Last Friday, the Otago Daily Times reported film-maker Sergey Sushinskiy attempted to apply for a number plate that said "KGBGUY", which was rejected by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi because it might "be offensive or sensitive".
Following feedback he received from friends and members of the Russian and Ukrainian community, Mr Sushinskiy said it was never his intention to cause offence to anyone, but especially people whose friends, families, or themselves, had been victims of the KGB.
"It’s turned out that it is quite sensitive for people . . . whose families or themselves had been repressed by the KGB — I didn’t know it would be so inappropriate to have that plate number used on a daily basis."
Mr Sushinskiy attempted to source the number plate for his upcoming movie, and decided to spend the extra $800 to get a permanent plate rather than a fake plate because many New Zealanders had joked about him being part of the KGB.
"I’ve realised this topic means something different for native Kiwis who did not live in a Soviet or post-Soviet country.
"When Kiwis call me KGB, I don’t believe it’s done to offend, it just a joke made in a light-hearted manner and I did not take offence . . . but it doesn’t have the same meaning for people from post-Soviet countries."
Mr Sushinskiy said he was "not trying to whitewash the KGB".
"My inability to juggle more than one role in real life played a part in this situation. I accepted how native Kiwis handle this topic, I brought that perspective into the public space, where there are people who feel more sensitive about it."
His movie now would use a $200 fake KGBGUY plate that he will not be using on the open road or permanently.
