Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan disclosed that his wife, Allyson, slept with a weapon for several months due to death threats he received during the 2022 local government elections. He reported the threats to the police but felt they didn't take sufficient action. This followed a report of racist abuse received by Clutha District councillor Jock Martin.
Cadogan highlighted the escalating abuse and aggression towards local politicians, including verbal attacks, spitting incidents, and online threats. He emphasized the emotional toll this takes on their families. Councillor Alison Ludemann also announced her intention to step down due to public bullying.
The article discusses concerns about the negative impact of such abuse on local government, potentially driving away well-intentioned candidates. The issue of online hate speech and its amplification is also highlighted, alongside the need to address this escalating problem.
Mr Cadogan brought the shocking situation to light following Clutha District councillor Jock Martin’s revelation yesterday that he received racist abuse from a South Otago businessman last August.
Mr Cadogan said wife Allyson had become fearful for the couple’s safety after he received death threats from a Catlins man during the 2022 elections.
He said he had reported the incident to police at the time, who had offered general security advice, but did not appear to have taken the report any further.
Mr Cadogan said abuse, threats and other instances of aggression had become commonplace, as a "vociferous minority" used social media to amplify their "nonsense".
"It’s a weekly occurrence to be challenged verbally in the street or by phone, but I’ve also been spat at when walking down the street with a staff member - who remember has nothing to do with council decisions, and have had to face the heartbreaking fear and anxiety experienced by my wife as a result of the gibberish spouted online.
"It’s not fair on any wife or family member to be put in the situation where they fear for their safety to the extent they sleep with a weapon under the pillow at night. How do you defend your loved ones from fear?"
He said he had been "shocked, but not surprised" by the abuse received by Cr Martin, made public in yesterday’s Otago Daily Times.
In August last year, Cr Martin received a voicemail from a local businessman saying, "get your s... together, n....., you’re done".
"I’m sick and tired of the situation that’s been allowed to develop, where a small, vocal group with ulterior motives is spreading gibberish in our communities, and threatening councillors, staff and their families.
"I’ve always maintained a professional distance from the fray but, now I’m leaving, I won’t hesitate to speak up for those carrying the baton of local democracy forward."
Mr Cadogan has said he will not stand during October’s local elections.
Yesterday, fellow Clutha councillor Alison Ludemann said she, too, planned to stand down at the next election after 20 years in local government, due to public "bullying".
"I’ve never known hatred like this, and there’s absolutely no excuse for what was said to Jock.
"Frankly, it’s disgusting, and seeing the female MPs on TV on Tuesday who have been experiencing many of the same things one wonders how we’re going to fix it."
She said the danger lay in "playing into the antis’ hands", as well-intentioned candidates stepped away from politics.
"It will be sad for local government if the negativity drives away those who genuinely want to work hard for their communities. We’re just normal people with families - that’s what people forget sometimes."
richard.davison@odt.co.nz
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