Mayors and councilors across New Zealand are reporting an alarming increase in intimidation and abuse, with more than half indicating the situation has worsened compared to last year, according to a recent poll by Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ). This disturbing trend is vividly illustrated in Nelson Tasman, where former Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese encountered an “enraged stranger” in her home. The intruder, armed with a nail gun, espoused the anti-government rhetoric of the Sovereign Citizens movement.
LGNZ chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene described the event as “horrific” but not surprising to those in local government. The poll revealed that 53 percent of elected members face greater abuse than a year ago, with 65 percent experiencing online harassment, 39 percent at community events, and 33 percent during everyday activities.
The abuse is not limited to elected officials. Nelson City Council reported a noticeable rise in aggressive behavior towards staff, with 87 incidents reported to police in the past year, including death threats and vandalism. Jane McLeod, the council’s acting group manager for corporate services, emphasized the significant impact of continued exposure to aggressive customers on staff wellbeing.
In response, the council has enhanced staff training on safety and de-escalation techniques. Despite these measures, Nelson Mayor Nick Smith remains committed to public accessibility, asserting that the vast majority of residents are respectful. However, he acknowledges the increasing influence of global polarization and extremism on local behavior.
Tasman District Council also faces similar challenges, with staff receiving death threats and unacceptable behavior increasing since 2020. Tasman Mayor Tim King highlighted the rise in behavior from Sovereign Citizens as particularly concerning, with the council’s recent health and safety report prioritizing the threat posed by these individuals.
The situation underscores the urgent need for measures (both here and abroad) to protect local government officials and staff from rising abuse and intimidation, driven by extremist ideologies.