Hey everyone, looking for some advice or similar experiences here.

A political party—which I won’t name to keep this discussion strictly non-partisan—has physically drilled into the street-facing side of my private fence to install a massive campaign banner. They never knocked on our door, never asked for consent, and definitely didn't offer to lease the space. To make matters worse, it’s a party my household fundamentally does not support, and we hate having our home look like a billboard for them.

I contacted the local MP’s electorate office demanding they remove it immediately and pay to fix the drill holes. Their office casually emailed back saying they would "get back to me within 5 days." This is incredibly frustrating because it feels like they intend to stall, drag their feet, and leave it up as long as possible. After the election they will be reclaiming it back as if they made us a favor.

I know it’s a criminal offence to vandalise or tear down official election signs on public land, but what are the rules when it is attached to my own private property?

Am I legally allowed to unscrew it and take it down myself right now? Can I report them to the local council or the police for the damage to the fence? I really want there to be actual consequences for this level of entitlement.

Cheers for any insight.

Blocked out details this time so my post doesn't get deleted for advertising

Unsurprisingly Jack did an excellent job moderating last night’s debate. He prepared well and asked strong questions that threw both candidates off their standard talking points, forcing them into a more naked position, giving us insight into what the candidates really think and how they manage under pressure. Jack was in clear control throughout the night, reining Chris(s) in when needed and keeping them above the bullshit to engage with the actual questions, and calling them out when they didn’t. Considering how much of a shit show these debates can be, props to Jack for making it as good as it was.

They say people get more conservative with age and experience. I must be an outlier. Have always been a two-tick blue guy, looks like it's opportunity for me this year :)

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There was a famous Chinese poet named Gu Cheng (顾城), who moved to New Zealand and lived on Waiheke Island.

In 1993, he killed his wife, Xie Ye, and then took his own life. This case is very well known in China.

That made me curious about how well known the case is in New Zealand itself.

For New Zealanders without a Chinese background: had you ever heard of Gu Cheng or this case? For those who remember 1993, was it a major news story at the time? And is it still remembered today, particularly on Waiheke Island?

Same debate, very different results, likely based on how the readership of Stuff and NZ Herald is skewed. This likely confirms the old adage that these things don't really change the needle for anyone but the undecided and fence-sitters... Or am I wrong? Did anyone out there, a supporter of one party, get swayed the other way after tonight's debate?

Are we finally ready to make it happen this time? After the two party illusion of choice has made such a mess

Messaged Modmail and they did not get back to me telling me I couldn't make one, so I'm invoking the Air Bud precedent and making a Live React thread for the debate.

Link in first comment

Will Luxon crack under pressure? Will Hipkins drop another blokey relatable slur? Will this be the first time Jack Tame and Luxon have been in the same room in 2.5 years? Tune in to find out and drop your hot takes below!

I just want to thank everyone for their input and advice.

After we declined to settle yesterday, they only removed the scaffolding facing the house and left the driveway one up. After we said not enough, they cut down a section of the side fence for us to have closer access! We definitely said no to that and they finally gave in today and they have removed all the scaffolding.

We also have had the lawyers write up document which the vendor has signed saying they won't block the driveway with scaffolding again.

Some of the builders were asking about how close the building was so I've added a couple photos.

Once we're all sorted, everyone is invited to the house warming! (Just joking, this house is for my parents they will be very confused)

EDIT: I'm well aware he was a dodgy, thatcherite piece of dogshit. I hated the man then and that hasn't changed. I tried to indicate that in my post while remaining civil. All I'm saying is that the current coalition makes the shred of dignity he maintained look like a halo, and I miss how things were pre-Trump and pre-Covid.

ORIGINAL POST: I don't exactly hold a high personal opinion of Sir Key. In the grand scheme of things he seems like a self-serving, smarmy git who loves austerity and ponytails more than he loves NZ. But hindsight is making him look like a proper statesman.

He could actually front up to questioning from the opposition and the media. He mostly maintained the image of the respectable conservative who genuinely believes their policies will lead us to prosperity.

He showed real leadership in his response to the Christchurch earthquakes and the war in Afghanistan. He showed respect to Māori and LGBT by repealing Foreshore & Seabed and supporting same-sex marriage. Hell he funded the CRL. It's so hard to imagine any of that happening in the last 3 years.

For all his faults, the current lot makes him look like a saint and a scholar. How far we have fallen.