A 19-year-old Waitaki candidate has spoken out about the abuse he faced on the campaign trail.

Ethan Reille says he went through a 'daunting' experience in his first campaign- he was subject to verbal and digital abuse and threats, and was spat at a rural A&P event.

He says young candidates shouldn't have to experience that kind of abuse in politics.

"We've seen it progressively get worse as more young people enter the political space. At the same time, as a Pakeha male, I don't share the brunt of what our female, Indigenous and Pasifika candidates face."

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