Auckland Mayor Len Brown has called two anti-Semitic vandalism attacks deplorable, saying the city has "zero tolerance for racism, bigotry and ethnic intolerance".
Three men have been arrested after Jewish headstones at Grafton Cemetery were defaced with swastikas and other graffiti last week.
In a second attack, a Grey Lynn house that was being renovated was defaced with similar Nazi emblems.
Police are investigating whether there are any links between the attacks.
Mr Brown said today Auckland was a diverse city that embraced its multicultural heart.
"Auckland and our nation are founded on principles of religious and cultural freedom and equality. The Jewish community in our city have and continue to contribute outstandingly to the life of our people."
Two men aged 23 and 19 will appear in Auckland District Court tomorrow charged with wilful damage. A third man, aged 20, has also been arrested.
Work has already begun to clean the vandalised graves, and the council has increased surveillance around the cemetery to prevent further damage.
