Wetex Kang allegedly made defamatory and threatening statements against a Herald journalist. Photo / File
The New Zealand Herald is standing by one of its reporters after alleged threats made against him arising out of his reporting on the Maori Party's Botany candidate Wetex Kang.
Defamatory comments and alleged threats have been posted on Chinese social media against senior Herald journalist Lincoln Tan since Tan
reported that Kang had offered virtual credits in "red envelopes" to his supporters on social media.
The Electoral Commission later cleared Kang and his supporters of bribery because of the small credits involved, but it warned candidates against using the virtual red envelopes to promote election advertising in future.
Herald editor Murray Kirkness said the Maori Party was now investigating defamatory comments and alleged threats against Tan.
"The statements were made to a group following Mr Kang's campaign on social media app, WeChat, and to Chinese media outlets," Kirkness said.
