Heather du Plessis-Allan: I can’t understand why some people are getting quite this worked up about conspiracy theorists running for council

There are media outlets running stories almost daily unmasking these people as conspiracy theorists, warning that they’re threatening to make the country “ungovernable” and telling us these people are ‘very’ dangerous.

What’s the harm these conspiracy theorists can actually do if they get elected? 

Yes some of them say they want to make New Zealand ungovernable and I don’t like the sound of that but let’s be realistic; It’s local government, not parliament.  And what's more there might be one or two or a smattering of them on council. There is only so much disruption a couple of people can cause .

We’ve had conspiracy theorists on council before.  We’ve even had them as mayors. Think of Sandra Goudie.  She seems to have some pretty kooky ideas about the vaccine. What harm did she actually do? Thames Coromandel district council still seems to be ticking along ok.  I say that as a ratepayer.

Yes, many of them are concealing their links with conspiracy groups like Voices for Freedom but that’s pretty normal in council level politics. Remember when Jacinda Arden tried to pretend Wellington mayor Justin Lester wasn’t a Labour party mayor when he was? 

And yes, they have some kooky ideas but so do the green party candidates who are already on Wellington council.  Frankly I’d rather take my chances with a conspiracy theorist than a 23 year old Green party councillor who actively tries to stop economic development in the capital city like the airport expanding.

I don’t mind giving these people media attention like the media outlets are.  They are fascinating.  I’m reading the stories. And having information is better than having none.  But wow, can we tone down the hype and scaremongering?

Really, how much harm can these people actually do?

 

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