A Green Party member was responsible for coordinating the defacing of hundreds of National Party billboards, Greens co-leader Russel Norman admitted this morning.
On Sunday night, about 700 National Party billboards across the country were altered by activists who fixed new slogans over the billboards.
The slogans were blue with white writing, and said things such as "The Rich Deserve More" and "Drill it! Mine It! Sell it!".
The Greens had previously denied involvement, however, Dr Norman told media this morning Green Party member Jolyon White, the partner of Dr Norman's executive assistant, was the person who coordinated the defacing.
Dr Norman said he learnt of Mr White's involvement only after other Green members recognised his voice in a radio interview this morning.
"While the actions are those of individuals, not the Green Party, I am incredibly disappointed by what they have done, especially given my and the Green Party's preference for a positive and clean campaign."
An un-named organiser of the operation told The Aucklander National needed to be more honest in its campaign, and the new slogans reflect the truth which it says National is neglecting to mention.
"We decided to help the National Party spell out its plans in ways that every voter can understand. They believe in increasing the deficit by giving the rich tax cuts, then selling state assets to reduce the deficit they just created, drilling oil wells along our coastline, and digging up forests for low grade coal. We want to make sure voters know that.
"Over 50 people have been improving National's billboards in Auckland, Wellington, Gisborne, Whakatane, Napier, Hastings, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Kapiti Coast, Nelson, Marlborough, Motueka, Golden Bay, Christchurch and Dunedin.
"We hope voters like the more truthful billboards and hope that some National supporters will want to leave them as they are.
"The Prime Minister believes in transparency. He says he doesn't lie. We're happy to help."
While i agree that the updated and altered billboards are more honest - i don't agree with these kinds of tactics - the same way that i don't agree with some blogger's, and some parts of the media's closed minded views and abilities to twist things to suit their agendas - while ignoring the truth.
Dirty tactics - The Greens are better than this. Way better than this.
It is a shame that Jolyon White did not think about the fact that his actions would reflect on the entire party - not just himself.
Talk about handing the likes of Keeping Stock and Whale Oil ammunition on a platter!
Grrrrrr.
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2 comments:
No one cares, Jacqueline. You don't. You will still vote for them. Whale Oil and Inventory2 will not. Nothing changes. Always remember it is the right that is underhand.
True!
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