Repainted rainbow now even more colourful

The rainbow crossing was repainted as a rainbow on Tuesday night after it was vandalised on Monday night by Destiny Church members. Picture by Paul Rickard

The rainbow crossing in Gisborne’s main street has been repainted as a rainbow, following the vandalism by Destiny Church members on Monday evening.

On Tuesday night Gisborne District Council contractors repainted the crossing, returning it to its former colours.

Tairāwhiti Rainbow Collective chair Chris Shotton said it was fantastic to see it back.

He thanked the Mayor Rehette Stoltz and the team at GDC, and those who repainted the crossing.

“I love that at the start of the crossing there are white borders left over from the vandalism that took place. To me that signals  don’t try to squash progress with your own agenda and that people do matter in all walks of life.”

Mr Shotton thanks all who showed up in support outside the library yesterday, as well as those online who commented on social media posts in support of the rainbow crossing.

“To the police, thank you for your support and guidance.

“The library team, you put up with a lot of abuse over the last few days, so a big thank you for your steadfastness and your 'show must go on' attitude.“

The people of Tairāwhiti showed their true colours in supporting each other when it mattered, regardless of race, religion and orientation.

“Our support goes out to other communities in Aotearoa who are facing this same kind of abuse.”

Mayor Rehette Stoltz said she was thrilled it had been repainted so quickly.

“This shows inclusivity and how dedicated we are to our whole community.”