Labour leader Andrew Little says "well-paid PR operatives" are part of the "vicious" online commentary which he said could be contributing to threats against Government ministers.
Mr Little said today that a change in the tone of online communications, combined with tough economic conditions, were factors in the recent behaviour by members of the public towards Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett and other MPs.
He stressed that he was not condoning threats against MPs, but that he had observed a "palpable" difference in anger from New Zealanders compared to a year ago.
READ MORE:
• Paula Bennett receives death threats
• Outrage after Paula Bennett told a 'bit of sexual violence never hurt anyone'
• MPs and their families targets of violent harassment
Mrs Bennett has been threatened on several occasions in the past two weeks. In one instance, the minister complained to the police after a Facebook user said someone should "shoot the b**** dead" at her next public appearance.