Kerrin Leoni, an Auckland mayoral candidate, has shared a disturbing experience of abuse while setting up campaign signage in South Auckland. This incident has led her to reconsider her approach to campaign safety, prompting a broader conversation about the wellbeing of political candidates.

Kerrin Leoni, a prominent advocate for Māori representation, is actively campaigning for the mayoralty of Tāmaki Makaurau, aiming to become the first Māori mayor of the region. During an event in South Auckland, she and her team encountered a distressing situation when a member of the public abused them while they were setting up campaign hoardings.

Leoni, who is also the outgoing Whau Councillor, has taken the incident seriously. She promptly reported the abuse to the police and has decided not to use her vehicle for campaign advertising due to safety concerns. This decision reflects her commitment to ensuring the safety of her team and herself as she continues her campaign.

Leoni emphasized that the abuse she faced was not racially motivated, which adds a layer of complexity to the incident. The police have advised her team to reach out to them immediately if any further threats are encountered, underscoring the importance of vigilance during the election period.

As one of 12 candidates vying for the mayoralty, Leoni is determined to continue her campaign while advocating for a comprehensive action plan to address the safety of political candidates. Her experiences have prompted her to engage with police to develop strategies that can be implemented to enhance the safety of all candidates.

Leoni is not alone in her concerns. Her colleague, Auckland councillor Josephine Bartley, has also taken similar steps by removing her signage from her vehicle due to safety concerns. This growing trend among candidates indicates a need for a collective approach to ensure the safety of all participants in the election process.

According to Lou-Ann Ballantyne, the Auckland Council's Governance and Engagement General Manager, the safety and wellbeing of elected members is a top priority. The council provides guidance and support, including access to security experts for those facing threats against elected members. This support is crucial in fostering a safe environment for all candidates.

As the election season progresses, it is evident that the safety of political candidates is a pressing issue that requires attention and action. Leoni's experience highlights the need for a robust action plan to protect candidates and ensure that they can campaign without fear of harassment or abuse.

The incident involving Kerrin Leoni serves as a wake-up call for the community and the election authorities. It is essential that all stakeholders work together to create a secure and supportive environment for candidates as they engage with the public during their campaigns.