A Catholic school in Auckland has been accused of pushing a political agenda on its students after a digital sign, appearing to encourage people to vote 'no' in the upcoming referendum, was displayed outside the premises.
In a photo uploaded to the New Zealand forum on Reddit, a digital sign outside St Paul's College - a state-integrated school for boys aged Year 7 to 13 - reads: "To legalise is to normalise, say no".
"Isn't it illegal for a high school to push political opinions on students?" a Reddit user posted in the forum.
During the upcoming general election, New Zealanders can vote as to whether the proposed Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill will become legislation, which will legalise the possession and purchase of recreational cannabis.
The sign has drawn criticism on the forum, with users questioning the legality of St Paul's message.
According to the Ministry of Education's official guidelines, boards of trustees can allow a billboard on school grounds for "general, not political, advertising" only. An agreement must be in place before a billboard is put up.
"You can display material encouraging staff and parents to vote, but you can't show political party information," says the ministry.
"As a state agency, you need to be politically neutral and can't encourage electors to vote or not vote for specific parties, policies or candidates."
Speaking to Stuff, Katrina Casey from the Ministry of Education explained that "people are free to express their views" about the cannabis referendum, as the proposed Bill marks an important social issue for New Zealand.
However, Casey advised that any concerns from the school's parent community should be raised with St Paul's board of trustees.
An Electoral Commission spokesperson confirmed to Stuff that an enquiry regarding the sign is currently being investigated.
St Paul's College has been contacted for comment.
