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Did he consider commissioning any independent review or audit of the process for the 2025 local government election for the Papatoetoe subdivision of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board; if not, why not? and 1 other question

Answered 1235, 1237 (2026)
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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Questions

  • 1235

    Did he consider commissioning any independent review or audit of the process for the 2025 local government election for the Papatoetoe subdivision of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board; if not, why not?

  • 1237

    Did he consider exercising any statutory powers in response to alleged voter fraud in the Papatoetoe subdivision of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board; if not, why not?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

No. While it is unfortunate that this occurred, the Council and its Electoral Officer escalated the matter as required under the Local Electoral Act. A petition of inquiry was subsequently accepted, enabling a formal review of the conduct of the election. This demonstrates that the appropriate safeguards are in place and operating as intended.