The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is urging candidates to tone down their rhetoric and leave personal attacks out of the campaign.

On Wednesday morning, The New Zealand Herald reported that mayoral candidate Efeso Collins and his family were “nearly run off the road” by two cars. The incident appeared to be politically motivated.

Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesman Josh Van Veen says, “We condemn this act of violence against Mr. Collins and his family. There is no justification for the abuse and harassment of candidates.”

“That includes the use of violent imagery and dangerous rhetoric by other candidates. Anyone running for public office has a responsibility to exercise care in the way they talk about their opponents.”

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