Insurer investigates death threat
An insurance company is investigating whether one of its employees is behind an online death threat against a Wellington City councillor.
The comment was made via Twitter after councillor Rebecca Matthews retweeted a police post which said: “You know what’s great? People who indicate.”
She criticised police by saying: “You know what’s great? Getting a warrant before a search.”
In reply, a member of the public allegedly threatened to shoot Matthews and referred to her in a derogatory way.
“It was just very creepy. I’m used to getting tough comments but threats of violence, that’s another level. It’s scary,” Matthews told the Herald. Rumours have been circulating the person is an employee of an insurance company.
In response to Herald inquiries, a company spokesperson said the matter was under investigation. They said the company expected staff to uphold high standards of behaviour inside and outside the workplace.
“Given the matter is under investigation, we cannot make any further comment. However, [the company] will take appropriate action if it is found that one of our employees is acting in a way that breaches its code of conduct, policies, or otherwise acts inconsistently with our values.”
The Herald has chosen not to name the company while it investigates.
Matthews has filed a complaint with police and Twitter, which appears to have removed the comment for violating its rules.
The councillor has also contacted the insurance company and told a senior council manager.
She thought vitriol might be more extreme towards female politicians.