National removes volunteer after learning of conviction for sexual conduct with a minor

The National Party has removed Roger Buchanan from its campaign volunteer role after learning he had been convicted of sexual conduct with a minor, RNZ reported. A party spokesperson confirmed that Buchanan was removed from his volunteer and electorate committee roles once the party became aware of his history.

Buchanan was a volunteer and a member of National's Palmerston North electorate committee, the local party group for that seat. The conviction dates from 2021, five years before his removal in 2026, according to RNZ and 1News.

The party learned of the conviction through inquiries from the New Zealand Herald.

Stuff reported in 2021 that Buchanan, then a teacher, had manipulated a student into an illicit sexual relationship.

Buchanan had appeared in a photo with National leader Christopher Luxon. Luxon said he had only just become aware of the matter and that he was glad the party had acted swiftly.

The National Party spokesperson said, "The National Party stands with victims of sexual violence."