Police have arrested a 20-year-old man over allegations of indecent assault at a Labour Party summer youth camp.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Four teenagers reported being harassed at a Young Labour camp in Waihi in February.
Police said a man has been arrested and and bailed to appear in court on four charges of indecent assault, following an investigation into allegations relating to the summer camp.
The man is due to appear in the Auckland District Court on 5 July.
Labour Party President Nigel Haworth commented on the arrest: "The Labour Party backs the decision of the police to lay charges against an individual relating to allegations of indecent assault at the Young Labour summer camp earlier this year."
"The Party's internal report, prepared by Maria Austen (formally Berryman), is focused on the Party's policies and procedures around the summer camp, if they were properly applied, and how we should correct any deficiencies."
"Maria Austen's investigation is ongoing and separate from the police actions today. We will report back on her findings once we have received and considered them," Mr Haworth said.
The young people, ranging in age from 16 to 18, reported that the incidents occurred at an evening party at the camp.
Acting Labour leader Kelvin Davis said he was pleased with the police decision, but wouldn't make any further comment.
"Absolutely - and now it's before the courts ... and that process has to play out," he said.
He rejected any suggestion the events had been a distraction for the government.
"We're just getting on with governing the country. These things are issues that need to be dealt with. We'll just carry on doing what we need to do."
An independent review into Labour's handling of the complaints was expected to report back about now, but Mr Davis said it would be another month.
Labour Party general secretary Andrew Kirton last week vealed he'd resigned to take up a senior position with Air New Zealand in August.
Mr Davis said Mr Kirton's departure had nothing to do with the review or the recent arrest.
"I rang Andrew Kirton this morning and he told me it was entirely coincidental. He's got another opportunity that he's pursuing."
In March, Labour Party general secretary Andrew Kirton said that that he was aware one of the individuals had taken the matter to the police. "They have our full support to do so," he told The AM Show.
Party president Nigel Haworth said at the time that all Young Labour events would be suspended while an independent review took place and there would be a ban on alcohol at any Labour events attended by anyone under 18.
