Police in Auckland are investigating an incident involving a protest at the Trevor Moss Davis Memorial Fountain in Mission Bay, which resulted in the fountain’s water being dyed red on Anzac Day. The event, which attracted considerable local attention, occurred in the city’s inner east on Friday morning, coinciding with the national day of remembrance.
Deputy Mayor of Auckland, Desley Simpson, expressed her disappointment and frustration over the damage caused to the fountain. Sharing photographs on her Facebook page, she showed the memorial covered in a red liquid, with the surrounding water similarly discoloured, suggesting the use of red paint or dye. “I respect the right for peaceful protest. What I don't respect or condone is wilful damage of public property,” she said. Simpson noted that the fountain had been cleaned just the day before and that a further cleaning would be carried out promptly. She also confirmed that a police report had been filed and that there was CCTV coverage of the area.
The protest was connected to the conflict in Gaza, with a poster attached to the fountain’s foundation bearing a remembrance poppy alongside the phrase “Never again is now.” This poster called on the New Zealand government to uphold international law and highlighted the ongoing conflict’s impact, asking, “How many more children slaughtered in Gaza?” and accusing parties involved of “18 months of genocide” with “Blood on their hands.”
According to New Zealand’s news website Stuff, police were alerted at approximately 5am local time when a caller reported people near the fountain while preparations were being made for an Anzac service. The police are currently reviewing the report and deciding on the next steps to take.
The protest provoked divided reactions among local residents, particularly regarding the timing of the demonstration on Anzac Day. Some commenters on social media described the act as “totally disrespectful to the men and women we remember today who fought for these morons,” and others insisted that “ANZAC day is not the day to do this.” Conversely, some locals expressed sympathy for the protest’s message, with one user stating: “Breaks my heart that people are more concerned with red food colouring in a fountain.”
The incident highlights tensions surrounding the methods and timing of public demonstrations related to international conflicts, as well as the challenges of balancing free expression with respect for commemorative occasions.
Source: Noah Wire Services