An Auckland Conservative Party candidate and his family were feeling shaken after an arson attack outside their house on Saturday evening.
Neighbours noticed the campaign trailer of Conservative Party New Lynn Candidate Steve Taylor had been set alight outside his family's home.
The trailer was attached to Mr Taylor's car and parked outside the front of his house.
"The first we knew of the fire was when our neighbours banged on our door, and the fire trucks started showing up," Mr Taylor said.
"My wife and daughter were quite upset, and I have to now and try and explain to a 6-year-old little girl why someone would want to put our family at risk in such a way.
"The level of vandalism in this election has steadily been increasing, however this act is at a whole new and frightening level, an act of wilful destruction of personal property, and one that carried enormous potential risk to me and my family."
The fire was contained before it reached the car and house.
"Anonymous cowards with a political axe to grind should have the courage to front up in the public square, not go around setting fires at the homes of candidates," Mr Taylor said.
