A Labour Party candidate has been accused of sexism by a political opponent at the local body elections in South Auckland.
Ilango Krishnamoorthy let rip at Angela Dalton for saying she wanted to be the first woman councillor to represent South Auckland on Auckland Council.
In a Facebook posting, Krishnamoorthysaid: "Please don't give us a crap saying that 'I will be the first woman councillor to represent Manurewa' - choose a person who you think can deliver for our community."
The post was put up on Tuesday on a Facebook page Krishnamoorthy shares with the other Labour candidate standing in the Manurewa-Papakura ward, former MP Peter Neilson. The post is still up on the Facebook page.
Krishnamoorthy denies being sexist and says the word "crap" actually means "nonsense".
Dalton told the Herald she felt the post was sexist and in her opinion Krishnamoorthy should apologise to all women for the comment he made.
"The comment is probably indicative of some of the politicians out there and it needs to change," said Dalton, who believes it is time for the 250,000 women in South Auckland to have a woman's voice at the council table.
Manurewa Local Board Chair Angela Dalton and Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor Daniel Newman. Photo / Dean Purcell
Dalton said she has the experience and skills after being on the Manurewa Local Board for nine years, seven of those years as chair.
Her running mate and sitting councillor Daniel Newman said in his opinion, the Facebook post was "rank sexism from a Labour Party candidate attacking Angela ...on her gender".
"We haven't had a woman councillor in South Auckland on Auckland Council and this is the first chance to address that," Newman said.
Dalton received backing when she responded online to Krishnamoorthy's post.
Anne Candy, who served as a Manukau City councillor from 1995 to 2010, said she had huge respect for Dalton, saying "you are worthy...worthy indeed".
Former Labour MP for Manurewa and Mayor of Papakura George Hawkins advised Dalton not to worry about Krishnamoorthy.
"Of course women should be in politics," said Lynda Brooks.
"Best not say anything except it seems sexist and uninformed," said Vivien Ritchie.
In a statement, Krishnamoorthy said "I am not a sexist".
"Crap means nonsense, however, I will avoid this in the future," he said
In his candidate profile statement, Krishnamoorthy said he is a long-term resident of Hillpark in Manurewa and runs a successful printing business in Manukau.
He describes himself as a respected leader in the Indian community, a founding member of the NZ Hindu Temple Society and a trustee of the South Asian Trust.
The Herald is seeking comment from the Labour Party.
