12 Agencies Investigating the Maori Party for Alleged Misuse of Resources for Election Votes

Māori Party President John Tamihere, who heads a web of interlinked organisations is at the centre of the allegations.

Maori Party co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer (C) and Maori Party co-leader Rawiri Wikuki Waititi (R) looks on during Rātana Celebrations in Whanganui, New Zealand, on Jan. 24, 2023. Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Twelve New Zealand government agencies, including the police, are now investigating the Māori Party (Te Pāti Māori) over multiple allegations that money and resources supplied to connected organisations were misused for electioneering.

Acting Public Service Commissioner Heather Baggott confirmed that she convened a meeting of the heads of Stats NZ, the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Internal Affairs, Te Puni Kōkiri (the ministry responsible for Māori development), Oranga Tamariki (the ministry for children and young people), and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, along with the Electoral Commission and the police.