10352 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

10352 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: Has the Minister received any correspondence alleging that a person with connections to the National Party played a role in organising or directing the Papatoetoe-Ōtara Action Team's 2025 election campaign; if so, what was the nature of those allegations and what action did the Minister take?

Hon Simon Watts: I received correspondence alleging that a person with connections to the National Party played a role in organising or directing the Papatoetoe-Ōtara Action Team’s 2025 election campaign. The allegation was of potential voter fraud. I did not take action as I was aware the appropriate processes under legislation were taking place: that being the lodgement of a request for investigation to the New Zealand Police by the Electoral Officer.