From NZ Herald · · 2m
National Party removes volunteer after sexual conduct with minor conviction
National Party drops Palmerston North committee member Roger Buchanan after learning of 2021 sexual conduct with minor conviction.
In brief
National Party drops Palmerston North committee member Roger Buchanan after learning of 2021 sexual conduct with minor conviction. National Party removed Roger Buchanan from Palmerston North electorate committee after discovering his 2021 conviction for sexual conduct with a minor. Originally reported by NZ Herald.
National Party action
National Party removed Roger Buchanan from Palmerston North electorate committee after learning of his 2021 sexual conduct with minor conviction.
Buchanan's conviction
Buchanan was sentenced in 2021 to 10 months home detention for sexual conduct with a minor while working as a teacher.
Student impact
A student described feeling groomed by Buchanan, which affected her school achievement and mental wellbeing.
Buchanan's sentence
Buchanan paid $15,000 reparation but was not placed on child sex offender register.
Buchanan's background
Buchanan was known in community through Rotary and musical productions.
Buchanan's campaign role
Buchanan held sign for law and order meeting hosted by National candidate Ankit Bansal and crime spokesman Mark Mitchell.
Buchanan's relationship
Buchanan initiated relationship with student at school he taught at after student turned 16.
Buchanan's statement
Buchanan declined Herald's request for comment which was passed to an associate.
Party awareness
National was unaware of Buchanan's history until contacted by Herald.
Bansal's awareness
Bansal also told party he was unaware of Buchanan's history.
Party response
Party confirmed Buchanan is in process of having membership voided per constitution.
Luxon's response
Luxon praised party's quick response to Buchanan's issue and endorsed their actions.
Luxon's quote
Luxon said party 'got onto it really quickly' and 'moved with great speed' to address issue.
Party statement
Party stated they stand with victims of sexual violence.
Buchanan's role
Buchanan was Palmerston North electorate committee member for National candidate Ankit Bansal.
Buchanan's election history
Bansal lost Palmerston North seat in 2023 by 3000 votes to Labour's Tangi Utikere.
The takeaway
National Party removed Roger Buchanan from Palmerston North electorate committee after discovering his 2021 conviction for sexual conduct with a minor.
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