Greens blast 'backing the gangs' election billboard ads
The Green Party has filed a formal complaint against the Sensible Sentencing Trust over election billboards that mimic Green Party branding. The ads, which feature political leaders under the slogan 'BACKING THE GANGS', have been paused by the media company pending review.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing tensions regarding political advertising ethics and the use of 'astroturf' tactics in election campaigns.
<p>The Greens have lodged a formal complaint against the Sensible Sentencing Trust (SST), accusing the lobby group of impersonating the party with its latest election attack ads.</p> <p><b>By Lauren Crimp of </b><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/2173536/greens-blast-backing-the-gangs-election-billboard-ads" target="_blank"><b>RNZ</b></a></p> <p>The billboard ads were created by the Campaign Company, owned by Taxpayers' Union boss Jordan Williams.</p> <p>They feature both Green co-leaders Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson, as well as Labour leader Chris Hipkins, alongside the text "BACKING THE GANGS" above the Greens' campaign slogan "for all of us".</p> <p>Swarbrick called the ads an "entirely new low" and called on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to condemn the "despicable downgrading of democracy".</p> <p>The Greens complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
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