Community Patrols of New Zealand has apologised to Selwyn MP Nicola Grigg after someone used the Timaru branch's Facebook page to send her an abusive message.
The comment was among several insults Grigg, who is Environment Minister and Minister for Women, shared from her social media accounts this week.
It had been posted from the Timaru Community Patrol page, and read: "How much plastic surgery is on this woman?"
Community Patrols of New Zealand is backed by funding from police and central government.
Its chairman Chris Lawton told 1News the organisation was trying to find out who was responsible.
"It appears someone other than the appropriate patrol committee members has gained access and posted the comment," he said.
"CPNZ Trust Board and the community patrol does not condone the type of remark or the attempt at bullying anybody."
Lawton said the organisation had written to Grigg to apologise and would keep her updated on its inquiry.
Other comments Grigg shared called her a "fat b***h" and a "spastic sl*g".
"A quick sweep of the socials this week garnered these gems," she wrote.
"This election campaign, I'm looking forward to respectful debate about parties and policies. To those who write these kinds of things on any politician's social media pages, I hope you're ok. Sending love."
The Timaru group's volunteers patrol the town's streets and watch camera feeds from the Timaru police watch house.
SHARE ME