New Zealand Police are investigating a complaint against a Fijian in Auckland, New Zealand, over a Facebook post.

The complaint was filed by Fiji Sun’s columnist and editorial writer, Nemani Delaibatiki, at Manukau City Police Station.

The post carried two photos of Mr Delaibatiki and his wife at a Vodafone shop at the Manukau City shopping mall.

He was at the outlet on April 15 to set up a post-pay plan when someone snapped the photos.

Some days later, a Shailendra Raju, believed to be a well-known social media poster and a critic of the Fijian Government, posted the photos on his Facebook page.

The caption said: “Regime rat Nemani Delaibatiki. He has been spotted in Manukau, New Zealand today.”

The post attracted a flurry of hate mail threatening violence on Mr Delaibatiki. Subsequent to this, in a separate incident, someone took photos of the couple at Eden Park in Auckland during the Chiefs-Blues Super Rugby game on May 1, and posted them with derogatory remarks.

In the third incident, Police are tracking down a white Toyota vehicle parked on the road outside their home but which then took off after a family member went to check on it on Sunday night.

Mr Delaibatiki said the Facebook post and hate mail had caused them anxiety and fear, especially to his wife who is undergoing medical treatment. “It has caused her emotional trauma,” he said.

Mr Delaibatiki is currently working from Auckland so he can be with Mrs Delaibatiki.

Their complaint is based on three grounds, inciting violence, invasion of privacy and causing emotional trauma.

Police are treating the claims as causing harm by digital communication.

Mr Delaibatiki said he was also writing a letter of concern to Vodafone that the photos were taken inside their premises without their knowledge.

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj