Three people have been charged after a rainbow crossing in Gisborne was vandalised earlier this week.
Two men, aged 46 and 36, and a 45-year-old woman have been charged with graffiti vandalism after a crosswalk on Gladstone Rd was painted over with white paint on Monday, Inspector Danny Kirk, Tairawhiti Area Commander, said in a statement this evening.
The trio are due to appear in the Gisborne District Court on Wednesday.
A fourth suspect has been identified.
It comes after planned protests by Brian Tamaki-led Destiny Church led to the cancellation of Rainbow Storytime events in libraries in Hastings and Rotorua due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, a rainbow crossing on Auckland’s Karangahape Rd was similarly vandalised with white paint early on Thursday morning.
“We consider that, on the face of it, the alleged offending is consistent with a hate crime, and we will seek to establish that as fact during the ongoing investigations and court proceedings,” he said.
“This incident has caused concern for many people in our diverse community and acts like this have no place here.
“Freedom of speech and the right to protest are fundamental principles of a free and democratic society under the rule of law.
“Sadly, a line has been crossed on this occasion.”
Inquiries are ongoing to locate the fourth suspect.
Kirk said police will be seeking reparation of costs.