Racist graffiti reading “Kill All Indians” was found spray-painted in red on a footpath outside Papatoetoe Central School in South Auckland, New Zealand, on April 11, triggering outrage and a police investigation.
The message, reported by local residents, was removed shortly after by the Beautification Trust. New Zealand Police said the case is being treated as a hate-motivated crime and inquiries are underway.
Inspector Dave Christoffersen said the incident was reported as threatening graffiti outside the school and that investigations are in the early stages. “We recognise this will be concerning, and we are focused on identifying those responsible,” he said, urging anyone with information to come forward.
School principal Raj Dullabh said the community was “deeply saddened and offended” by the incident. The school board said racism and hate have no place in the institution or wider society, adding that the well-being and sense of belonging of students and families remain a priority.
Indian-origin MP Parmjeet Parmar described the graffiti as “vile and cowardly” and called for swift action. She pointed to the contributions of the Indian community across healthcare, education, IT, and small businesses, calling the message “deeply hurtful.”
Local councillor Daniel Newman said the location of the graffiti outside a school made it particularly disturbing, adding that such calls for violence reflect a troubling mindset. He also linked the incident to a broader rise in anti-Indian rhetoric.
Race Relations Commissioner Melissa Derby said such acts point to growing anti-migrant sentiment and warned they undermine safety and belonging in society.
Members of the Indian community expressed distress, especially over the potential psychological impact on children. Sher Singh, a Manurewa resident associated with Migrant Rights Network NZ, who shared images of the graffiti, said he was angered and concerned about its effect on young students exposed to the message.