1260 (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:	1260 (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_01260_2026
Document guid:	b0c11187-5464-4884-96f5-31a6869f7f7b

1260 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: What advice, if any, did he receive from officials about the integrity of the Papatoetoe subdivision of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board election prior to the court decision voiding the result?

Hon Simon Watts: Officials briefed me on the reports of alleged misconduct on 29 October 2025, after being advised of the situation by the Auckland Council Electoral Officer. By that stage, the matter had already been referred to the New Zealand Police in accordance with the appropriate processes. Officials continued to provide me with timely updates as the petition progressed.