Hoarding glams up Natman, sidekick

An anonymous spray painting artist has struck Tauranga again, revamping Prime Minister John Key as caped crusader Batman and local MP Simon Bridges as sidekick Robin.

The sign, on Waihi Rd, was glammed up overnight yesterday and was one of two National signs on the same stretch of street.

Mr Bridges was now planning on joining Tauranga Labour candidate Rachel Jones, whose hoarding was the subject of an art attack earlier this week, in taking the sign home.

Mr Bridges said he planned to take the sign down and put it up in his house.

"I don't normally condone graffiti but credit where credit's due, this billboard is amazing," he said.

"It's probably more in the category of modern art than vandalism. I've never been able to afford an Andy Warhol. This might be as close as I get."

When asked how he felt about being portrayed as Robin, Mr Bridges said it was probably more of a backhanded compliment.

"John Key I suppose is our Batman in that he's led New Zealand for six years. If I'm there as a bit of a boy wonder helping that, that's something that's making me feel proud."

Prime Minister John Key agreed, telling the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend:

"Most damage to billboards would generally be described as pointless vandalism, but this is pretty impressive. The artist must be a big fan to paint me as Batman with Simon Bridges as Tauranga's boy wonder.

"If the question is whether I should spend my days being Prime Minister and my nights fighting crime in a pair of tights, I think I'll leave the public to judge."

Earlier this week, Mrs Jones' sign was overhauled by the artist who gave her nail polish, extra make-up and tousled hair.

Mrs Jones said she laughed when she saw it and that it was very well done. She has taken the sign home.

NZ First leader Winston Peters has also been targeted by the artist, who gave the seasoned politician the image of a joker alongside Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter character.

Mr Peters said he didn't think much of vandalism.

"That's what it is. We are in the middle of an election and everybody is entitled, whatever party they are stand for, to these signs and they are entitled with respect."

Throughout New Zealand, Conservative Party leader Colin Craig has begun swapping his billboards to replace those featuring a "stern and serious" image of his face to new ones with "smiley face Colin".

His signs were also targeted in Tauranga, with someone painting devil horns on his image.

with Sonya Bateson and Ruth Keber