Manurewa Marae data misuse claims: Te Pāti Māori ask police, Prime Minister for urgent investigation into ‘frivolous’ allegations

Te Pati Maori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi with John Tamihere and Meka Whaitiri. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer have written to the Prime Minister, Police Commissioner and the Minister of Police asking for an urgent investigation into the allegations made against the party.

The party wants the review to be led by the police. But it has now emerged police are already investigating complaints they have received.

The allegations relate to the alleged misuse of Census data and Covid-19 vaccination information at Manurewa Marae for Te Pāti Māori’s election campaign. The marae was headed at the time by Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp.

The party has described the claims as “baseless and simply untrue”.

Public Service Commission calls meeting

Meanwhile it also emerged today that acting Public Service Commissioner Heather Baggott had met with several government departments “to ensure the serious allegations involving the misuse of personal data during last year’s general election are thoroughly investigated”.

Baggott said the meeting included the heads of Stats NZ, Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Internal Affairs, Te Puni Kōkiri, Oranga Tamariki and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

“The Electoral Commission and NZ Police were also in attendance. The meeting was a first step to ensure that all relevant agencies are acting to examine the recent allegations.”

Stats NZ has started an independent investigation into the Census data misuse allegations. Health officials were also seeking urgent assurances that Covid and other immunisation data had been used and managed appropriately.

Oranga Tamariki was seeking assurances that data provided to Manurewa Marae had been appropriately used and managed.

Police were also investigating complaints and the Privacy Commissioner had been notified, Baggott said.

“These are serious allegations that go to the core of trust and confidence in our public institutions and our democratic processes,” she said.

“If true, the allegations represent a serious misuse of citizens’ personal information and an unacceptable breach of public trust.

“It is important for all involved that the facts are established. I encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the appropriate authority.

“It is essential New Zealanders can trust their personal information is secure and not exploited, and trust the integrity of our electoral system.”

Stats NZ review welcomed

Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere said the party welcomed the independent review which has since been launched by Stats NZ.

“We consider that given our knowledge, these allegations are frivolous but require police to sanction our view.

“We have asked the journalist to front with the evidence on behalf of those making the allegations. They have not,” Tamihere said.

“We welcome an immediate investigation into these allegations to once again prove our innocence, and to highlight the bias in media.”

Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere. Photo / Ricky Wilson

In another statement yesterday, Tamihere called the allegations “baseless innuendo”.

“If there is any evidence, then show us so we have a reason to engage in a conversation.”

Tamihere also provided the initial response he had given to the Sunday Star-Times, who first reported the allegations, about Census collection.

In that, he had denied any misuse of the data collected at the marae, saying as part of its contract it had to destroy all hard copies of the information and erase data.

Act leader David Seymour said yesterday Government agencies need to get to the bottom of the allegations surrounding Te Pāti Māori as fast as possible to determine whether wrongdoing has occurred - or the party has been “unfairly maligned”.

Act leader David Seymour. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Seymour said the allegations were “extremely serious” and trust in the electoral system and confidential collection of personal information was paramount.

“Agencies are currently establishing the facts. Either serious wrongdoing has occurred, or a political party has been unfairly maligned,” he said.

“Either way, agencies must get to the bottom of what has occurred as quickly as possible, or the Government will need to consider alternative options for establishing the facts and whether wrongdoing has taken place.”

Police have said they are looking into the matter.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called the allegations “pretty concerning” and warranting a prompt investigation.

“It’s good there’s an investigation under way, they are serious allegations and they deserve to be investigated and it’s important that they are.”