NZTA orders removal of unauthorised election signs in Northcote
Tuesday 13 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story National Party, NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Council
Dozens of political hoardings on a North Shore fence must be removed by the end of the weekend. The signs, which include more than 20 National Party hoardings, were erected without permission. NZTA stated the agency must remain politically neutral while ordering the removal.
Key facts
5 facts
- More than 20 National Party hoardings are on a single fence on Sylvan Avenue.
- The fence is owned by the Crown and administered by NZTA.
- NZTA will contact parties to advise they must remove the hoardings.
- Auckland Council confirmed the hoardings comply with current bylaws.
- Auckland Council staff responded to 99 complaints regarding election signage during the campaign.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) will contact political parties to advise that election hoardings must be removed from a fence on Sylvan Avenue. The agency stated that consent was not sought to place the signs on the Crown-owned land.
Northcote MP Dan Bidois said the party was prepared to work for every vote and would comply with the agency once contacted.
Auckland Council confirmed the hoardings comply with bylaws because the site is not council-controlled land. Councillor Richard Hills initially alleged the signs breached council bylaws but later described the fence as a “grey area” because it belongs to NZTA.
Bidois stated the signs would be donated to the community after the election. He dismissed criticism from Hills, noting the councillor had previously stood as a Labour Party candidate in Northcote and Hunua.
Where reports differ
- Dan Bidois stated his campaign was not aware of any rule breaches, whereas NZTA stated consent had not been sought.
Compiled from reports by The Post and NZ Herald.
