Cameras to nail election billboard vandals

Some candidates can't get a break when it comes to billboard vandals... Photo / NZ Herald

Political parties are using motion sensor cameras to catch election hoarding vandals, and passing the evidence to police.

Both National and the Conservatives acknowledged they were using cameras in some electorates to combat vandalism, theft and damage of signs.

Other parties are relying on volunteers to monitor and respond to vandalism.

National Party campaign manager Jo de Joux confirmed some election teams were using motion sensor cameras to monitor hoardings.

Ms de Joux said any acts of vandalism or theft, where information could identify the relevant person, would be forwarded to police.

Conservative Party candidate Steve Taylor - whose election trailer was deliberately set alight outside his home at the weekend - said he was installing cameras around his hoardings in New Lynn.

A Conservative Party billboard (right) was changed into a poster for the rock band KISS.

Labour Party's Auckland Central candidate Jacinda Arden's billboard. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Act Party leader Jamie Whyte's billboard. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Labour campaign manager David Talbot said the party was not using the cameras. Green Party national campaign director Ben Youdan said electorate teams relied on volunteers to monitor, repair and replace billboards.

The Maori and United Future parties also said they were relying on volunteers. The New Zealand First, Internet and Act parties said they were not using the high-tech gear. Mana did not respond.

Meanwhile, Mr Taylor has been fined $30 for leaving a campaign trailer all day in a 30-minute parking space. "I will be happy to pay the fine," he said.

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