PM Batman vying for votes in Tauranga

Prime Minister John Key and local MP Simon Bridges have had one of their billboards altered on Waihi Rd. Photo/John Borren

An anonymous spray painting artist has struck Tauranga again, revamping the Prime Minister John Key as caped crusader Batman and local MP Simon Bridges as sidekick Robin.

The sign, on Waihi Rd, was glammed up overnight and was one of at least two on the same stretch of street.

Labour candidate, Rachel Jones and her sign that was altered.

Mr Bridges is now planning on joining Tauranga Labour candidate Rachel Jones, whose hoarding was subject of an art attack earlier this week, in taking the sign home.

Mr Bridges said he planned to take the sign down later today and put it up in his house.

"I don't normally condone graffiti but credit where credit's due, this billboard is amazing,'' he said.

''It's probably more in the category of modern art than vandalism. I've never been able to afford an Andy Warhol, this might be as close as I get.''

When asked how he felt about being portrayed as Robin, Mr Bridges said it was probably more of a backhanded compliment.

''John Key I suppose is our Batman in that he's lead New Zealand for six years. If I'm there as a bit of a boy wonder helping that, that's something that's making me feel proud.''

Earlier this week, Mrs Jones's sign was overhauled by the artist who gave her nailpolish, extra make-up and tousled hair. Mrs Jones said she laughed when she saw it and that it was very well done. She has taken the sign home.

Read our interview with her about the sign, which she has taken home, here.

NZ First leader Winston Peters has also been targeted by the artist, who gave the seasoned politian the image of a joker alongside Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter character.

That sign has been removed.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has had one of his billboards altered on Waihi Rd, portraying him as caped crusader Batman. Photo/John Borren.