Advance NZ party’s Facebook page removed over policy breach

WELLINGTON: Facebook has pulled Advance NZ’s page days out from the election.

Party coleader Billy Te Kahika says the move is ‘‘nothing short of election interference’’, and is calling for an investigation into the social media giant’s behaviour.

‘‘Advance NZ has been bravely questioning the Government’s approach to Covid19, sharing the views and advice of international scientists, and standing up to vested interests in New Zealand,’’ he said.

But a Facebook spokeswoman said the party was deplatformed after it repeatedly breached the social media site’s misinformation policies.

‘‘We don’t allow anyone to share misinformation on our platforms about Covid19 that could lead to imminent physical harm,’’ she said.

‘‘We have clear policies against this type of content and will enforce on these policies regardless of anyone’s political position or party affiliation.

‘‘We removed Advance New Zealand/New Zealand Public

Party’s Facebook Page for repeated violations of this policy.’’

It came as the party was ordered to pull misleading advertising claiming vaccinations were mandatory under the law — which they are not.

Directorgeneral of health Ashley Bloomfield has even gone on the record to say a vaccine to

Covid19 would not be mandatory.

Mr Te Kahika yesterday said Facebook’s actions showed the party was in a ‘‘very real fight’’ against New Zealand becoming a totalitarian state.

‘‘This is a cynical example of election interference by an Americanowned social media outlet that has no business performing any such operation in our sovereign nation. I am horrified beyond belief.’’

‘‘We need to stand now, in this election, to protect our rights and freedoms,’’ he said.

Mr Te Kahika holds several controversial views, including that Covid19 was a bioweapon to be used on civilians around the world.