Image: www.newshub.co.nz"A bunch of a***holes" and "leeches".
A group of 'Irish tourists' have been blasted by the mayor of Auckland, after a video of them littering and threatening locals went viral yesterday.
When asked about the video, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said the people in it should be fined for littering, he also described them as "a bunch of a***holes" and "leeches".
The group, who were filmed by Auckland Krista Curnow (and who she claims were Irish), became embroiled in a heated exchange with locals after they pointed out the mess they had reportedly left behind on Takapuna beach.
According to Ms Curnow, the group consisted of 12 people, including a baby and young boy, she noted the adults appeared to be intoxicated after “drinking Coronas and Bundaberg”.
Speaking to the New Zealand Herald Ms Curnow said the tourists surrounded her and shouted abuse while footage from the incident shows a young boy shouting, “I’ll knock your brains out.”
She also claimed that four or five ladies stood around her in a half circle, saying they were going to hit her.
"They shouldn't even be here."
Speaking to Mikey Havoc on bFM, Mayor Goff said that he feels the group should be held accountable.
"They're a bunch of a***holes. Sorry for the spirited language.
"These guys are trash. They are leeches.
"I just saw what they did on Takapuna Beach... We know who they are. I've asked the council to follow up because I want to see them loaded with an infringement fine for trashing our country.
"They shouldn't even be here."
Police Inspector Kevin McNaughton confirmed to the New Zealand Herald that officers are investigating the video.
"Police would like to remind the public that offenders caught illegally dumping rubbish may be issued with a fine of up to $400.
"Serious offenders may also be prosecuted under the Litter Act 1979, with a maximum penalty of $30,000," Inspector McNaughton said.
"They shouldn't even be here."
Speaking to Mikey Havoc on bFM, Mayor Goff said that he feels the group should be held accountable.
"These guys are trash. They are leeches.
"I just saw what they did on Takapuna Beach... We know who they are. I've asked the council to follow up because I want to see them loaded with an infringement fine for trashing our country.
"They shouldn't even be here."
Police Inspector Kevin McNaughton confirmed to the New Zealand Herald that officers are investigating the video.
"Police would like to remind the public that offenders caught illegally dumping rubbish may be issued with a fine of up to $400.
"Serious offenders may also be prosecuted under the Litter Act 1979, with a maximum penalty of $30,000," Inspector McNaughton said.
