Nazi flag removed from house opposite West Coast tourist attraction
Tuesday, 27 October 2020
A swastika that was prominently displayed opposite a West Coast tourist attraction has been removed after locals insisted it was unacceptable.
The Nazi symbol was hung outside a single-storey property, about 15 metres off the Great Alpine Highway (State Highway 73), in Ōtira.
The flag was flown directly opposite the historic Ōtira Stagecoach Hotel, which is popular with tourists and advertises itself as the “most interesting” hotel in New Zealand.
According to 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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Ōtira is located at the base of the Ōtira Gorge, between Christchurch and the West Coast, and according to the 2013 census is home to just 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 discouraged people from stopping at the tiny township.
“If it’s a swastika, displayed on the main road in Westland, it would be considered offensive by a large number of people.”
Local people insisted the flag was removed, he said.
Race relations commissioner Meng Foon said flying a Nazi swastika was “unacceptable”, “intimidating and frightening”.
“This symbol is anti-Semitic and represents the worst of humanity displayed during World War II; against Jews, disabled people, LGBTIQ+ and Gypsies,” he said.
“I call on New Zealanders to reject such symbols of hate.”
There had been cases where a painted swastika breached the Resource Management Act, because it had an “adverse effect on the ability of people 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 a genocide against the Jewish people” and resulted in the murder of 6 million people.
“It is an unequivocal statement that Jews are hated and not welcome, and do not have the right to feel safe,” she said.
“I don’t think there is any justification for displaying a swastika. Every Kiwi knows, or should know, what it represents. It is antithetical to the values and freedoms we as a country hold dear.”
Ōtira Stagecoach Hotel and the owner of the home were approached for comment.