1235 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

1235 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: 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?

Hon Simon Watts: 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.