Today’s decision by Manukau District Court Judge RJ McIlraith voiding the election of the Papatoetoe subdivision of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board means that a new election for the subdivision will need to be completed by 9 April 2026.
Judge RJ McIlraith found that there were irregularities that materially affected the result of the election.
The council also 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 that the election needs to be re-run. Nominations for candidates will be opened on 31 December 2025 until midday 28 January 2026.
Voting papers will be sent to enrolled electors in the Papatoetoe subdivision of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board from 9 March, with voting open for one month.
The three Ōtara elected members will remain on the local board, but the board will not have the required quorum of four members to make decisions until the election is completed. Until the new elected members come into office, it is likely that decisions will need to be made by staff under delegation within the terms of the existing general delegation to staff. Any decisions taken by the board to date remain valid.
A public notice providing details of the Papatoetoe subdivision election will be published on the council website on 31 December.
