An incident after a Young Nats event

Newsroom reports:

Police are investigating an incident following a Young Nationals event in central Auckland last week in which a teenage woman 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 is understood the woman, aged 17, and some friends went to the young man’s apartment near the bar as they were moving to another karaoke venue. They say he had told them he was a wealthy political party donor and there were drinks at his place.

God. Who uses a line such as “I’m a wealthy donor”. Puke.

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. When she got out of the room and left the flat she was pursued across a road and to a fast food outlet’s toilet area as the man allegedly continued to try to grope her.

She reported the matter to police, who involved detectives who took a statement from her over one and a half hours – and then took her to tell her parents what had happened.

Good on her for going to the Police.

Newsroom has been told the National Party has suspended the Young Nats man involved, barring him from any further events. Another organisation has also blacklisted him from future gatherings.

The woman is not a Young Nats member and was a guest at the event. An MP made aware of the allegations says he called and counselled her and promised any support she might need.

Good.

Last night a National Party spokesperson told Newsroom: “We were made aware of an alleged incident that took place at a separate location, after the conclusion of a Young Nationals event last week. The person who brought the issue to our attention gave no further details, or names of those persons involved. 

“In line with our health and safety policies, we acted quickly to offer any support and advice to the person who raised the issue, and this information was passed onto the alleged victim. 

Also good to hear.

At this stage (there may be more to come out) it looks like appropriate actions have been taken.