New Zealand election hoardings face vandalism and competition

New Zealand's election season has seen a rise in the installation and vandalism of political hoardings. In Wellington, candidates have faced various forms of billboard defacement. Tamatha Paul has reportedly been a frequent target, with some billboards being painted over or having her image entirely removed. Other candidates, including Ayesha Verrall and Christopher Luxon, have also experienced different forms of amateur artistic criticism on their signage.

The deployment of these hoardings is governed by a mix of local council rules and the national Electoral Act. While local councils typically set timing and size regulations, a nationwide size limit of 3m² applies during the final nine weeks of an election. The process of securing prime locations has become highly competitive, with some campaigns using tactics such as installing wooden frames in advance or placing early signs to claim high-visibility spots.