Spaghetti Throwing Sparks Physical Altercation on Symonds Street

On Monday, a public holiday, an overflowing wheelie bin outside Hideout Espresso Bar on upper Symonds Street triggered a dispute. Anderson Mar, Chinese-born owner of Hideout, was preparing for service when he received a text from Sashe Sterjov, Macedonian-born owner of the adjacent Italian restaurant Paparazzi, showing a broken, stolen bin that had reappeared. Mar said the bin was not his, as his own bin was in the carpark, and initially dismissed the complaint.

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• Early afternoon – Sterjov texts Mar, knocks on Hideout’s window, and demands the bin be removed.

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• Shortly after – Sterjov returns with a takeaway container of spaghetti, hurls it onto Hideout’s glass; he tells Mar to go back to his country, and Mar replies in kind.

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• The two exchange blows; Mar throws spaghetti back, Sterjov shoves Mar, and Mar punches Sterjov in self-defence. Sterjov retreats, contacts police, and alleges a broken finger.

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• Police arrive, interview both parties, request CCTV footage, and take statements.

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An unnamed resident heard the shouting, saw Sterjov lean into Mar, described him as “hyper aggressive,” and noted the racial abuse before the fight escalated.

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Mar says Sterjov supplied his own CCTV to police and asked that charges be laid against him. Police recorded statements from both men and collected the video, but have not issued a formal conclusion. Sterjov later told media that he perceives the neighbourhood’s problems, including drug-taking and aggression, as not reflective of New Zealand.

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Dozens of residents announced a boycott of Paparazzi. Online reviews note prior complaints of rude service and a response that included a phrase urging Asian customers to return to their country. The restaurant holds a 4.3-star Google rating, yet negative reviews cite perceived racial bias. Mar thanked supporters and voiced concern about future confrontations.

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Sterjov claims a broken finger; Mar suggests the injury resulted from his own strike. Police have not disclosed whether charges will be filed.

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• “go back to your country” — Sashe Sterjov (to Anderson Mar)

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• “you go back to your country” — Anderson Mar (reply)

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• “I had to defend myself… I punched him because he was trying to hit me.” — Anderson Mar

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• “This is not New Zealand. I know New Zealand. This is not New Zealand,” — Sashe Sterjov

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Police are reviewing the CCTV and statements to decide on charges. Both cafés plan to reopen; Mar cleaned his windows, and Sterjov’s wife cleared theirs. Community monitoring continues as residents await official outcomes.

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