Social media ‘pile-ons’ deter election candidates

with,’’ she said.

Metcalfe said what turned her off was not a fear for personal safety, but the way the discussion escalated, including with political opponents being ‘‘disingenuous’’ in their arguments.

One example was the discussion over an ultimately aborted trial of a ‘‘low traffic neighbourhood’’ to limit through traffic and make some streets safer for walking, cycling and children.

‘‘There was a very strong pileon over a long period of time.’’

She said the ‘‘negativity and cynicism’’ of some participants undermined local democracy.

Metcalfe served four years on the former Auckland City Council’s Ta¯ maki Local Body until amalgamation in 2010 changed the roles at a time she was focusing on family and her teaching career.

Nationwide, the number of nominations is down, prompting Local Government New Zealand to stage an appeal to encourage people to step up ahead of today’s noon deadline.

In a press release, LGNZ said it was concerned some roles wouldn’t be filled or key roles would go uncontested unless more candidates threw their hats into the ring.

LGNZ president Stuart Cosby said the number of nominations in some centres was ‘‘sobering’’ – such as the Mackenzie District Council, which has 19 vacancies but only three nominations.

Bonita Bigham, chairperson of Te Maruata Roopu Whakahaere, LGNZ’S national collective of elected Ma¯ori in local government, acknowledged hostile social media could be a deterrent.

However, she thought it played a minor role.

‘‘People are concentrating on getting through day-to-day – Covid fatigue, inflation and just making sure they have kai on the table,’’ she said.