A Simon Bridges impostor is using Facebook to dupe people into becoming his online friends, including a cabinet minister who has been "sucked in" by the fake social media page.
The page was set up yesterday using the same profile and cover photographs Mr Bridges uses on his page.
Mr Bridges usually uses his Facebook page to keep followers updated with his progress and stance on controversial issues.
Yesterday, Mr Bridges used the page to warn people about the fake "Simon Bridges" page befriending people.
By 2pm yesterday, the fake page had gained 36 new friends before it appeared to have been removed from Facebook.