The shocking assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in Utah just days ago prompted many Kiwis to insist such brutality could never reach New Zealand.

Yet, within a week, escalating acts of political violence have cast a dark shadow over our local elections, threatening the democratic values conservatives hold dear.

In Northland, ACT candidate Matt Yovich’s campaign hoarding was blasted with shotgun fire, leaving shell casings as a stark warning.

In Waikato, council candidate and Christian Conservative Fabio Rodrigues—a Zulu immigrant studying law while working at Pokeno’s GAS station – was viciously headbutted. The attack, perpetrated by a rival candidate’s close relative in the opponent’s presence, was captured on CCTV, and police are now investigating.

The Daily Examiner contacted Mr Rodrigues and he advised that his head is still in pain and that he is seeking medical attention. He chose to restrain himself from attacking the offender, saying:

Violence silences progress for a better future, true change only comes through communication and respect.

I’m trying to run a fair and clean race. Win or lose I love this community and I just want to make a change.”

From a conservative perspective, these incidents reflect an alarming erosion of New Zealand’s core principles: robust debate, personal responsibility, and respect for law. Candidates like Rodrigues sacrifice time and savings to serve, yet now face physical harm for their convictions. This is an affront to the Kiwi ethos, where ideas, not violence, should shape our future.

Conservative voices, advocating for fiscal prudence and traditional values, cannot be silenced by intimidation. And conservatives are reminding New Zealand to stand firm: violence has no place in our elections.

Fabio Rodrigues is running in the Tuakau-Pōkeno General ward.