Face of the Day

An Indian-origin licensing trust candidate in West Auckland has been forced to replace publicity hoardings for his campaign four times in two days due to vandalism.

Gurdeep Talwar, president of the Waitakere Ethnic Board who is contesting the Waitākere Licensing Trust’s Lincoln Ward seat as an independent candidate, said total damage to the campaign boards at three locations in Massey had exceeded $2000.

Gurdeep Talwar is contesting the Waitākere Licensing Trust’s Lincoln Ward seat as an independent candidate. Photo: Supplied/Gurdeep Talwar

Talwar has filed a complaint of wilful damage to billboards erected on Triangle Road, Keegan Drive and Don Buck Road with police.

“The vandalism started soon after we put up the billboards on Saturday ... as was allowed per election rules,” Talwar said.

“By Monday morning – in under two days – we had to put them [up] again and again at these places more than four times.

“I have spent $2300 on the publicity material to date, which has all gone to waste.

“Since there is no damage to other candidates’ billboards standing besides mine, I feel these are racially motivated attacks, as clearly I am being singled out.

“If I am not allowed to put up my publicity material [in] designated places, I don’t know how am I supposed to fight the election, which is supposed to be free and fair for everyone.”

Talwar contested the 2022 local government elections and experienced similar instances of vandalism.

“[But] not to this extent,” he said. “This year seems particularly nasty.”

RNZ