The Electoral Commission has confirmed that the 'Aroha' posters of Jacinda Ardern, promoted by artists Weston Frizzell
and advertiser Phantom Billstickers, does indeed constitute a party advertisement for the Labour Party.
This judgment comes after the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union laid a complaint regarding the posters. The Commission's response to the Union can be viewed here.
Union spokesman Jordan Williams says: "It's a relief to have clarity on this matter. As a campaign organisation, we're forced
to comply with strict rules around political advertising, especially in the lead-up to an election. It's a matter of
democratic integrity that these rules are applies equally, regardless of a campaigner's political slant."
"These posters were obviously advertisements, even if the artists didn't think of them as such. You can imagine a
scenario where a poster of Jacinda Ardern – or Todd Muller for that matter – was on every street corner, a week out from
an election. This could absolutely influence voters, so the posters should have authorisation statements and count
toward campaign spending limits."
"In its letter to the artists, the Electoral Commission notes that some posters may still be up, and that the artists will have to take 'corrective
action'. If the Commission is not satisfied with this action, it has the power to refer the advertiser to the Police."
"Initial signs suggest the artists are not taking this warning seriously. They continue to actively promote the poster – without an authorisation statement – on their social media. Regardless, the posters have already reached hundreds of
thousands of New Zealanders through social media and news coverage. Strong actions will be needed to remedy this
influence. Perhaps, for example, the advertiser could fund poster space for campaigners with different political views."