From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m
Sexist abuse spikes in 2026 election
Women candidates face twice the racist abuse of men in 2026 election.
In brief
Women candidates face twice the racist abuse of men in 2026 election. Women political candidates in New Zealand received twice the racist abuse of men during the 2026 election campaign, with 5.1% of comments labeled extreme. Originally reported by RNZ.
Abuse scale in election
One in three social media comments for candidates in 2026 election was abusive.
Women get sharper abuse
Women candidates received twice the negative comments compared to men candidates.
Extreme abuse rates
5.1 percent of women's comments were extreme versus 2.4 percent for men.
Racism dominates abuse
Racism was the most common form of identity-based abuse for women candidates.
Green MP's response
Green MP Tamatha Paul needed physical security for debates due to threats.
“Parliament security guards and four uniformed police officers”
Death threat incident
Paul received a death threat planning to murder her.
“murder”
Labour MP's experience
Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni faced racist and misogynistic comments targeting her appearance.
Long-term impact
Women's mental health risks and political participation decline due to online abuse.
“long-term cost”
The main idea
Women political candidates in New Zealand received twice the racist abuse of men during the 2026 election campaign, with 5.1% of comments labeled extreme.