Auckland’s billboard battle: Dozens of election signs to be ordered off North Shore fence

Auckland’s election billboard battle has intensified, with dozens of hoardings plastered on a Northcote fence to be ordered off after permission was not sought. 

The fence on Sylvan Ave has been covered in political signs, including more than 20 National Party hoardings and material from several other parties. 

North Shore councillor Richard Hills told the Herald people had contacted him asking why the signs had not been removed. 

“There are some billboard battles going on, especially between the two big parties across Auckland,” he said. 

“Although it’s part of the vibe I guess, the money and the plastic wasted, plus the overuse of people’s fences who then get annoyed and don’t want to offer them up again in the future.” 

A fence on the street covered with political hoardings. Photo / Richard Hills 

The Auckland Council said the Sylvan Ave site was not council-controlled land and was therefore treated as private property for election-sign purposes. 

“The Auckland Council Signs Bylaw does not set a maximum number of election signs that may be displayed on a private fence or private property,” said James Watson, the council’s team leader regional compliance response. 

An NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) spokesperson said the land outside the address was owned by the Crown and administered by the agency. 

“Consent wasn’t sought to put up these election hoardings, so NZTA will be contacting the parties to advise they need to be removed.” 

Northcote MP Dan Bidois told the Herald his campaign was not aware of any breach of election-signage rules. 

“It’s an NZTA site. There’s a proud history of many people using that site,” Bidois said. “We’re not aware of any breach.” 

Google Maps images of the site show multiple signs on the fence in 2022, when the Auckland mayoral election was held. 

The fence in 2022. Photo / Google Images 

Bidois said neither the Auckland Council nor NZTA had contacted his campaign about the signs and that it was willing to adjust the display if concerns were raised. 

“My volunteers are working hard to get our message out there,” he said. 

Bidois said the hoardings were reused and would later be donated to schools and community groups for projects. 

He said the campaign wanted to comply with the rules but dismissed Hills’ criticism, noting the councillor had previously stood as a Labour Party candidate. Hills stood for the party in the Hunua electorate in 2011 and in Northcote in the 2014 general election.