Councillors refuse to attend board meetings after Ahluwalia's return

Two South Auckland councillors say they will no longer attend Manurewa Local Board business meetings, either in person or online, while member Marshal Ahluwalia remains on the board as the subject of a Serious Fraud Office(SFO) investigation.

Ahluwalia took a leave of absence in May after allegations about his conduct were referred to the SFO, but resumed his duties in late-June.

Speaking at Thursday's Manurewa Local Board meeting, Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor Daniel Newman said it would "probably be the last time" he appeared before the board in person while Ahluwalia remained a member.

"I cannot express how difficult it is for me and how disappointing it is to find a member subject to an SFO inquiry who's sitting at this table. It is confronting."

Before the meeting, he said Councillor Matt Winiata confirmed he felt the same.

"Our view is that we are uncomfortable with the current situation and we're not comfortable to be sharing decision-making circumstances," Newman said.

Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor Daniel Newman. Photo/Auckland Council.

Ahluwalia is the subject of a Serious Fraud Office investigation, but has denied wrongdoing and no charges have been laid.

Newman said he did not want his attendance to be interpreted as an endorsement of the current governance arrangements.

"I'll take questions, and then I'll leave because, quite frankly, I don't want my attendance in person to be misconstrued as acquiescence for how our governance is currently applied around this board table."

Speaking to Local Democracy Reporting after the meeting, Newman confirmed that neither he nor Winiata would attend Manurewa Local Board business meetings in person or online while Ahluwalia remained a member.

"We won't be attending business meetings of the local board full stop, either in person or online, because the issue is that it could be misconstrued as acquiescence with the board for which Marshal is a member," Newman said.

Manurewa Local Board member Marshal Ahluwalia. Photo/File.

He told LDR the pair would continue supporting the board through their work with chair Heather Andrew, deputy chair Italia Tipelu-Marsters and other members, as well as by providing written councillor updates.

Board member Joseph Allan thanked Newman for attending and acknowledged it was "a shame" he would no longer appear before the board in person.

Allan said he understood Newman's position but noted board members still had a responsibility to continue serving the community.

Board member Phyllis Latu said the situation had affected everyone involved and divided the community.

"When we have to strategically place ourselves in spaces for people to be safe, I find that quite disturbing as well ... through the whole ordeal, it hasn't just affected one person, it has affected us all in some way, shape and form, and it has divided a community."

Latu said she remained focused on carrying out the board's work despite the difficult circumstances.

Newman said he respected the position of board members who continued to attend meetings and would continue serving the Manurewa-Papakura ward and supporting the local board in his role as councillor.

"I completely understand the position of the balance of the board... I will continue to serve my ward as best I can, and I will try and support this board to the extent that I can."

Ahluwalia did not respond to Newman's comments during Thursday's meeting and was approached for comment after the meeting.

- LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.