One councillor says she's been bullied out of her job.

Tauranga City Councillor Leanne Brown says she's calling it quits on local politics - driven out by nasty comments and Facebook threats.

After four-and-a-half years in the job, she's announced she won't stand in the next election.

Leanne Brown told Heather du-Plessis Allan she's a "tough cookie" but it's worn her down.

"There are times where we absolutely deserve criticism if it's about a decision that has been made, but when people start getting personal, that's not okay, that's not acceptable."

Tauranga City Councillor Leanne Brown is speaking out against social media "viciousness and personal attacks" after announcing she won't stand for re-election.

The 51-year-old Mt Maunganui ward councillor says she's been called "every name under the sun" and "cruel and cutting comments have affected not just her, but her family.

Brown says she feels for council staff who are also frequently on the receiving end of online hate.