Controversial Anti-Coalition Election Signs Vanish in Tauranga, Owner Blames Suppression
Manu Caddie’s vulgar anti-coalition election signs in Tauranga have been repeatedly removed or stolen, prompting police reports and council action.
In Tauranga, activist Manu Caddie and three companions installed 14 election signs that read “I’d rather crap in my hands and clap…” aimed at the National, Act and New Zealand First coalition hoardings. By Thursday, six of the signs had vanished, and additional removals occurred over the weekend, forcing Caddie to spend about $1000 on replacements. He says the signs comply with Electoral Commission rules and were placed on public land, but suspects “free-speech suppressors” linked to party supporters.
Police have logged the thefts and are assessing the case, while Tauranga City Council removed several signs, citing risks to underground utilities and road users under the Local Government Act. New Zealand First candidate Tracey Coxhead defended the right to remove offensive material, and both National and Act representatives were also approached. Caddie plans to continue replacing the signs and consider surveillance to identify the perpetrators.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the clash between free-speech claims and election-sign regulations in New Zealand politics.
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