Council’s pool sign labelled ‘racism’
A public health sign at Auckland swimming pools has been labelled “casual racism” by a Labour MP.
The sign, which is making the rounds on social media, features a cartoon of a Pa¯keha¯ child telling a Ma¯ori child not to pee in the pool.
“Hemi, stop! Make sure you visit the toilet before you swim!” the sign reads.
Labour MP Tamati Coffey posted a photo of the sign on Facebook on Thursday, seeking details of where it was so he could “speak to the manager”.
The post has since garnered hundreds of reactions and comments, with many debating whether the sign is racist or a simple health warning to children.
“I am an older female of European descent and I don’t like the sign. I very much doubt a little girl would be running around saying this kind of thing to other kids,” one woman responded.
Another said, “It’s funny at first glance. But then you realise the racial profiling. And it’s not funny any more.
“Bet if the sign had Hemi the lifeguard approach little Sally saying, ‘Hey Sally — have you been to the toilet first?’ . . . the complaints would be high and nigh impossible to silence! So yeah Tamati you go speak to the pool manager and have them take it down. Good on you bro!”
However, other people saw the sign as “innocent” and a reminder for kids to remember to use the toilet.
“I just saw it as a sign, regarding safety around the pool, with no hidden agenda,” one person wrote.
Another said, “If it stops kids crapping in the pool it’s a good thing.”
Auckland Council general manager of parks sports and recreation Mace Ward said the sign was designed as part of a marketing campaign in response to potential public health issues. “The characters, Hemi and Molly, are used across Auckland Council’s marketing materials and were designed to appeal to young Aucklanders,” he said.
“This particular sign was part of a series and it was not our intent to upset anyone.”
The campaign had led to fewer pool shutdowns, Ward said.
A council spokesperson said another sign in the campaign pictured Molly pooing in a swimming pool, and Hemi telling her to get a lifeguard.
However, Ward apologised for any offence the sign may have caused.
“We’re removing our signs from our leisure centres and will take a look at the whole campaign,” he said.
Coffey was pleased the council had listened to public concerns and suggested that its signs should use “neutral characters” such as ducks.