The disappearance of two yellow and black billboards erected by the Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers has been described as a "violation against our rights" by the group's mayoral candidate.
Dr Reynold Macpherson, who is representing the Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers group in the mayoral race next year, said the society had not taken the signs down, which sat along the Ngongotaha straight, and would be erecting new signs in the next few days.
"The biggest concern we have with these billboards being taken down is that our freedom of speech and right to question the council is being violated. We regret the actions of the people who took our signs down and hope they can try and respect our right to express our political views."
The yellow and black signs have been erected in various locations across the city by the group, formerly known as the Rotorua Pro-Democracy Society, to bring attention to local issues.
Rotorua Lakes Council announced plans last week to send letters to property owners where the signs were in conflict with provisions of the District Plan. This was in response to public complaints and questions over the legality of the signs.