Summarised by Centrist
Te Pāti Māori failed to submit its audited financial statements on time.
The party missed the July 2023 deadline, submitted an incomplete report in December, and still hasn’t produced the required audit.
The Electoral Commission referred the matter to police in October, and a formal warning was issued on 19 December.
Despite repeated follow-ups, the party has dragged its feet. Kristina Temel of the Electoral Commission confirmed that while Te Pāti Māori claimed its audit was in progress, “sufficient grounds for the financial statements being late were not provided.”
BusinessDesk also found a discrepancy of nearly $5,800 between reported donations and the amount disclosed in earlier filings.
While all other parties have complied, Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere dismissed concerns, saying, “Rest assured the naughty Natives always comply to the letter of the law.” Such a statement raises questions—if they comply, why did police have to intervene?
Despite the matter now considered “resolved” by the police, there is no indication the required statements have yet been filed.
