47370 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Local Government

47370 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Local Government: What accountability measures, if any, exist to hold local authorities to account when they fail to meet their statutory obligations in the administration of elections?

Hon Simon Watts: Each local authority is responsible for the delivery of their own elections in accordance with the Local Electoral Act. They must appoint an electoral officer who is responsible for the delivery of election services. Matters relating to the application and interpretation of local law are the responsibility of individual councils, their electoral officers, and the judiciary. The Local Electoral Act also provides a process for candidates or electors to file a petition to the District Court if they have a complaint about the conduct of an election or poll.