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But a screenshot of National Rep. Simeon Brown’s Facebook page taken by Newshub shows that the post on his page was still active at 5:03 p.m. Tuesday, after Mallard was assured it was removed. It remained on their page until it was removed around 5:20 p.m., shortly after Newshub sent an inquiry to National that the post was still active. It’s unclear whether the post’s removal is related to the Newshub investigation.
Mallard has been contacted regarding the post that was left online despite being told it was removed.
On Tuesday night, Collins reiterated his apology for the use of Labor’s letterhead in the ad.
“I was not aware of the letterhead usage because I did not see the graphics before they were posted on social media,” he said in a statement.
“I apologized, on behalf of the National Party, for that use. It shouldn’t have happened.
“The posts have now been eliminated.”
Mallard said in Parliament that, under “normal circumstances”, he would be “inclined” to refer National’s announcement to the Privilege Committee, sort of like the court of Parliament, because the post “purports to be authorized by the leader of the opposition.” , though Collins says she didn’t see it prior to publication.
“The general manager of the New Zealand National Party has taken responsibility,” Mallard said. “The message involved the fabrication of a false ministerial letterhead to give authenticity to the misrepresentation.”
