Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden has slammed the vandalism of an artwork at the centre of town celebrating diversity. A rainbow-coloured fantail on a telecommunications box in the centre of Levin was bombed with grey paint this week in what has been seen as an attack on the local LGBTQIA+ community. Wanden said the council proudly stood by the local LGBTQIA+ community and council officers had been instructed to remove the paint immediately.
“Vandalism of community assets is a selfish act, a waste of ratepayers’ money and is not acceptable,” he said. “Council officers will be removing the paint today [Thursday].” Wanden said the council had partnered with local artists to showcase their work on the Chorus boxes, and their work brightened up the town.
“Partnering with local artists and showcasing their work on Chorus boxes adds vibrancy to our community spaces and a sense of place,” he said. “Furthermore, Horowhenua’s beauty is not just derived from its natural environment. It comes from its people, its sense of community and the manaakitanga shown to one another and those visiting the district.
“To that effect, council supports an inclusive and diverse community and proudly stands by our rainbow community.” Local artist Vicky Millman was commissioned by Chorus to do the fantail artwork on the telecommunications box in 2021. The work featured six different colours in the fantail and a colourful backdrop that celebrated the right for people to feel free to id.