The GAYTM was cleaned up yesterday. Picture: David Farrier/Twitter. Human Rights Commissioner Richard Tankersley has expressed disappointment at the vandalism of a specially-crafted GAYTM on Ponsonby Rd. Paint was hurled at the installation yesterday morning, just a day before the Auckland Pride Festival travels down Ponsonby Rd. “I was delighted to see the beautifully decorated money machine last week when I was in Auckland for some gay pride events. I had a wonderful time at the Big Gay Out and felt the city was really enjoying the celebrations,” Richard Tankersley says. “I congratulate ANZ for joining the celebrations of the Auckland gay festival. It is good to see businesses standing up for human rights,” Tankersley says. “I really support the gay festival and wish everyone a wonderful weekend and parade. This type of negativity will not dampen the lively, community spirit of gay pride.” The GAYTM is looking almost as good as new after it was scrubbed down and many of the paint flecks were removed from between its rhinestones yesterday. ANZ wanted to have it back looking good for the Auckland Pride Parade tonight. Police are investigating and have security camera footage. Speculation about who was responsible is rife, ranging from homophobes to ‘radical’ anti-corporate queer activists. “People are entitled to their opinions, but vandalism and violence has no place in NZ society,” Tankersley says. “Anyone who knows anything about this attack should contact the police so that these vandals can be held accountable.” There are also GAYTMs on K’ Rd in Auckland and Willis St in Wellington. ANZ is donating the profits its makes from non ANZ card transactions at the GAYTMS to OUTLine.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 21st February 2015 - 9:10am