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Controversial Hazelwoods billboard
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DescriptionHazelwoods managing director Michael Gibbs commissioned the picture from a woman (with a designer qualification from Wellington Polytech); the brief had asked for a woman on a sofa.
The picture was printed in greyscale, with a letter from Nicky Smith, on July 24, 1996; she found it suggestive if not downright smutty, and offensive to women, who were the principal buyers of furnishings.
Michael Gibbs's reply detailed the brief, and said he had not received any other complaints; he suggested that the 'Leader' run a survey. Reaction had generally been positive, and it would seem a pity to take it down.
The following week, Radfords' managing director disputed Hazelwoods' claim of more variety of furniture and beds on show tan any other store in the Wellington area; they had more stores, but he did concede that the comment was true of Upper Hutt.
The picture was reprinted, this time in colour, on August 7; Colin Gibbs had had one other person objecting, and some people had said they understood Nicky Smith's position; he was offering $500 to whoever came up with the best alternative design.
Date TakenJuly 1996
The picture was printed in greyscale, with a letter from Nicky Smith, on July 24, 1996; she found it suggestive if not downright smutty, and offensive to women, who were the principal buyers of furnishings.
Michael Gibbs's reply detailed the brief, and said he had not received any other complaints; he suggested that the 'Leader' run a survey. Reaction had generally been positive, and it would seem a pity to take it down.
The following week, Radfords' managing director disputed Hazelwoods' claim of more variety of furniture and beds on show tan any other store in the Wellington area; they had more stores, but he did concede that the comment was true of Upper Hutt.
The picture was reprinted, this time in colour, on August 7; Colin Gibbs had had one other person objecting, and some people had said they understood Nicky Smith's position; he was offering $500 to whoever came up with the best alternative design.
Date TakenJuly 1996Part of
About the original
Reference1996 07 24 5FormatColour printSize151 x 100 mm
FormatColour printSize151 x 100 mmScanned byDon McLeod
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Controversial Hazelwoods billboard. Upper Hutt Libraries, accessed 22/08/2026, https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/25524