Gareth Morgan continues to court controversy, altering a billboard in Auckland with words linked to a tweet that's created a storm.
The large electronic billboard on the third storey of a building overlooking Auckland's busy Stanley St has been altered after Mr Morgan tweeted that Labour leader Jacinda Ardern needed to show she was more than lipstick on a pig.
The tweet drew criticism from many quarters - including Mr Morgan's own supporters - who branded it inappropriate and misogynistic.
The Opportunities Party spokesman Sean Plunket confirmed a number of electronic billboards had changed since yesterday and would continue to be altered as the election campaign evolved.
"The party is pleased that the majority of people on social media and in other forums share its desire for an election based around policy debate rather than the attempts of a few to limit the democratic process to faux outrage over the politics of identity," he said.
The party had signed up a number of new members yesterday, had two new women candidates to announce this week and attracted 1000 new Facebook likes in the past 24 hours.
The furore had many accusing Mr Morgan of gutter politics, personally attacking the newly elected Labour leader that went far beyond appropriate.
But Mr Morgan remained unrepentant, saying it was not a direct attack on Ms Ardern but a euphemism. Until there was evidence of real change from Labour, The Opportunities Party considered the euphemism appropriate.
He took to Facebook to explain that the pig was both Labour and National, and a change of leadership was not enough to address issues facing New Zealanders.
Ms Ardern dismissed the comment, saying while it was firmly aimed at her, she chose not to take offence.
