NZ MPs Resort to Private Security as They Face Increasing Threats

A new survey of New Zealand politicians has found all forms of abuse against MPs increased in 2022 compared to a similar survey undertaken in 2014.
NZ MPs Resort to Private Security as They Face Increasing Threats
COVID-19 mandate protesters gather to demonstrate in front of the parliament building in Wellington, New Zealand, on Feb. 16, 2022. Photo obtained by Reuters
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While threats were already an issue for New Zealand MPs the last time they were asked in 2014 (before the pandemic), they now have a far greater fear of a fixated person hurting or killing them or members of their family.

As a result, they’re reducing the time spent in public, fearing being home alone, changing their routines and losing time from work as levels of result of abuse and harassment rise, a current update to the research reveals.

Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.
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