A New Zealand pub has burned copies of former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's new memoir in front of customers, according to the New Zealand Herald, in a publicity stunt that has sharply divided opinion and sparked debate about how toxic New Zealand political culture has become.

Black Dog Tavern made the book burning a public spectacle, with the incident quickly spreading across social media and triggering fierce reactions from both supporters and critics of the former PM.

The stunt reflects the increasingly polarized atmosphere surrounding Ardern's legacy. While she remains popular among many New Zealanders and internationally, she has also become a lightning rod for criticism from those who opposed her government's policies during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Experts quoted by the Herald expressed concern about the performative nature of the protest. Book burning carries historical weight as a symbol of censorship and authoritarianism, making the pub's choice of tactic particularly inflammatory.

Mate, this is about more than one pub trying to get attention. It's a window into how toxic New Zealand political culture has become post-Ardern. And here's what's particularly grim: businesses are now weaponizing that polarization for marketing.

Online reactions were predictably divided. "Absolute disgrace," one social media user wrote. "This is not who we are as Kiwis." Others defended the pub's right to protest, with one commenter noting, "People are allowed to express their opinions, even if you don't like how they do it."

The pub has reportedly seen both a spike in supportive customers and boycott calls from those offended by the stunt. The owners have not issued a formal statement beyond social media posts defending their actions.