Disputed billboards ‘updated’
Labour’s candidate for a Hawke’s Bay seat, Anna Lorck, has changed her billboards after complaints were made to the Advertising Standards Authority.
Two complaints were made because her billboard stated ‘‘Your Local MP’’. She is not an MP. The 25 signs have been changed to ‘‘For a local MP’’.
Lorck, who is at No 45 on the Labour list and is standing for the Tukituki electorate, said one of the complaints was made by WhaleOil blogger Cameron Slater. She did not know who the other complainant was.
The ASA was considering whether to investigate the complaints, which were received last Saturday and on Monday.
Lorck said she had ‘‘taken the initiative and just changed the statement to make it more clear’’.
Earlier this week, she said she pushed the ‘‘local’’ angle because her strongest opposition, National candidate Lawrence Yule, lived in Napier, which was outside the electorate.
‘‘Call me old-fashioned, but to be a strong and effective local MP you should live in the electorate you’re standing to represent,’’ said Lorck, who lives in Hastings.
It is Lorck’s second bid for the seat.
In 2014, she attracted 34 per cent of the votes (12,047) but lost to incumbent National MP Craig Foss, who had 52 per cent (18,537).
The chair of the ASA complaints board can take the alterations into account when considering the complaints. Complaints can be settled without the need to proceed to consideration.
If a complaint is upheld, the advertiser, in accordance with selfregulatory principles, is required to immediately withdraw the advertisement.