A fresh incident of violent, anti-Indian graffiti in Auckland has intensified concerns within the community, coming just days after a similar message was discovered outside a primary school in South Auckland.
The latest graffiti was found inside a public toilet on Campbell Road in Royal Oak, carrying the same disturbing message that had earlier appeared near Papatoetoe Central School. Authorities have not confirmed when the message was written, but police say they are treating the matter seriously.
Inspector Jim Wilson, Auckland City East Area Commander, confirmed to RNZ that a report of wilful damage had been received. “Police take these threats and hate-motivated crime seriously,” he said.
“We will now assess this report for further action and lines of enquiry.”
The earlier incident in Papatoetoe, where the same message was spray-painted near a school gate, is already being investigated as a hate-motivated crime.
Community leaders say the repeated nature of the incidents is deeply troubling. Sher Singh, president of Migrant Rights Network NZ, described the situation as alarming. “I’ve been living in New Zealand for 30-odd years, and I’ve never seen anything like this before,” he said.
“It’s emotionally draining and very concerning that it is appearing in more places.”
He warned that dismissing the incidents could allow the problem to escalate.
“Today it’s on walls — tomorrow it could be on people’s homes.”
Former New Zealand Indian Central Association president Narendra Bhana said the message went beyond vandalism. “This is not simply an act of damage — it is a message of hate,” he said.
“If ignored, it risks normalising something far more harmful.”
Political leaders have also condemned the incidents, pointing to a worrying pattern of behaviour. Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell said racism had no place in the country.
“Violent or intimidating messages like this are despicable.”
Labour MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan said the incidents were causing “significant distress” among Indian New Zealanders. “Threats of violence and ethnicity-based hate have no place here,” she said, emphasising the long-standing contribution of the Indian community to New Zealand society.
Race Relations Commissioner Melissa Derby warned the incidents reflected a broader rise in anti-migrant rhetoric.
“These messages generate real fear and impact people’s sense of safety and belonging.”
Local MP Greg Fleming said the Royal Oak and Papatoetoe graffiti incidents, along with other recent events, pointed to a disturbing trend. “What concerns me most is the pattern we are now seeing,” he said.
“This behaviour is designed to provoke fear and division — and that is simply not acceptable.”
Auckland Council confirmed the Royal Oak graffiti was removed shortly after it was reported, with officials reiterating that racist or offensive messages would not be tolerated.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
