Death threats, abusive emails and disinformation are an increasing threat to local democracy, a mayor says.
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said he was concerned the growing intimidation and threatening behaviour may turn people off standing in next year’s local government elections.
“We must ensure local government continues to attract good, community-minded people to stand, as well as attract skilled and qualified staff, and they won’t put their hands up if they feel the risk to themselves or their family is too great.
“We encourage the democratic process, and firmly believe in people’s right to disagree.
“But there is a fringe element in our community who believe in a wide array of conspiracy theories and share disinformation rampantly while pretending to be advocates for ratepayers.”
The Waimakariri District Council has been a target of conspiracy theories and disinformation since Covid restrictions.
Councillors and staff have been on the receiving end of intimidation tactics, letters and emails, “often nasty with unreasonable demands”, Gordon said.
It has led to the council beefing up its security during council meetings and hearings, and its internet security, adding to the rates burden.
A growing number of requests under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) meant the council had considered employing a dedicated staff member to process the requests.
Gordon said the council believed in “transparency in our decision making”, but some requests could take weeks and resources to gather the information.
“It is expensive, with ratepayers ultimately paying it and at the end of the day a lot of the requests are based on unfounded and ludicrous conspiracy theories.”
Hurunui Mayor Marie Black and Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty said their councils had not experienced an increase in threatening behaviour, but did have the same level of security concerns seen in Waimakariri.
Environment Canterbury corporate and public transport services director Giles Southwell said the council had not seen an increase in behaviour such as death threats and abusive emails.
“Being in the public sector, and sometimes conducting business that doesn’t make everyone happy, can cause tension and an escalation in risk.
“We are aware councils around the country are often subject to abuse of this kind.”
There has not been a noticeable increase in LGOIMA requests.
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene said elected members were facing an increasing level of intimidation and abuse.
“This is a rising trend that affects everyone elected in our democracy – whether you’re an MP or a local councillor.”
While MPs and Government ministers had access to security resources through Parliamentary Security, this was not available to mayors and councillors.
“Mayors and councillors are out and about in their communities all the time,” Freeman-Greene said.
“They are often much more visible and accessible than the local MP.”
This year, LGNZ has organised panel discussions inviting the police and NetSafe to support councils in addressing these issues.
A recent LGNZ poll found 53% of councillors said the abuse was worse than a year ago.
In addition, 65% faced abuse online, 39% faced it at community events, and 33% faced it doing everyday activities like shopping or collecting children from school.
Local Democracy Reporting is local-body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.