The key facts
- New Zealand Parliament Speaker Gerry Brownlee reported a sharp rise in threats against MPs over the past three years
- Parliament's Security Information, Risk and Advisory Service handled 216 requests for assistance from 28 September to 18 October, including 81 operational field deployments
- The warning came after an attack on Australian MP Helen Haines, who was injured in a car incident in the state of Victoria
Sharp rise in threats and enhanced security
Threats against New Zealand lawmakers have grown 'astronomically' in recent years, leading to tightened security measures and closer cooperation with police, Parliament Speaker Gerry Brownlee said on Tuesday. According to Radio New Zealand, Parliament's Security Information, Risk and Advisory Service handled 216 requests for assistance between 28 September and 18 October, including 81 operational field deployments. Parliamentary Service Chief Rafael Gonzalez-Montero said the unit accompanied MPs at public events and on trips, and also helped respond to protests and threatening behaviour. He said the service had been expanded ahead of the election amid growing concerns about safety.
Reasons for rising hostility and the Australian context
Brownlee noted that threats have sharply increased over the past three years, which, he said, required 'the strongest protocol ever' for cooperation with the New Zealand Police. He linked the rise in hostility to economic pressure, public discontent and global instability, and warned that social media amplifies abusive behaviour. The warning came after an attack on Australian independent MP Helen Haines, who suffered serious injuries and lost a leg after being struck by a car in the state of Victoria. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack. Brownlee warned that ongoing intimidation could isolate elected representatives from their communities. 'Democracy is a fairly fragile thing,' he said. New Zealand authorities do not disclose details of specific threats for security reasons.
