Many people who stand in local elections are entering the political affray for the very first time. This should be encouraged, as a wider range of candidates provides more choice for voters. For candidates, this experience should be challenging and demanding, but it should not be unsafe. It should not expose them, their families, or their flatmates to personal risk. The chief executive of Local Government New Zealand, Susan Freeman-Greene, wrote a column just over a month ago in which she noted that, and I quote, "People stand for local government because they want to serve their communities. Insidious, scary harassment isn't part of that job description." She also described far too many examples in recent memory of elected members who have experienced harm. For the preservation of our democracy, we owe it to the electoral candidates to feel safe. To her, and to all elected members and candidates who have experienced abuse: I hear you.