Two Young Nats have resigned from the National Party amid allegations of online trolling against female politicians.
In a statement on Thursday afternoon, National Party president Peter Goodfellow confirmed the party had looked into allegations raised about a fake social media account targeting politicians, including Labour MP Megan Woods and Christchurch councillor Sara Templeton.
"Allegations brought to our attention earlier today have been investigated and a conversation was had with the persons concerned," Goodfellow said.
"Upon reflection of the party code of conduct, those members have now resigned from the National Party."
National has confirmed those who resigned are two members of the Young Nationals youth wing.
It comes after the IP address associated with the fake social media account was linked to Young Nat Bryce Beattie's house.
Stuff, which first published the story about the link between the account and Beattie's house, reported on Thursday afternoon that Young Nat Jessee MacKenzie was behind the online activity and had apologised. Mackenzie has now resigned from the National Party.
He told the publication that Beattie - his flatmate - had nothing to do with it and that his actions came after a difficult break-up.
"I directed my energy the wrong way in the hopes of feeling better. I’ve taken steps to seek help. While I know this is no excuse I just wanted to add some insight into my thought process during the time."
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Beattie said he only became aware that the "internet address used for this has been associated with my home" that day.
"I have had numerous different flatmates over the past twelve months, so as the homeowner I accept that this activity must have occurred from my property, however, I reject entirely that I played any part in it or had any knowledge of it," Beattie said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
He has decided to not stand as a community board candidate for Christchurch's Hornby ward in October's local body elections as originally planned.
National leader Christopher Luxon condemned the online behaviour.
"I was appalled to hear of these completely repugnant and cowardly actions. No one should be subject to any form of bullying and I commend those affected for coming forward," he said.
Goodfellow and Young Nats president Stephanie-Anne Ross both called the allegations "appalling" earlier on Thursday.
"We're glad that those affected have shone a light on this behaviour. No one should be subject to harassment and bullying, either in person or online," they said in a joint statement.
Deputy leader Nicola Willis was also critical.
"Here's a clue: If you have to make up an identity and hide your name and face before you make a comment on social media, don't do it. It is unacceptable.
"People shouldn't hide behind fake identities to harass and bully others. That's National's view, that's my view and we take these matters very seriously."
Wood, one of those targeted by the fake account, told reporters on Thursday the comments were about "personal appearance [and] about being a woman".
"Basically, misogyny that was practised online. They were not targeting male politicians.
"This was clearly targeted at women political figures in Christchurch."
Templeton on Thursday said she had been the "subject of a persistent online harassment campaign that went well beyond the normal trolling".
"I had blocked the accounts but they continued. The accounts disappeared once I went public - but were not gone completely as online footprints remain and I decided to try and find those behind them."
Facebook sent the District Court the IP address associated with the profile after Templeton made an application to the court under the Harmful Digital Communications Act. The court then ordered the telecommunications company linked to the IP address to release details of the account holder.
"The Harmful Digital Communications Act has several paths to follow to find out information and is designed so that you don't need a lawyer or to pay any fees to the court," she said.
"Screenshots are your friend in these kind of cases and remember to include the day and time. I have a folder online to store them, just in case."
