Advert attacking Kiwibuild ‘clearly sexist’

WELLINGTON: Government ministers are criticising a new National Party advertisement attacking its flagship KiwiBuild policy as sexist.

But National says the advert uses humour to show KiwiBuild failing and people need to ‘‘lighten up’’.

The advert, which was released on social media yesterday, showed a young man and woman discussing the policy.

The woman appears excited by KiwiBuild, but the man quickly points out that to achieve the 100,000 target, 33 new homes would need to be built every day.

She asked how many had been built so far, to which the man replies 33.

A disclaimer says the 33 houses were built over the Government’s first 450 days.

Housing Minister Phil Twyford, the man in charge of the KiwiBuild policy, said yesterday the advert was ‘‘clearly sexist’’.

‘‘I think a lot of people find it offensive.’’

Mr Twyford said if he had commissioned that ‘‘attack ad’’ he would be asking for a refund.

He said the barbecue depicted in the advert did not look like much fun.

‘‘I think there would be much more enjoyable barbecues at Judith [Collins’] place.’’

Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter said National ‘‘missed the mark’’.

‘‘I can’t believe that National’s leadership didn’t realise how sexist the ad looks.’’

But National deputy leader Paula Bennett said the advert used humour to get the point across the Government was failing in its KiwiBuild policy, and it did not intend any harm.

‘‘I think everyone needs to lighten up and see it as a bit of humour and move on.’’ — NZME