A 19-year-old man has been taken into custody and formally charged in connection with multiple online death threats directed at a Member of Parliament earlier this year.
According to the police, the threats, which were reportedly sent through a social media platform in March 2025, were considered serious enough to trigger a formal investigation.
The man was taken into custody on October 8 and charged with causing harm through digital communication and making threats to kill.
He is scheduled to appear in the Gisborne District Court on October 15.
Detective Inspector Warren Olsson said the severity and number of threats met the criteria for launching an investigation and pursuing prosecution.
“Threats of violence are unacceptable and will be thoroughly investigated,” Olsson said.
“The safety of all New Zealanders, including our elected representatives, is paramount, and nobody should be made to fear for their own safety.”
“We want to reassure the public that police take these matters seriously and will continue to hold offenders to account.”
The police investigation into the online threats is ongoing, with additional arrests expected.