61-Year-Old Man Charged Over Anti-Indian Graffiti in Auckland

A 61-year-old Papatoetoe man faces charges of intentional damage and offensive behavior following threatening anti-Indian graffiti found near an Auckland school.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 4:11 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Court Appearance and Charges

The defendant appeared in court on Thursday afternoon facing two counts of intentionally damaging a footpath, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of three months in prison or a $2,000 fine. Additionally, he has been charged with offensive behavior in a public place, which carries a maximum fine of $1,000.

The judge granted the man interim name suppression and released him on bail with specific conditions. Police did not oppose his release, following an assessment that the events did not indicate a wider coordinated threat.

Timeline of the Incident

Saturday: Anti-Indian graffiti inciting violence was first reported near Papatoetoe Central School.

Mid-week: Identical graffiti was discovered inside a public toilet in Royal Oak.