Chief executive calls for a stop to hurtful comments on social media
Taupō District Council chief executive Gareth Green has called time on social media trolls, imploring the community to put a stop to vitriolic behaviour.
At today’s council meeting, Mr Green said he had been deeply disappointed by the actions of some people in the community on social media as the council battled with two emergency events, and around the commissioning of the traffic signals at the intersection of Norman Smith Street and Wairakei Drive this month.
There had been criticisms aimed at councillors and staff, and much of it was based on misinformation and some of it very personal, he said.
“It’s just uncalled for and irresponsible. We tell our children to be kind and yet, as grown adults, some people are ridiculing staff who are absolute professionals and are doing what they are paid to do.”
In some posts, staff had been called “morons, incompetent and good for nothing”, which was completely unacceptable.
“Our staff take these types of comments on board and it hurts,” said Mr Green. “It is time for the community to be kind and to play the ball, not the man.”
As a result, the council has reviewed the conditions on its Facebook page.
“We welcome people’s comments and participation on our page and encourage open discussion but we ask that you're polite and respectful with your comments and views,” said Mr Green. Any posts that crossed the line would be removed, he said.