Gore roofer Jock Cummings left his trailer on River Terrace early on Sunday morning in anticipation of the festival later in the day.
A 1.2m × 2.4m piece of construction plywood on which was written "No zanny way through my farm", was propped up by a pair of gates.
This was in reference to the ongoing boycott of recreational fishermen using farmers’ land in protest against Fish & Game.
The protest was not long for display, however, as Mr Cummings said he found out the sign was removed sometime during the festival.
"I was sent a photo during the day of the sign gone from the trailer. I have no idea who took it.
"It hasn’t blown off. They’ve had to climb on to the trailer to remove it," he said.
Mr Cummings believed the removal of the sign was a move to silence him and remove his right to an opinion in a public space.
Mr Cummings said the trailer itself was left mostly alone, but there was something else stolen as well.
"I noticed the rego sticker was removed from the trailer. That way they can car-jam and find out who I am," he said.
Mr Cummings said he did not know who stole the sign, but could hazard a guess as to the culprit, and the potential repercussions.
Mr Cummings had also contacted the police, and was hoping such a public event would have witnesses coming forward.
He wanted his plywood back, and for a bit of fair play when it comes to protests.
"I’m disappointed they interfered with it. They had no rights to touch or interfere with the trailer."
Senior Sergeant Gary Iddenton, of Gore, said it was too early in the investigation to provide a comment and asked for anyone with information to contact police.
Fish and Game Southland manager Zane Moss said in an email he was unaware of the sign and its removal and did not know of Mr Cummings.
gerrit.doppenberg@alliedpress.co.nz
