The "Pride crossing" on Auckland's Karangahape Rd was vandalised overnight, with white paint coated across the rainbow design.
The prominent rainbow pride symbol was the second such crossing to be vandalised in New Zealand this week, after Gisborne's Gladstone Rd pride crossing was also painted white in a staged protest.
In Gisborne, Destiny Church protesters filmed themselves covering the crossing with white paint, in protest at a Rainbow Storytime event being held at the city's library.
Five people were arrested in connection with the Gisborne incident.
The prominent pride flag across the road on the famed street appears to have been coated in white paint. (Source: Breakfast)
On X, Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki said the protesters wanted to protect "the innocence of our kids", claiming drag queens were "adult entertainment" and the events spread "gender ideology".
He also praised the vandals calling them "the bravest people I know".
It was not yet clear who was responsible for the Auckland incident but police issued footage from surveillance cameras in attempts to identify the culprits.
Auckland Central MP and Green party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick's office was on K Rd and she expressed concern as a member of the rainbow community.
"I am in touch with relevant authorities to have our Karangahape Rd rainbow crossing fixed immediately," she said on X.
"It's sad and bizarre some people are spending their energy suppressing simple symbols of the visibility and pride of our – my – rainbow community. You can't paint over our existence. Love always wins."
Auckland Transport group manager of infrastructure project delivery Mark Banfield said the organisation was "saddened and disappointed" by "this appalling act of vandalism".
"We have done our best to minimise the damage," he said. "The crossing is an important part of the street that celebrates the rainbow community and AT is committed to restoring it as soon as possible."
Police appeal
The damage was reported to police at about 3.20am this morning, Inspector Grant Tetzlaff said.
Police were investigating and appealed to the public for help.
"A group of three people have poured paint on the rainbow crossing before leaving the area in a vehicle," Tetzlaff said.
"The vehicle had the registration plates removed and the persons had their faces concealed."
Police issued a number of images taken from CCTV footage in the area, asking for help identifying the people involved.
"We have no tolerance for reports of this nature, and when it appears to directly target a particular sector of our diverse community.
"The vehicle is a distinctive, high gloss grey or white colour, with black roof racks and mag wheels," Tetzlaff said.
Anyone with information was asked to call 105.
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