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Lee Kenny / Stuff
The swastika flag was displayed in a house in Ōtira, opposite the popular Ōtira Stagecoach hotel.
A swastika that was prominently displayed in front of a West Coast tourist attraction was removed after locals insisted it was unacceptable.
The Nazi symbol was hung outside a one-story property, about 15 meters from the Great Alpine Highway (State Highway 73), in Ōtira.
The flag flew directly in front of the historic Hotel Ōtira Stagecoach, which is popular with tourists and advertised as New Zealand’s “most interesting” hotel.
According to the police, it is not illegal to buy, sell or display Nazi memorabilia. However, it is deeply offensive, particularly to the Jewish community who consider the symbol to be anti-Semitic.
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New Zealand Human Rights Commission
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Ōtira lies at the base of the Ōtira gorge, between Christchurch and the west coast, and according to the 2013 census it is home to only 54 people, making it one of the smallest settlements in the Westland district.
Westland Mayor Bruce Smith said the flag was “inappropriate” and could have deterred people from stopping in the small township.
“If it’s a swastika, displayed on the main Westland highway, a lot of people would consider it offensive.”
Local people insisted that the flag be removed, he said.
Ewan Sargent / Stuff
The small municipality of Ōtira is one of the smallest settlements in the Westland district on the west coast.
Race relations commissioner Meng Foon said flying a Nazi swastika was “unacceptable”, “intimidating and terrifying”.
“This symbol is anti-Semitic and represents the worst of humanity displayed during World War II; against Jews, disabled, LGBTIQ + and gypsies, ”he said.
“I call on New Zealanders to reject such symbols of hatred.”
There have been instances where a painted swastika violated the Resource Management Act because it had an “adverse effect on people’s ability to enjoy the surrounding environment,” he said.
New Zealand Jewish Council spokeswoman Juliet Moses said the swastika was the symbol of the Nazi regime, which “enacted genocide against the Jewish people” and resulted in the murder of 6 million people.
Louisa Steyl / Things
Race relations commissioner Meng Foon says there is no excuse for using symbols of racism.
“It is an unequivocal statement that Jews are hated and unwelcome, and they have no right to feel safe,” he said.
“I don’t think there is any justification for displaying a swastika. Every kiwi knows, or should know, what it represents. It is the antithesis of the values and freedoms that we value as a country. “
Hoteltira Stagecoach Hotel was contacted for comment.
