National removes volunteer following discovery of sexual conduct conviction

The National Party has dismissed Roger Buchanan from his roles as a campaign volunteer and a member of the Palmerston North electorate committee. The party took action after learning of Buchanan's 2021 conviction for sexual conduct with a minor.

Palmerston North candidate Ankit Bansal stated he was unaware of the conviction until media enquiries were made and said, “The moment I became aware of it, I cut him from the team”. The National Party has declined requests to interview Bansal, providing only a statement that he acted immediately upon learning the history.

In 2021, Buchanan was sentenced in the Palmerston North District Court to 10 months’ home detention for sexual conduct with a minor while working as a teacher. He pleaded guilty to the charge on the eve of his trial after a charge of sexual violation was withdrawn.

The victim, now a woman, told the court she felt groomed by Buchanan and that the relationship impacted her mental wellbeing and school achievement. Buchanan told police that any sexual activity was consensual and occurred after the student turned 16.

Records from the Electoral Commission confirm Buchanan was approved by Bansal to act as an authorised special vote witness. This role involves witnessing special vote declarations and delivering take-away voting papers for people with health or mobility issues.

How it developed

• Mon 26 Oct, 3:09pmThe Electoral Commission confirmed Buchanan was an authorised special vote witness approved by candidate Ankit Bansal.

Where reports differ

• Buchanan disputed the description of his actions as offending, claiming he took a plea bargain for a pragmatic resolution and was not guilty.

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, 1News, Stuff, RNZ and The Post.