Two Upper Hutt ratepayer advocates say a uniformed police officer arrived at their home without warning after mayor Peri Zee complained about their communications. Police assessed the complaint and found no harassment offence. The file was closed with no further action.

Paul and Kate Fabian, who run NZ Empowered, said the visit left them shocked and anxious. It happened the same day a District Court judge ruled their Harmful Digital Communications Act application against Zee could proceed to a full hearing in September.

The Post reviewed about 15 emails and social media posts exchanged between the parties. The messages were persistent and sometimes critical, but contained no threats or abusive language. Zee did not provide examples of material she considered harassing.

Inspector Wade Jennings said police attended as a preventative measure after a safety concern was reported. He said officers found the threshold for harassment had not been met. No warning was issued.

The dispute follows months of tense exchanges over council transparency, water reform and rates. The Fabians organised a petition opposing proposed rate increases and regularly attend council meetings. Early communication between the parties was cordial, with Zee offering to meet them.

In January, Zee sent the couple AI‑generated “fair engagement” guidelines. By June, she accused them of spreading disinformation about her role on a water governance committee and warned of legal protections against false statements. The Fabians sought advice from NetSafe and later filed HDCA proceedings.

The couple said the police visit intensified their anxiety. They fear ordinary interactions in public could be misinterpreted as harassment. Paul Fabian said the complaint felt like an attempt to unsettle them for participating in local debate.

Zee and the council declined to explain what parts of the Fabians’ communications prompted the police report. Zee said public scrutiny is part of the job, but elected members should not face intimidation.

Read the full article at: https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/361047452/fair-engagement-police-sent-home-mayors-critics-after-complaint-over-emails

A “thank you” to the editor at Stuff / The Post for giving The Upper Hutt Connection permission to summarise their articles.

Source: Andrea Vance / The Post

30/07/26