Former National Party leader and Council Candidate hold off “P” sword attacker in West Auckland as TV One news crew flees.

On Monday 22 August, former National Party leader, Dr Don Brash, joined the campaign launch for West Auckland Council candidate David Rankin in Great North Road in Glendene.

TV One News and Te Karere were present but abruptly cut their interviews short when a man got out of his car nearby and approached the group wielding a large sword.

As the reporters and cameraman fled, Mr Rankin and Dr Brash remained, and Mr Rankin attempted to calm the man down. The sword-wielding man also had a child with him.

“My main concern was for that young boy. His father was obviously high on ‘P’ and was a real threat to his safety. He was ranting hysterically and threatening us with his sword.” While Mr Rankin tried to calm the man, one of his supporters called the Police and gave a detailed description of the offender and his vehicle.

Mr Rankin will be laying a complaint with TV One’s management over the actions of its staff. “Our team were surprised at the cowardly behaviour of the reporters. We were at risk of being seriously assaulted, or worse, and this man’s child was in extreme danger, but the reporters just fled the scene.”

Mr Rankin will be approaching TV One management today asking for a full investigation.

ENDS

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