One NZ Removes Actress from Ads Following Controversial Protest

One NZ has decided to remove actress Acacia O’Connor from its advertising campaign after she shared the personal address of New Zealand First leader Winston Peters online. O’Connor encouraged individuals to join a pro-Palestine protest outside Peters’ residence, leading to widespread criticism and calls for accountability from political figures.

The controversy escalated when Nicola Willis, a member of the National Party, suggested that One NZ reconsider its association with O’Connor. “They’ve made their own choice,” Willis stated, emphasizing that the company condemned O’Connor’s actions. She described the sharing of personal addresses on social media as lacking “basic humanity” and inappropriate.

Political Fallout from the Protest

Peters responded to the situation, asserting that One NZ acted correctly in severing ties with O’Connor. He characterized the public disclosure of his address as “tragic” and expressed support for the company’s decision. O’Connor had previously livestreamed a protest outside Peters’ home and disclosed the street name, which drew significant public scrutiny.

In response to the backlash, Chloë Swarbrick, co-leader of the Green Party, criticized the government for what she described as bullying tactics against protesters. She highlighted that many individuals exercising their legal right to protest were facing repercussions, including potential loss of income. Swarbrick remarked, “We have New Zealanders who are currently exercising their legal right to protest, who are being bullied by some of the most powerful people in the country.”

O’Connor’s involvement in a media conference alongside Swarbrick on March 4, 2024, further complicated matters. Swarbrick clarified that she was unaware of O’Connor’s participation and stated that the event was organized by the community without formal roles assigned.

Calls for Accountability and Rhetoric Concerns

The situation has sparked a wider discussion about the appropriateness of sharing politicians’ private information. While Swarbrick acknowledged the inappropriateness of disclosing such addresses, she also called for a reduction in inflammatory rhetoric from government officials. She criticized Willis for using the phrase “call the dogs off” in reference to the protesters, suggesting it was time for more measured language.

Willis defended her choice of words, explaining that it was a metaphor rooted in literary tradition. “How precious do we have to be?… That is a phrase that actually has its origins in Shakespeare,” she said.

Swarbrick also urged media representatives to question Peters regarding his role in escalating tensions that may have contributed to the resignation of former Green MP Benjamin Doyle. Peters dismissed any claims of hypocrisy, stating that Doyle had already been subject to abuse prior to the controversy.

As the debate continues, it remains clear that the intersection of political expression, protest rights, and social media accountability is a pressing issue in New Zealand. The response from One NZ and political leaders will likely influence how public figures engage in activism moving forward.