New Zealand First candidate Jamie Arbuckle has described damage to election signs across Blenheim as “extremely disrespectful to democracy”, following reports of vandalism affecting National, Labour and New Zealand First signage.
Arbuckle’s sign at the Alabama and Weld Street roundabout was torn in two last week, while National signs were graffitied on the corner of Redwood and Stephenson streets.
Labour candidate Matt Flight says his party’s signs have been pulled down on Old Renwick Road three times and repeatedly vandalised with spray paint and pens at the High Street bridge.
Flight believes Labour signs have not been targeted to the same extent as those of other parties.
“It’s clear that many people are frustrated and upset with the way this Government is treating them. People have every right to express their dissatisfaction, and we respect their right to be heard. However, damaging campaign signage is not the answer,” he says.
National MP Stuart Smith says the vandalism is disappointing, particularly for volunteers who give up their time to put signs up.
“Whatever party you support, our volunteers and their hard work deserve respect,” he says.
Arbuckle says he spent last Thursday morning repairing coalition party signs and believes the damage has been worse in this election than in previous campaigns, likely carried out by a small number of individuals.
Flight says: “We respectfully ask those responsible to stop. We can disagree, challenge those in power, and make our voices heard without resorting to vandalism.”
Those responsible remain unknown, and no formal police reports have been made.
