Auckland mayoral candidate Kerrin Leoni says she was abused putting up her signage - police called
Kerrin Leoni said she was abused by a member of the public while putting up the signage for her campaign to be Auckland's first Māori mayor.
Auckland mayoral candidate Kerrin Leoni said she was abused by a member of the public while putting up her signage and her campaign team had to report it to police.
She has since decided not to advertise her candidacy on her vehicle, she told the Herald.
Leoni, who wants to be the first Māori mayor of Tāmaki Makaurau, said displaying her photo on her car now felt too unsafe.
“The abuse has happened when we have been out putting up hoardings in South Auckland,” Leoni said.
She did not want to go into details of what was said apart from to say “it was not racist”.
The outgoing Whau Councillor said police told her team she should contact them immediately if further threats are made.
“I am aware of other councillors who are also avoiding vehicle advertising because they simply do not feel safe,” Leoni said.
“Public service should never require candidates to put their safety on the line.”
During the 2022 Auckland mayoral campaign, the late Fa’anana Efeso Collins’ campaign was marred by alleged incidents of harassment, including a road incident that was later resolved.
Leoni is one of 12 vying for the Auckland mayoralty this year.
She said despite the threat, she will continue to campaign vigorously across Auckland while calling for an action plan to address candidate safety.
“I have discussed an action plan with police, should issues arise,” Leonie told the Herald. “The advice is to report it straight away if there are any signs of threats.”
Leoni’s decision follows that of colleague Auckland councillor Josephine Bartley, who last week stripped her signage off her vehicle.
“Yep it sucks,” Bartley posted to Facebook.
“Can’t believe as public elected reps we have to almost hide ourselves, when we are about serving the public so we should be able to be public. But safety first.
“I need to take the signage off for safety reasons.”
Auckland Council Governance and Engagement General Manager, Lou-Ann Ballantyne, said the safety and wellbeing of elected members was paramount.
The council provides guidance and support, and workplace risk and safety assessments.
“Security experts are available to respond immediately to any threat towards our elected members,” Ballantyne said.
Joseph Los’e joined NZME in 2022 as Kaupapa Māori Editor. Los’e was a chief reporter, news director at the Sunday News newspaper covering crime, justice and sport. He was also editor of the NZ Truth and prior to joining NZME worked for urban Māori organisation Whānau Waipareira.