Police have assured Clive Manley they will take harrassment complaints very seriously. Photo: Ruapehu District Council
A district council chief executive fears the abuse directed at elected members is putting people off running for office - and it is time to call it out.
A 2022 Local Government New Zealand survey found nearly half of elected members nationwide had faced some form of abuse.
Ruapehu District Council chief executive Clive Manley said his region was no different and, although he didn't want to talk about individual cases, he said some councillors had been harrassed, both in person and online, for speaking out.
"They can end up with a lot of personal attacks and comments, whether they are women or [older] or whatever," he said. "We should be able to robustly engage on a topic and come up with a good solution, without the fear they they are going to be personally attacked.
"Without going into details, individuals get called out for who they are, rather than what they are speaking about, and that's totally wrong."
The survey found 43 percent of elected members experienced harassment, prejudice or threatening behaviour. Half of them faced harassment in their communities, and a third encountered abuse while shopping or picking up children from school.
Manley said much of the abuse directed at his councillors came from "a small group of repeat offenders", especially online.
"As we head into the election period, we won't hesitate to ban people from council's Facebook page, if they cannot engage respectfully."
He was speaking out about the issue, because - as council chief executive - he wanted to encourage anyone considering standing to feel confident doing so.
"Council is committed to supporting elected members and candidates stand for election, and serve their community. There are resources available to help people run a safe and successful campaign, and to continue their work safely once elected."
He said the tools included guidance on protecting privacy, staying safe in public and online, managing social media interactions, reporting abuse, and accessing support services and counselling. He had also discussed the issue with local police.
"They have confirmed they will take any complaints of harassment or abuse extremely seriously."
Manley said public office needed diversity and anyone considering standing in Ruapehu for the local elections should feel confident they'll be supported by council.
"Local government is about working with local communities and addressing issues locally, and we want the best possible candidates standing, not thinking 'if I do this, I'm going to get harassed in the supermarket, or in the street or where I work'."
"I encourage everyone who wants to make a difference to their community to put their hand up and stand for these positions, whether it's central or local, and know we do need a diversity of view to make the place better."
Nominations for local elections open on 4 July.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
