Media Release: Wednesday 23 November 2016

Chief Executive discourages negative use of social media

Horowhenua District Council Chief Executive David Clapperton is calling for people to use social media in a positive and constructive way.

“Social media can be a fantastic platform to connect, communicate and receive information. However, it can also be a negative platform, and unfortunately there seems to be a few in our community using it this negative and counter-productive way,” he said.

The call comes after a number of comments have been made on a variety of Facebook pages, insulting council staff, Councillors and, in some cases, their families also.

“There is a legal issue here as well, with some of the comments potentially falling under the Harmful Digital Communications Act,” Mr Clapperton said.

According to New Zealand’s cyber-safety experts Netsafe, new research has revealed over half of Kiwis are concerned about cyber-safety and cyber-security.

Mr Clapperton said he wanted to remind the community that there were other appropriate channels available for people to provide feedback or ask questions. One was to email Council on enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz. Or, if appropriate, they could contact their local Councillor, whose details could be found on Council’s website.

“We always welcome frank and fair discussion at Horowhenua District Council, and the majority of our community members positively contribute. However derogatory and defamatory comments are not only viewed as bullying, but are also unproductive,” Mr Clapperton said.

ENDS

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