One NZ Cuts Actress from Ads Following Controversial Protest

One NZ has removed actress Acacia O’Connor from its advertising campaign after she publicly shared the personal address of New Zealand First leader Winston Peters. O’Connor encouraged followers to join a pro-Palestine protest outside Peters’ residence, prompting significant backlash from political figures.

The decision comes after National Party MP Nicola Willis suggested that One NZ reconsider O’Connor’s involvement in their ‘Let’s Get Connected’ ad series. In a statement, Willis remarked that the company had “made their own choice” regarding O’Connor’s participation, indicating a condemnation of her actions.

O’Connor livestreamed a protest outside Peters’ home on Instagram, during which she disclosed the street name, escalating scrutiny on her actions. She had participated in a media conference alongside Green Party co-leader Chloë Swarbrick earlier that week, amplifying the focus on her conduct.

At a press conference, Peters expressed his approval of One NZ’s decision, stating it was the right course of action. He condemned the public sharing of his address as “tragic” and emphasized that private information should remain confidential.

Willis criticized O’Connor’s behavior, saying, “It is completely inappropriate to give people’s private addresses out on social media and to protest outside people’s homes in the way that she did.” In contrast, Swarbrick defended the right to protest, arguing that government ministers were unfairly targeting activists, which could lead to financial repercussions for them.

“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,” Swarbrick stated. She also expressed surprise at O’Connor’s presence at the press conference, dismissing the notion that she had a formal role in the event.

Swarbrick acknowledged that while it was an oversight not to be more informed about all attendees, the protest was organized by a community deeply affected by ongoing conflict. She urged for a reduction in hostile rhetoric surrounding the protests, particularly in light of previous comments made by Willis.

Willis had used the phrase “call the dogs off” in reference to the protesters, which Swarbrick criticized as inflammatory. Responding to the criticism, Willis clarified that her comment was metaphorical, citing its origins in Shakespeare.

In a related remark, Swarbrick also urged media to question Peters about his role in escalating tensions that contributed to former Green MP Benjamin Doyle’s resignation. Peters rejected claims of hypocrisy, insisting that Doyle had faced harassment before Peters highlighted Doyle’s past social media activity.

This unfolding situation highlights the tension between political activism and personal privacy in New Zealand, raising questions about the boundaries of protest and the responsibilities of public figures.