Judith Collins fan website disappears after questions asked

A website supporting Judith Collins' bid for the National Party leadership is registered to the Papakura MP's electorate office, under a fake name.

Backjudith.nz launched on Saturday, allowing people to sign a letter to all 56 National MPs urging them to back Ms Collins as the new leader.

"Not sure who created this but I can't help being flattered by it," Judith Collins tweeted on Monday.
"Not sure who created this but I can't help being flattered by it," Judith Collins tweeted on Monday. Photo credit: Newshub.

But after Newshub began asking questions about the website, it was taken down.

A search of the domain name showed it is registered to Roselands Shopping Centre, 98 Great South Road, Papakura - the same location as Ms Collins' electorate office.

The website domain information.
The website domain information. Photo credit: Newshub.

The website's authors claim to be "a group of National Party members and supporters, who are backing Hon Judith Collins to become the next leader of the National Party".

However, the website is registered to under the name 'Raquel Ray', the same name of a Facebook profile which sent the link to Newshub on Saturday.

The Facebook page of 'Raqual Ray'.
The Facebook page of 'Raqual Ray'. Photo credit: Newshub.

A quick reverse Google image search of the profile photo shows it's been taken from the website of Bay of Plenty photographer Ross Clayton.

Mr Clayton confirmed to Newshub he took the photo, and the woman in question does not have the name 'Raquel Ray'.

The image taken from Ross Clayton's professional photography website.
The image taken from Ross Clayton's professional photography website. Photo credit: Newshub.

Ms Collins says she's never heard of anybody with the name Raquel Ray, and is adamant she knows nothing about the campaign or why the website is registered to her electorate office.

The website comes with a disclaimer that it is in no way endorsed by the National Party or Judith Collins.

Newshub contacted 'Raquel Ray' for comment via the Facebook page, and received this response: "I've been contacted by the National Party and was asked to take it down, so I have."

"I was told it is not helpful for Judith, and I want her to win. I never use my real name online," the person says.

The phone number for 'Raquel Ray' on the website's registration page is a fake as well: +64 123456789.

Newshub.