Chlöe Swarbrick expects the pride of Auckland's rainbow community to shine through tenfold after vandalism overnight on Karangahape Road.

Three people in balaclavas poured white paint on the road's rainbow crossing, then fled in a car without registration plates.

Police are declaring it a hate crime and searched a Flat Bush property this afternoon, seizing a number of items.

Green Party co-leader and Auckland Central MP Swarbrick says it's a sad and petty use of energy.

"This is a symbol, which is out there- but you can't paint over people's existence."

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