ROSEMARY ABBOTT | National
ALWAYS WATCHING
New Zealanders are once again being terrorised in their own homes by a supernatural force from below – a demon obsessed with civic engagement.
With local body election voting opening on September 22nd this year, the Electoral Commission has launched its latest round of psychological warfare, sending out its trademark envelopes featuring the haunting figure – known as simply “orange guy” – directly to letterboxes nationwide.
“I just opened my letterbox and there it was, grinning like it knew my secrets,” said Millie Jackson, 29, of Palmerston North, clutching the mailer with trembling hands. “It didn’t even knock. It just arrived. With that same expression like it’s been watching. Always watching.” she said, terrified as she looked down at the envelope.
While Millie was spooked just by heading out to her letterbox, others said they had horrific and traumatic flashbacks.
Joshua Lang, 34, of Lower Hutt explained his experience to our reporters.
“I got home from work one night and looked over to the dining room table and saw the envelope sitting there. I don’t remember bringing it in. I don’t remember anything. I just want it to leave me alone.”
“I then started hearing its voice inside my head– the exact same one from the ads urging people to “Have your say, Aotearoa!”
“How does it know where I live?” Joshua asked frantically, jumping at every noise he could hear from outside.
“I feel like if I don’t vote, it’ll come back. Not through the post. In person. Like, physically emerge from the earth and demand I tick the box for a council candidate I’ve never heard of.”
More to come.
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