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A new local board election will be held in April next year for the Papatoetoe subdivision of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, following a District Court ruling that voided the October election. Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board
The decision was confirmed by Manukau District Court Judge RA McIlraith on 16 December, requiring a fresh election to be held for the subdivision.
The new election is scheduled for Thursday 9 April 2026, with four seats to be filled. Nominations for candidates are now open and will close at midday on Wednesday 28 January 2026.
Candidates can submit nominations online, or access nomination forms at Papatoetoe and Manukau libraries, the electoral office, or via the VoteAuckland website.
To be eligible, candidates must have been eligible to stand as at 1 August 2025, the original close of nominations for the now-voided election.
Candates must also be New Zealand citizens, aged 18 or over, enrolled on the New Zealand electoral roll, and supported by the signatures of two voters enrolled in the Papatoetoe subdivision.
A $200 deposit is required with each nomination. The deposit will be refunded if the candidate polls more than 25 percent of the lowest successful candidate’s vote.
Nomination forms must be received by midday on Wednesday 28 January 2026, either online or in hard copy at the Electoral Office, Level 2, 198 Federal Street, Auckland, or at selected libraries.
The list of candidates will be published on VoteAuckland as soon as practicable after nominations close. Candidate profiles will be made available closer to the start of voting.
Voting will open on Monday 9 March 2026 and close at midday on Thursday 9 April 2026, with results expected to be announced on Friday 10 April 2026.
Background
It comes after Manukau District Court Judge Richard McIlraith voided the election of the Papatoetoe subdivision of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board in last year’s local elections.
The judge found there were irregularities that materially affected the result of the election.
The council says it acknowledges the judge’s comments that the election was carried out properly “and in accordance with all requirements”, including by Independent Election Services and Dale Ofsoske.
The decision means the election needs to be re-run. Nominations for candidates will be opened on December 31 2025 until midday on January 28, 2026.
In November, Counties Manukau Police revealed an investigation was underway following a fraud complaint in relation to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board election.
Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers said police were investigating 16 complaints forwarded to them from Election Services.
“This investigation remains in the early stages, however they relate to allegations of electoral fraud.”
In an update to the Times on December 16, police said their investigation remains ongoing and no charges have been laid.
