Media release
Auckland Councillor Cameron Brewer
Sunday, 25 September 2011

Labour election signs breach council bylaw and advice

Auckland Councillor Cameron Brewer says it’s very disappointing the Labour Party’s Auckland Central candidate has deliberately ignored official advice around election hoardings.

On Tuesday Auckland Council’s senior lawyer Wendy Brandon advised candidates that election signs are allowed up from 12.00am, Monday 26 September – two calendar months prior to the 26 November general election. Signs up around Auckland today breach the Electoral (Advertisements of a Specified Kind) Regulations 2005 bylaw.

“Like every other party, Labour was given very specific legal advice from the council but deliberately chose to breach the bylaw. It’s very disappointing and only reflects poorly on them.”

Mr Brewer says Auckland Council CEO Doug McKay also wrote to political parties asking them to respect the Rugby World Cup and be sensitive to where they put signs up.

“By splashing red around the central city, Labour has ignored the council’s request to be sensitive around the Rugby World Cup. Aucklanders’ have gone to a lot of trouble to have the city looking its best and people won’t appreciate makeshift hoardings on the likes of Western Park, Ponsonby Road.

“The Mayor needs to tell his colleagues in the Labour Party to pull their heads in. Auckland residents and ratepayers deserve better. They have spent over $100m on this tournament and ensuring Auckland looks great.”

Cameron Brewer says people who are annoyed by signs up illegally today, or poorly placed given the Rugby World Cup, should report them to the council by phoning (09) 301-0101.

Ends

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