The undercurrent of hate directed towards women in leadership is quickly turning into a torrent.
Social media, the internet, and other online forums have seen an explosion in sexist and racist abuse levelled at women in central and local politics.
It's become a safety concern for many, with security plans being considered to ensure their well-being.
It has even prompted former MP and former Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel to form a support group to help them deal with it.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has copped a fair amount of abuse herself, telling Lloyd Burr on Wednesday afternoon she doesn't know why.
"It ranges from comments about 'you need to lose weight' right through to 'you're just another token' right through to someone calling me an 'idiot'," Whanau said.
"Nothing that has really caused me concern yet, in terms of my safety… it's just really nasty."
While Whanau understands men in leadership roles also face their fair share of negative comments, it isn't to the same scale.
"I wouldn't say they have this undertone of sexism or racism," she told Burr.
"When you start to see minorities in leadership positions, I think other people start to think that they're perhaps losing their grip on power or their level of influence in the world.
"That makes some people angry."
When asked if the culprits behind these negative comments only come from men, Whanau told Burr "100 percent".
Whanau was happy to ignore the abuse at first but then spoke to this younger woman who made her become more vocal about the issue.
"[The younger woman said] oh, I couldn't do what you do putting up with all of that stuff.
"I want to start calling it out because I want it to stop, so that we have high-quality leaders who are putting themselves forward for political positions in the future.
"This sort of stuff is discouraging them."
Listen to the full interview between Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau and Lloyd Burr above.
You can also download the full interview on the Lloyd Burr Live podcast, and listen on the go.
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER.
Stay in the loop on some of the most important things happening at Today FM - whether it be the biggest news stories, host opinions or the latest on what you need to know about happening on air and on our website. Sign up below.
