NZ First Leader Winston Peters' statement to Parliament:
"In recent weeks a number of allegations have been made against Mr Horan, most of which arise from a family matter. The allegations are of a nature that requires they be treated seriously.
Accordingly I requested from the original complainant and those associated with him evidence to support their allegations. I also instructed Mr Horan to give every opportunity to resolve this family matter so that I could be assured those allegations were without foundation.
Until a few days ago, we had not been furnished with any evidentiary material from any of the parties in this dispute. However substantive material has now come into my possession, some as recent as 2.15pm this afternoon.
The information we have received leaves me in a position where I have no confidence in Mr Horan's ability to continue as a member of Parliament, and he will be expelled from the NZ First caucus forthwith.
Mr Horan has a duty, I believe, to resign as a member of Parliament.
This is a bitterly regrettable situation but we had to place our decision on the public record as soon as we were in a position to make it.
The nature of this inquiry means I am unable to make any further comment outside of Parliament."