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Wairarapa mayors have joined local authority leaders in welcoming recently passed anti-stalking legislation, with one citing a local uptick in online harassment of elected members.
Carterton mayor Steve Cretney described the passing of the new law which creates a new offence last week, as positive.
"Anything that strengthens the safety and wellbeing of elected members is a positive step, adding clarity around what constitutes threatening or harassing behaviour, and reinforcing the expectation that public debate can be robust - but must remain constructive, respectful and safe - is beneficial to all," he said.
The Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill creates the new offence of stalking and harassment. It is defined as a pattern of behaviour which the offender knows is likely to cause the victim fear or distress.
Cretney said on Monday that while the district had not seen the same level of the type of behaviour targeted as in some other areas, it was important elected members were safe doing their jobs.
"I have certainly observed an increase in harassment of some elected members online, with commentary becoming more personal, but not to the extreme level of threatening behaviour as seen in some larger centres," he said.
"Our elected members come from the community and should be able to carry out our roles without fear of personal attacks or harassment."
The new law outlines a range of stalking behaviours, including watching and following another person, unwanted communication and damaging another's reputation and relationships.
"Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of elected members is paramount, or there is a risk of undermining our ability to perform in the best interests of our community. There is an expectation we serve openly and accessibly, and we're committed to that," Cretney said.
"At the same time, we need to make sure elected members feel safe when out in their community and online."
Masterton mayor Bex Johnson also welcomed the change.
"We are fortunate in Masterton that the vast majority of our community appreciates that while elected members have a public role, about which there will inevitably be differing views occasionally, the privacy and personal safety of councillors must be respected," she said on Tuesday.
"This legislation enshrines protections in law which is a positive step."
After the bill passed its third reading last week, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said it was long overdue.
"For far too long, stalkers have been able to harm their victims through unwanted, persistent and repetitive intrusions into their lives, causing serious emotional, psychological and economic harm, without facing legal consequences," he said.
"Stalking and harassment is vicious, sinister and can be deadly."
Women in particular 'targeted'
A statement from Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) described the legislation as timely, and said it would positively impact the safety of elected members.
LGNZ interim chief executive Scott Necklen said the legislation would give elected members another tool to combat abusive behaviour.
"We applaud Minister Goldsmith for recognising that legislative change was needed to combat the rising level of abuse and harassment that elected members face on a daily basis," Necklen said.
"We know that female elected members have been particularly targeted, and that families of councillors and council staff are also experiencing increasing harassment. We've heard cases of elected members or their family members being stalked, followed back to their homes by threatening individuals and verbally harassed outside their workplace.
"This is completely unacceptable. It's had a severe impact on members, council staff and people standing as candidates - particularly during the local elections period."
Necklen said the organisation would work with elected members on ways to use the new law to combat abuse and harassment.
The bill will come into force in May next year.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
