Some Tauranga locals are outraged at a gift store's decision to display and sell golliwogs.
The controversial fabric dolls at Purple Patch have jet black skin, red lips and a head of frizzy hair.
Many Kiwis have slammed the shop's decision to sell the dolls online, with several labelling it as "ignorant" and "racist".
One person who went into the shop, known for selling homemade goods, told Newshub they noticed more than 20 golliwogs sitting on a shelf, while others were seen hanging up on a wall.
"It's a shame because the store does a lot of good for the community," they said.
A photo of the dolls published to Reddit, "was shared to highlight the general issue of the strong, barely closeted racism in Tauranga".
Several users shared their outrage, describing the dolls as "racist".
"Small-minded, small-town racist practices like making black dolls with exaggerated features to reflect racial stereotypes aren't something that should be happening anywhere, let alone Tauranga," one Reddit user commented.
"Doesn't help that the golliwogs look like they are being lynched," another commented.
"They're racist. I had one as a child (early 1960s) when we were ignorant about it. Absolutely no excuse now. Plain provocative," a third added.
Others said they were disappointed to see the dolls still in the store, after being "in the window a few years ago".
"I thought they got rid of them but nope," one person said.
"Sad they didn't get the idea," another added.
Newshub approached the store for comment but they declined.
One Reddit user said: "I've tried to tell the ladies working here why these are offensive and I was basically cursed out the store."
Others shared their shock at seeing the dolls for sale.
"Wow, I'm so surprised and shocked that these are still being sold. The people who made and selling these are either from the older generation when these were considered the "norm" or someone very young who has no clue what these dolls actually mean," a third added.
Another user said: "what an embarrassment that these horrific, racist caricatures are sold in this country".
Others admitted they weren't surprised.
"If there's anywhere you're gonna find golliwogs it's Tauranga," one person said.
"Of course it's Tauranga," another responded.
"We're not even pretending to be closeted racists anymore," a third added.
However, some people were quick to defend those who made the dolls.
"It's definitely not racism and you're being a woke snowflake if you say it is," one person said.
"I think I bought a couple of things from this lady from Tauranga, very talented," another said.
"Some people are oversensitive," a third added.
