Rock hurled through Laws girls' window

The "h" debate is being blamed for an early-morning attack on the home of Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws.

About 4.55am yesterday a big rock was hurled through the window of a bedroom usually shared by his daughters, Lucy, 4, and Zoe, 2 but they had recently swapped rooms with his teenage step-daughter, Ella.

"There was an almighty crash and the sound of running and the sound of a car being driven off," Mr Laws said.

Soft toys and teddy bears were visible on the window seat and it was obvious it was a children's bedroom.

"I just can't fathom it, it's beyond me ... why in a political debate they target anyone's family home. They brought a little girl with cancer and a two-year-old deliberately into their cowardly and offensive world."

He said it was obvious the attack was related to his stance in keeping the city's name "h"-less, but it made him more determined to advocate for the wishes of the community. "There are cowardly thugs in our community who can't bear democracy. We don't get intimidated by scum and these people are scum."

He offered a $500 cash reward, now bumped up to $1100 from Radio Live listeners, for information leading to a conviction. Police are investigating.

Wanganui area commander Inspector Duncan MacLeod said: "Not everyone may agree with Mayor Laws' stance on the "h" debate but, if that's what's behind this offence, it can't be condoned and we will do what we can to catch the offender."

This week, in an 8-5 vote, Wanganui District Council resisted moves to add the "h" in a reply to the Geographic Board, which is considering a proposal by an iwi group to change the city's name to Whanganui.

Te Runanga o Tupoho says the word means great harbour or expanse of water but is meaningless without the "h".

Spokesman Ken Mair said the attack on the mayor's home was disgraceful.

- © Fairfax NZ News