Huge damage to election signs around city

Less than two weeks since election signage started popping up around the city, candidates are already reporting vandalism and other damage to their hoardings.

Otumoetai-Pyes Pa Ward candidate Jo West said she has had three signs vandalised, one damaged and one stolen.

She had two signs up together at Carmichael Rd, one has been stolen and the remaining sign was damaged and needed reinforcing. Signs at Levers Rd and Fraser St were knocked over and a Bellevue Rd sign received minor graffiti damage and was knocked over.

"I accept that this sort of thing is to be expected, but it's still frustrating, especially when one is stolen. Perhaps I should consider it a compliment that someone is so keen to support me," she said.

Mayoral candidate Kelvin Clout, also standing for an at large seat, said he had noticed a major increase in vandalism this election.

One of Kelvin Clout's signs has had Groucho glasses added. Photo/supplied

"It is a really sad indictment on our society, such a lack of basic respect and values.
Many signs have been damaged and no location has been exempt," he said.

Sheldon Nesdale, standing for the Otumoetai-Pyes Pa Ward, said along with most of the other candidates, he had several signs damaged on Saturday on Levers Rd, Ngatai Rd, Lees Park and Carmichael Rd.

"I'm quite frustrated by the vandalism, it costs a lot of money to produce the signs, but more than that, it's the time I need to spend making repairs that I can't afford right now."

Mr Nesdale said he had invited vandalism "of a sort" on his signs, creating hoardings that allow messages to be written with whiteboard pens.

Alan Davidson, standing for an at large seat, said most of his signage has been kicked, punched, broken or graffitied at some point - not once but several times over.

"It's all part of the campaign I guess, as long as the perpetrators are taking note and are able to vote on the day and have our names correct."

Bev Edlin, Otumoetai-Pyes Pa Ward candidate, said her sign in Brookfield had disappeared. She was at Carmichael Rd on Sunday and discovered damage to many of the signs.

Areas approved for election signs

• Ohauiti Rd next to the garden centre and past Marire Drive
• Devonport Rd by Memorial Park
• Turret Rd just past the bridge
• Bellevue Rd opposite Kingswood Rd
• Levers Rd beside Matua Hall
• Cambridge Rd, Tauriko end and past St Andrews Drive
• Fraser St by the estuary inlet
• Oropi Rd by Glenlyon Ave and SH 29
• Welcome Bay Rd near Hammond St and past James Cook Drive
• Sterling Gate/Beaumaris Boulevard roundabout
• Maunganui Rd opposite Mount College
• Port side of Totara St
• Paxton Rd and Tara Rd
• Carmichael Rd, wetlands
• Palm Springs Boulevard by the bridge
• Domain Rd approaching the shops
• Keith Allen Drive, Sulphur Point
• Golden Sands Drive bridge
• Maranui St past Sunrise Ave roundabout
• Papamoa Beach Rd past Bermuda Drive
• Ngatai Rd below intermediate school
• Cameron Rd past the racecourse