 1News this morning: “Auckland Central and Karangahape Road in particular have a long, proud rainbow history and we’ll clean up this splash of paint.”
She continued: “It’s needed a new splash of paint for a little while now and thankfully, with this new white undercoat, I think that the colour will be popping.”
But the community is angry about the show of “imported hate”, Swarbrick added.
“I think that those antagonists can expect to see that the love, the support and the celebration for our community will return tenfold.
“This should lead to a call for action from politicians to stand with those communities who are directly impacted by this hatred, as opposed to inciting or inflaming it.”
The Green co-leader said those responsible should “just stop it”.
“This has no place here… It’s just frankly embarrassing.”
‘Unacceptable’ – Luxon
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also said he has “no time at all” for the recent vandalism on pride crossings.
“We want to be embracing the rainbow community.
“We want every New Zealander to be embracing who they want to be in this country.
“I’ve got no time for that at all.”