1261 (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:	1261 (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_01261_2026
Document guid:	fe71e46f-4774-4619-83c9-7e7b542ab415

1261 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: Did he receive any warnings, alerts, or informal indications that “something unusual” had occurred in the Papatoetoe subdivision election prior to the filing of the Petition for Inquiry; if so, when and from whom?

Hon Simon Watts: Officials first briefed me on the reports of alleged misconduct on 29 October 2025, after being advised of the situation by the Auckland Council Electoral Officer. At that point, the matter had already been referred to the New Zealand Police in accordance with the appropriate processes.