Leader Christopher Luxon has praised National for “doing the right thing” after the party removed a Palmerston North campaign volunteer convicted in 2021 of sexual conduct with a minor.
Roger Buchanan had been a campaign volunteer and a member of National’s Palmerston North electorate committee. A party spokesperson told 1News he was removed from both roles once the party became aware of his history following inquiries by the New Zealand Herald,
“The National Party stands with victims of sexual violence,” the spokesperson said.
Speaking to reporters in Taupō, Luxon said he had only just learned of the case.
“It’s good to see the party’s got onto it quickly and removed him. That’s entirely the appropriate thing to do,” he said.
Asked what vetting the party had carried out, and whether it had failed to check a man whose conviction was easy to find online, the National leader pointed to the speed of the response.
“As a supporter volunteer, it sounds like the party’s got onto it really quickly... good on them for doing the right thing, as they should do. It’s what we would expect them to do.”
Luxon was also asked what message Buchanan’s involvement in the campaign sent to survivors of sexual violence.
“Look, there’s lots of volunteers. It’s important when the issue was raised, the party’s obviously moved with great speed, and that’s exactly what I’d expect them to do.”
Several photos show Buchanan alongside National’s Palmerston North candidate Ankit Bansal, who is contesting the electorate for a second time. One group photo also includes Luxon.
In 2021, the Palmerston North District Court sentenced Buchanan to 10 months’ home detention for sexual conduct with a minor, an offence committed while he worked as a teacher.
According to Stuff’s reporting on the case, Buchanan initiated a relationship with a student at the school where he taught. The student said she felt Buchanan had groomed her, and that it had a significant impact on her schooling and mental wellbeing.
Stuff reported Buchanan told police any sexual activity happened after the student turned 16 and was consensual.
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