Paula Bennett discusses Hardcore's text to PM on Sroubek

From Morning Report, 7:50 am on 13 December 2018

A high profile social justice campaigner and former martial arts exponent who claims to be a friend of the Prime Minister sent her a text applauding the government on its decision to give Czech drug smuggler Karol Sroubek residency.

Richie Hardcore, who refers to Jacinda Ardern as a friend and 'the people's champ' sent the message, although the Prime Minister's office says it was unsolicited and not responded to.

National is demanding full disclosure about who advocated on behalf of Mr Sroubek. Deputy Leader Paula Bennett talks to Susie Ferguson.

Following the interview, the Prime Minister's Office replied, saying in an email to us: "The PM received an unsolicited text. She did not respond to it. That was the only communication she received with Richie Hardcore on the issue, and it was received after the Immigration Minister had made his decision".