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Departing councillor: ''Social media abuse has got out of hand''

Departing Whanganui Councillor Highlights Escalating Social Media Abuse in Local Politics

In a candid reflection on her time in local government, departing Whanganui District Councillor Helen Craig has sounded the alarm on what she describes as an increasingly toxic environment fueled by social media abuse. Craig, who has served on the council for multiple terms, announced her decision not to seek re-election, citing the relentless barrage of online harassment as a primary factor in her departure. Her comments, shared in an exclusive interview with the Whanganui Chronicle, paint a stark picture of how digital platforms have transformed public discourse, often for the worse, and raise broader questions about the sustainability of local democracy in New Zealand.

Craig's tenure on the Whanganui District Council has been marked by a commitment to community issues, including environmental sustainability, infrastructure development, and social welfare initiatives. Elected initially in 2016, she quickly became known for her advocacy on behalf of marginalized groups, pushing for better housing solutions and improved public transport in the region. However, as her profile grew, so did the scrutiny—and the vitriol. "It started innocently enough," Craig recounted, "with a few critical comments on Facebook posts about council decisions. But over time, it escalated into something much more sinister."

The councillor detailed numerous instances where social media users crossed the line from legitimate criticism into personal attacks. One particularly harrowing episode involved a council vote on a controversial wastewater project, where online trolls accused her of corruption and incompetence, spreading unfounded rumors that quickly gained traction in local groups. "I received messages calling me everything from a 'traitor' to far worse slurs," she said. "These weren't just anonymous accounts; some were from people in the community I recognized, which made it all the more disheartening." Craig emphasized that while she welcomes debate and accountability, the anonymity and reach of platforms like Facebook and Twitter have amplified abusive behavior, making it "out of hand" and unsustainable for those in public office.

This isn't an isolated experience, as Craig pointed out. She referenced a growing body of evidence from across New Zealand's local government sector, where councillors and mayors have reported similar issues. In Whanganui alone, several elected officials have spoken privately about the toll of online harassment, though few have gone public until now. The phenomenon echoes national trends, with organizations like Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) highlighting the mental health impacts on representatives. A recent LGNZ survey revealed that over 40% of local politicians have faced some form of abuse, with social media being the primary vector. Craig's story adds a personal dimension to these statistics, illustrating how such abuse can deter capable individuals from participating in governance.

Delving deeper into the roots of this problem, Craig attributed much of the escalation to the polarized nature of online interactions. "Social media algorithms reward outrage," she explained. "A balanced discussion gets buried, while inflammatory comments rise to the top. This creates echo chambers where misinformation spreads like wildfire." In Whanganui, a district known for its tight-knit communities and rich Māori heritage, these dynamics have exacerbated divisions over issues like land use, cultural preservation, and economic development. For instance, during debates on the Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River) claims and related environmental policies, Craig found herself at the center of heated online storms. Critics, often hiding behind pseudonyms, would flood council-related pages with derogatory remarks, sometimes veering into threats that prompted her to involve the police.

The impact on Craig's personal life has been profound. She described sleepless nights scrolling through hateful comments, the constant anxiety of checking her phone, and the strain on her family. "My children have seen some of these messages, and it's heartbreaking," she admitted. "I've always prided myself on resilience, but there's a point where you have to ask: is this worth it?" This sentiment resonates with many in public service, where the line between professional duty and personal well-being blurs. Craig's decision to step down is not just a personal choice but a symptom of a larger crisis. She worries that without intervention, local councils could see a exodus of experienced leaders, leaving vacancies filled by those less equipped or more extreme in their views.

To address this, Craig called for multifaceted solutions. First, she urged social media companies to take greater responsibility, implementing stricter moderation and tools to report abuse swiftly. "Platforms like Meta need to prioritize user safety over engagement metrics," she argued. Locally, she suggested that councils provide better support for elected members, such as mandatory training on digital literacy and access to counseling services. Whanganui District Council has already taken some steps, including workshops on handling online trolls, but Craig believes more is needed. She also advocated for community education campaigns to foster respectful dialogue, emphasizing that robust democracy relies on civility.

Reflecting on her achievements, Craig highlighted successes like the expansion of cycling paths in the city and initiatives to support youth mental health, which she spearheaded despite the backlash. "I've loved serving Whanganui—it's a vibrant place with incredible people," she said. "But the abuse has overshadowed the positives." Her departure comes at a pivotal time for the district, with upcoming elections likely to focus on recovery from recent floods and economic pressures post-COVID. Potential successors, she hopes, will enter the fray with eyes wide open to the digital challenges.

Craig's revelations have sparked conversations beyond Whanganui. National figures, including Minister for Local Government Nanaia Mahuta, have acknowledged the issue, with calls for legislative changes to protect public servants from harassment. In a statement, Mahuta noted that "abuse undermines the fabric of our democracy," and hinted at potential reforms to the Local Government Act to include protections against online threats.

Experts in media and psychology have weighed in, underscoring the psychological toll. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a Wellington-based psychologist specializing in digital stress, explained that constant exposure to negativity can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even PTSD-like symptoms. "Politicians are human," she said. "When abuse becomes normalized, it erodes trust in institutions." In Whanganui, community leaders like iwi representatives have echoed these concerns, pointing out how online toxicity disproportionately affects women and minorities in politics, as Craig herself has experienced gendered insults.

Looking ahead, Craig plans to channel her energy into advocacy work, perhaps consulting on anti-bullying initiatives or mentoring aspiring politicians. "I won't let this define my legacy," she asserted. "Instead, I want to be part of the solution." Her story serves as a wake-up call for New Zealand's local government landscape, reminding us that while social media connects communities, it can also fracture them if left unchecked.

In summary, Helen Craig's exit from the Whanganui District Council underscores a pressing issue: the unchecked rise of social media abuse threatening the very individuals who volunteer to serve. As Whanganui prepares for its next chapter, her words urge a collective effort to reclaim respectful discourse, ensuring that public service remains an honorable pursuit rather than a perilous one. (Word count: 1,028)

Read the Full The New Zealand Herald Article at:
[ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/whanganui-chronicle/news/departing-whanganui-district-councillor-says-social-media-abuse-has-got-out-of-hand/JLBOUUFA6RH7LNOPU5T37ZKVQE/ ]