# 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.
- Title: National Party removes volunteer after sexual conduct with…
- Summary: National Party drops Palmerston North committee member Roger Buchanan after learning of 2021 sexual conduct with minor conviction. National Party removed…
- Keywords: national party, roger buchanan, palmerston north, electorate committee, sexual conduct, minor conviction, 2021, christopher luxon, ankit bansal, politics, news, National
- Source: NZ Herald — https://nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/national-axes-electorate-committee-member-after-learning-of-sexual-conduct-with-minor-conviction/75LMNQWAQZD6LBEPM462XSVLRQ
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: national party, roger buchanan, palmerston north, electorate committee, sexual conduct, minor conviction, 2021, christopher luxon, ankit bansal, politics, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

National Party removed Roger Buchanan from Palmerston North electorate committee after discovering his 2021 conviction for sexual conduct with a minor.