A scene from the Knockonwood advert that upset the expat New Zealander. Photo / Supplied
A scene from the Knockonwood advert that upset the expat New Zealander. Photo / Supplied
An expat New Zealander has been arrested following a violent meltdown over an Australian television advert mocking the New Zealand accent.
The 44-year-old man, who lives in Griffith, New South Wales, allegedly assaulted and intimidated a WIN Television employee after the station showed an advert for furniture store Knockonwood.
Theadvert features two kookaburra birds mimicking a thick Kiwi accent as they talk about "sweet as" and "choice" deals.
The man visited the station's office in Griffith and left his name as part of a formal complaint, before the alleged assault happened.
The man also called the Knockonwood furniture store in a rage, calling the adverts offensive.
Adrian Fanani, who took the man's call, said he was aggressive and threatening. "He said he was going to come and sort me out in the next five minutes ... and that he was going to knock my block off."
Paul Pierotti, managing director of the firm's parent company, the Caesar Group, said it had taken the "extreme complaint" on the chin.
"We've had a lot of Kiwi feedback and probably the only negative is how bad our accents are."
He told the Herald the man was tracked down by police because he had identified himself to staff at WIN Television and Knockonwood furniture.
"Funnily enough, he left his name and phone number with WIN Television ... so it didn't take long for them to find him." The man is set to appear in court on June 13.
