1238 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

Written Question

Published date: 13 Feb 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	1238 (2026)
Question asked:	26 Jan 2026
Member asking:	Tangi Utikere
Portfolio:	Minister of Local Government
Minister replying:	Hon Simon Watts
Answer received:	09 Feb 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_01238_2026
Document guid:	53ac30c3-2186-4908-815a-f5fd92442152

1238 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: At what point does he consider it appropriate for ministerial intervention or oversight in cases of alleged electoral fraud at local body elections?

Hon Simon Watts: Local councils are responsible for administering their own elections. Any concerns about the conduct of a local election should be referred to the Electoral Officer, which is the process that was followed in this instance. It is not appropriate for Ministers to intervene in electoral operations.