James Hardie's Facebook page has taken a hammering after a Newshub story revealed racist abuse at a company dinner.
Last Monday a group from the building materials company attended a senior leadership event at a popular Auckland Viaduct restaurant.
One member of the group, a man whose partner is a high-ranking James Hardie employee, made racist comments to 17-year-old waitress Mia Griffiths as she served him.
She told Newshub the man mocked her for being Māori, remarking that her whānau couldn't afford to eat at such a restaurant and were probably "at home eating boil-up".
The rest of the table, including the man's partner, were seen laughing at his comments.
Mia was so upset she burst into tears in the kitchen and had to be picked up from work early. Her mother has sought a personal apology from James Hardie country manager Alan Bones (who has apologised to the restaurant but not to Mia) as well as from the man who made the comments.
Mia's experience struck a chord with New Zealanders, attracting social media support from the likes of Green MP Golriz Ghahraman and socialite Colin Mathura-Jeffree. Many used the hashtags #SaySorryToMia and #GiveNothingtoRacism, while #BoycottJamesHardie was also seen.
The company's Facebook page has been targeted by critics eager to make their displeasure known. People have left negative comments on posts going back as far as February 2017, referencing the Newshub story and accusing James Hardie of condoning racism.
"I can tell you James Hardie and co we will not be looking to you when we need mahi done on our homes," one woman wrote on a recent post. "Shame on the rest of your group for being accomplices and not putting him in his place. Disgusting behaviour."
"Was thinking of going to James Hardie for some supplies for renovations to the home," another commenter said. "Not now after reading about this issue."
"Shame on you James Hardie New Zealand Limited," one woman commented. "Great that so many are boycotting you over this! That 'apology' was appalling."
One man simply said: "She's studying medicine. Hope you're her patient one day."
Many are calling for James Hardie to issue a personal apology to Mia, while others suggest the company should invest in cultural training for its staff.
The man who verbally abused Mia, who does not work for James Hardie, has been banned from the restaurant, as has his partner.
Newshub has repeatedly approached Bones for comment.
Newshub.
