Complainant referred to police — Bridges

AUCKLAND: Police are investigating after a woman complained of inappropriate behaviour following a Young National event.

The 17yearold woman was a guest at the political youth wing’s Christmas drinks at a central Auckland bar last Tuesday, Newsroom reports.

Following the event, the woman and some friends reportedly went to a young man’s apartment nearby.

There, the man allegedly grab bed the woman’s face and tried to kiss and grope her. He then allegedly pursued the woman after she fled the apartment block.

The woman was a guest at the event and not a member of the Young Nats, Newsroom reported.

Police said in a statement they were investigating a complaint made on November 20.

National leader Simon Bridges said he was informed of the complaint by his chief of staff on Friday and sought assurances it had been handled appropriately.

‘‘Actually things were done right, in terms of a health and safety plan, on a licensed premises, IDing, food, cash bar. And then . . . upon learning about [the complaint], the party has taken all of the responsible and caring steps that should be taken.’’

The alleged incident was ‘‘regrettable’’ but had been dealt with ‘‘very responsibly‘‘, Mr Bridges said.

‘‘It was made clear to the complainant what her options were and indeed she was encouraged to go to the police, which is what has happened.’’

Party president Peter Goodfellow said a member of the Young Nats contacted the party about the complaint, but did not name the two people involved.

‘‘We’re offering a lot of support and a lot of advice to the intermediary who has come to us,’’ Mr Goodfellow said. ‘‘We don’t know who either of the two people are.’’

At least two National MPs — Andrew Bayley and Simeon Brown — were at the earlier event.

‘‘It was very, very quiet, subdued. Most of us there were just thanking the Young Nats for what they were doing,’’ Mr Bayley said. —RNZ