In the end, conspiracy believers who oppose institution they're in probably won't be able to do much to advance their agenda. But they can make quite a mess while they try. And it's not on when they try to slide in without telling the public what they really think. Hopefully they don't make it. /5

It's also good to ask direct questions about things like their understanding of the "15 minute city" concept or how councils should be responding to climate change. And if you don't like what you hear, tell other people. 4/

Most candidates have realised that their social media could be a liability now, so recognising the ticket they're running on and their affiliations is the key to figuring out where they're coming from. 3/

And if this story of running as moderates outwardly while espousing conspiracy theory beliefs quietly disturbs you, you are probably wondering, how am I going tell who's who? And how can I inform others?

Well, @paulbarlownz.bsky.social has you covered: paultheotherone.com/facts/

2/

This is why it's imperative that good people stand, not just for uncontested positions, but everywhere, and that we all carefully scrutinise those who do stand. /ends

The conspiracy theory movement's biggest successes have been in rural areas and community boards that are poorly contested. This is what happens when they win: www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3504... 4/

Uncontested seats mean candidates may never be questioned on their acceptance of conspiracy theories like claims that there is a "systematic drive to literally drive people into cities and into debt." (quoted from a VFF newsletter). But a push for default wins is not a push for democracy. 3/

Ironically, they identified one of the main reasons local government is vulnerable to conspiracy theorists winning election. They point out:

"For example, in Wairoa, with just 9 days remaining until nominations close for the election, only one candidate has registered for a general ward seat."

2/

That form again: haveyoursay.covid19lessons.royalcommission.nz/royal-commis...

The conspiracy theory groups are urging their members to flood the submissions, so why not exercise your democratic rights and submit on behalf of following evidence over reckons. Share your experiences with vaccines and the govt response to the pandemic.

Also note the relevant minister has been meeting fake "antivax" unions over actual existing unions.

newsroom.co.nz/2025/02/17/t...

We'll just repeat the concerns we expressed in this thread.

bsky.app/profile/fact...