Luxon says extra security measures needed for under-attack female MPs

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says extra security is being used for female National MPs facing gendered abuse on the election campaign trail.

Speaking to media today, the National Party leader said there is “no doubt” that women experience more harassment than men in politics.

“It’s incredibly sexist,” he said. “There is a lot more gendered abuse that happens for our female politicians in general across all parties.”

Luxon said such behaviour was “utterly unacceptable” and his party had already implemented special measures to protect women members where necessary.

“We put a lot of wrap-around support and offer sometimes extra security and other measures that we put in place behind the scenes to make sure that we’re looking after female members of our caucus.”

He said the party will continue to work with the authorities where needed.

“We will follow through with the police where we can and we do, and we also make sure we support the individual and their family around that as well.”

As the November 7 election approaches and politicians are increasingly visible at public-facing events, concerns about candidates’ safety have heightened.

Labour MP Ayesha Verrall was shielded by other candidates at a Wellington North event last month after anti-vaccination agitators confronted her.

Labour MP Ayesha Verrall was confronted by anti-vaccination agitators at a recent public meeting. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Verrall wrote an open letter about the incident, which was signed by fellow candidates for the seat from the Opportunity Party, Alliance Party, Green Party and National.

“This is not robust debate,” she said, “it is conduct that threatens the safety of candidates, organisers, and the public alike.”

New Zealand First’s Taylor Arneil and Act’s Matthew Hague decided not to join those running for the seat in supporting Verrall.

Police have assigned Superintendent Kelly Ryan to oversee operations throughout the remainder of the election race, with police presence to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The gendered nature of political abuse has been raised by other women in politics, with National MP Nicola Grigg among those to have spoken publicly about their experiences.

In 2024, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said she feared the normalisation of misogynistic online abuse could deter other women from entering politics.

“The impact of online abuse on female politicians is significant.

“And so we do need to allow better protection for women and find ways to make this kind of abuse socially unacceptable.”