Party leaders defend handling of incident
The National Party leadership is defending its handling of an incident after a Young Nats event that the police are investigating.
Leader Simon Bridges and president Peter Goodfellow said the party had taken all the right steps before and after the event, which in itself was ‘‘regrettable’’.
Meanwhile, most MPs said they had only recently been made aware of the incident and a police investigation was the right thing to do.
Newsroom.co.nz reported that after a Young Nationals event in Auckland last week, a 17-year-old female reported inappropriate touching and behaviour by a male Young Nats member.
The incident occurred after the group’s Christmas drinks at the Brew on Quay bar last Tuesday. At least two MPs attended the event.
It was understood the woman and some friends went to a young man’s apartment near the bar as they were moving to another karaoke venue. They said he had told them he was a wealthy political party donor and there were drinks at his place.
The woman was taken to a room where he allegedly grabbed her face, tried to kiss her and keep her from her friends, at one stage pulling her away from them by her wrists.
National MPs Andrew Bayly and Simeon Brown confirmed they attended the Christmas party. Brown said he left about 8pm.
‘‘I was there very briefly and left early and wasn’t aware of anything that happened,’’ Brown said.
Goodfellow said it was ‘‘completely different’’ to the Labour Summer Camp incident.
The event did not happen at the Young Nats event, it happened subsequently at another location, he said.
‘‘These are allegations at this point. This was a public bar and there were other people other than members.’’
No complaint had been lodged with the party, which had just been advised of the matter, he said. The party was offering support and advice to a person who came forward, but did not know who either of the two people involved were.
The Young Nats would want to make sure all their members were safe, but all National events were covered by a health and safety policy and proper plans were put in place for every event, he said.
‘‘This one I have checked and I am very satisfied and very confident that there was a proper plan.
‘‘We feel comfortable this event was well handled and properly run.’’
Meanwhile, an independent review of the party’s workplace culture, which was investigated following the Jami-Lee Ross saga, was expected before Christmas, he said.
Bridges said it was ‘‘regrettable’’ that a Young Nat was at the heart of the allegations.
It was an issue for the party to handle, he said.
He found out about the incident last week and was given assurances that it was being dealt with appropriately.
‘‘It seems clear to me they followed a health and safety plan and did all the right things.’’
After, when it came to the party’s attention, it was handled responsibly and made clear to the complainant what her options were and she was encouraged to go to the police, he said.
‘‘But now it’s in the hands of the police, I am sure they will do a thorough investigation.’’