The police said there was not enough evidence. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Police are not taking further action after online threats were made to Grey District councillors and staff, saying there is not enough evidence.
The council said appalling threats had been made on social media in recent weeks, including references to assassination, waterboarding elected members and burning down the council.
Chief executive Joanne Soderlund said the council would always front up on tough issues like rates and the proposed water services entity, but personal attacks, cyberbullying, and violent threats aimed at councillors and staff were unacceptable and unlawful.
Police confirmed a report relating to alleged threatening comments made online was received on Saturday.
"An initial assessment of the report determined there was not sufficient evidence of alleged offences for police to take further action," a police spokesperson said.
"Police have spoken to the local council to ensure they have sufficient security in place for their staff.
"While no further action can be taken at this time, police do not condone this behaviour."
Soderlund said most of the community engaged in respectful discussion, but a small minority of comments had crossed the line.
The council would record and refer any credible threats or incitement to violence against a councillor or staff member to police.
"Councillors make hard decisions, often with no perfect option. They listen, weigh up the pros and cons, and act for the good of the district," she said.
"Challenge the ideas, bring evidence, ask hard questions and participate in robust debate, but death threats, incitement to violence, and vile online abuse are unacceptable."
She welcomed robust debate and challenge, but said abuse was unacceptable.
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