Three face charges over Gisborne rainbow crossing vandalism

Three people have been charged over the defacing of the Gisborne rainbow crossing.

Two men, aged 46 and 36, and a 45-year-old woman were charged with graffiti vandalism after the crossing was painted white on Monday night. A fourth suspect had been identified. Meanwhile, police are still asking for those responsible for a second rainbow crossing attack, on Auckland’s Karangahape Rd, to come forward.

“We consider that, on the face of it, the alleged offending is consistent with a hate crime, and we will seek to establish that as fact during the ongoing investigations and court proceedings,” said Inspector Danny Kirk, Tairāwhiti Area Commander.

“This incident has caused concern for many people in our diverse community and acts like this have no place here. Freedom of speech and the right to protest are fundamental principles of a free and democratic society under the rule of law. Sadly, a line has been crossed on this occasion.”

Gisborne’s rainbow pedestrian crossing has been restored after it was painted white on Monday night.

The three accused are due to appear in the Gisborne District Court on Wednesday and police inquiries are ongoing to locate a fourth individual.

Police will be seeking reparation of costs.

The Gisborne Destiny Church branch had said if the district’s mayor did not cancel a drag queen reading event at the town’s library the central city rainbow crossing on Gladstone Rd would be painted over.

The library event went ahead on Tuesday with about 350 protesters and counter-protesters gathered outside while the police monitored proceedings.

At 3am on Thursday the rainbow crossing on Karangahape Rd, Auckland, was painted over.

Police are investigating after white paint was poured over the rainbow crossing on Karangahape Rd, Auckland, this week. Photo / Police / John Nottage / Reddit

Video emerged today of three people pouring white paint over the crossing, with police slamming it as an apparent “hate crime”.

Police earlier said they had executed a search warrant in the east Auckland suburb of Flat Bush in relation to the crime and released images of a vehicle and suspect.

Meanwhile, Gisborne’s crossing has been restored and mayor Rehette Stoltz said the council would seek reparations from those responsible.

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki took to social media to express his dismay at the return of the painted crossing.

“So the Mayor of Gisborne, a drag dancer by night, has already spent ratepayers [money] on repainting the rainbow crossing back over what we painted over yesterday,” Tamaki posted.