Nats official who allegedly goes by 'Merv' still in Canterbury role

A senior National Party official, accused of calling a talkback radio station to derail a candidate, is still holding on to a Canterbury leadership role within the party.

• This story was first published by RNZ

Roger Bridge stepped down as a party board member in August, after allegations he called Newstalk ZB impersonating a person named "Merv" to talk about fellow National member Nuwanthie Samarakone's campaign to run for Auckland Central.

Samarakone's bid was unsuccessful, but she is still running to be an MP for Manurewa.

But National Party general manager Greg Hamilton confirmed to RNZ that Bridge has remained on as its Canterbury and Westland region chairman.

The phone call allegations were first raised on August 10 by Newshub, which reported that Bridge rang Newstalk ZB host Marcus Lush as "Merv" to discuss Samarakone's campaign.

"She's already standing in Manurewa and I was ready to vote for her but now I understand that she's going over to Auckland Central, I'm confused," Merv told Lush.

After the Newshub story aired, National Party president Peter Goodfellow said the board "thoroughly investigated and discussed the matter", and Bridge resigned as a board member on August 13.

"We all make mistakes, and this is an unfortunate situation for someone who has given many years of loyal service to the National Party," Goodfellow said at the time.

"Mr Bridge has been an effective contributor around the board table, our audit committee, and actively supported countless members, supporters, and the wider party."

RNZ has requested further comment from the National Party.