An embattled Christchurch City Councillor is keeping up his fight for re-election amid a cloud of inappropriate behaviour claims.
Following accusations he sent inappropriate messages to young people, an investigation is underway into Deon Swiggs.
In video posted to his Facebook page, Swiggs says it has been a difficult time.
"There has been inaccurate information shared, which has been very disappointing.
"I'm relieved though, that three of the complaints have been dismissed."
He said he has received significant support for his campaign, which has helped.
- Christchurch City councillor investigated for allegedly sending teenagers 'inappropriate' messages refusing to stand down
- Christchurch City councillor allegedly sent 'inappropriate' messages to young people
"Given the headlines, I would have understood if people had just walked away.
"Instead, I've had people from community groups through to senior business leaders, publicly voice their support for me."
Last week, Swiggs released screenshots of Facebook and text messages in an attempt to clear his name.
Swiggs said he felt he had no choice but to share the messages.
Released messages included Swiggs telling a complainant he was good looking.
A youth group first raised the allegations in May, and a formal complaint was made in September.
According to Radio New Zealand, the three complainants were aged between 13 and 21-years-old and the messages were sent over three years.
One of the complainants, identified as "Josh", said he met Swiggs at an event in 2017 when he was 13 years old.
Josh told RNZ's Checkpoint Swiggs made him feel "incredibly uncomfortable".
When he went to give Swiggs a handshake, Josh alleges he was "bear-hugged" by him.
Josh told Checkpoint it made him feel "unsafe". He said inappropriate messages were also sent to him on social media.
An investigation into the allegations is continuing.
Newshub.
