A Christchurch City councillor in hot water for allegedly sending inappropriate messages to at least one young person has outed himself.
Newshub has learned councillor Deon Swiggs is the man at the centre of the allegations, but is denying any wrongdoing.
Swiggs sent a statement to Newshub, saying he felt it was important to stop "aspersion being cast" on his colleagues.
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He said he denies any allegations of misconduct and will cooperate fully.
Swiggs hoped "it will be resolved quickly, so Christchurch ratepayers have certainty ahead of voting in the current election," he said.
"I will make no further comment at this time."
An independent investigation began on Monday, into a complaint of inappropriate social media messages sent to at least one young person.
Radio New Zealand reported the messages said things like "I want a hug" and "I miss you". A meme "sexually explicit" in nature was also sent.
A youth group first raised the allegations in May, and a formal complaint was made earlier this month.
According to RNZ, the three complainants were aged between 13 and 21-years-old and the messages were sent over three years.
Newshub.
