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Summarised by Centrist
Police are investigating Te Pāti Māori over allegations that Census and COVID vaccination data were misused to target voters ahead of the 2023 general election.
The inquiry, led by Detective Superintendent Ross McKay, follows claims from former Manurewa Marae workers that private data was copied and entered into a database linked to the party’s campaign.
The allegations triggered separate high-level inquiries by Stats NZ and the Public Service Commission, though their findings remain unpublished. Te Pāti Māori itself requested the police investigation, arguing the accusations are “baseless innuendo” and calling for a probe to clear its name.
Despite police confirming in October 2024 that interviews with party leaders were imminent, no contact has been made four months later. Te Pāti Māori claims they are frustrated at the lack of updates. Police maintain the investigation is ongoing but have declined to provide further details.
