National Party removes Palmerston North volunteer after past sexual offence conviction emerges

Following a Herald inquiry, the National Party learned that electorate committee member Roger Buchanan had been sentenced in 2021 for sexual conduct with a minor. Consequently, the party stripped him of his committee position and removed him from volunteer duties on the Palmerston North campaign. Party spokespeople reiterated the party’s stance in favor of sexual violence survivors.

Buchanan, who appeared in photos alongside National leader Christopher Luxon and candidate Ankit Bansal, did not respond to requests for comment. The party noted that while his membership has not yet been formally revoked, it is proceeding through the required constitutional steps. The incident comes as Bansal prepares to contest the Palmerston North seat again after a narrow loss in the previous election.