An alleged attempt to buy a vote at the 2024 election was not "progressed further" as police were unable to locate the person involved.
The incident was revealed by the Electoral Commission in response to a question from 1News about complaints it received for what is known as "treating" under the Electoral Act.
Treating is corruptly influencing people to vote - by, for example, offering food and drink - and the commission also included the alleged cash incentive in its definition.
It said it received about 20 complaints from members of the public during the 2023 general election period, seven of which were "related to activity at Manurewa Marae".
"Other complaints were not related to voting places, but were about whether free food, drink, or giveaways, amounted to treating. One treating complaint, regarding offering money to vote for a party, was referred to police,” a spokesperson said.
As it was referred to the police, the commission could not provide more detail on the complaint, other than that it did not relate to Manurewa Marae.
Police were asked to provide any details on the issue, including the outcome and if prosecution had been sought, which political party it related to, where the incident happened, and how much money was offered.
A police spokesperson confirmed it had received the referral from the Electoral Commission.
"Police quickly attended the location provided in the report but were unable to find the person involved. The matter was unable to be progressed further."
Electoral Commission wants treating review
The Electoral Commission spokesperson said it also received about 30 inquiries from parties, candidates and third parties about the rules on treating and what they were allowed to do during the last election cycle.
The treating offence has existed since the 1850s and, in its 2023 General Election Report, the commission recommended Parliament review this part of the Electoral Act to bring it up to date, and to provide clarity about what is allowed.
The Electoral Commission suggested a solution could be to clarify only a non-alcoholic beverage and light snack is offered. (Source: istock.com)
It also said after complaints about alleged treating at Manurewa Marae it had advised marae management that food and activities could be provided to everyone coming to the marae "for the purposes of manaakitanga (the process of showing respect, generosity, and care for others)".
"Based on the information we had, we did not consider this would meet the test for treating. The offence of treating has existed in electoral legislation since the 1850s and pre-dates the secret ballot.
"There are complex cultural considerations in providing food and drink. Parties and candidates want greater certainty about what is allowed and where manaakitanga fits in.
"The treating offence in the Electoral Act and case law do not allow the Commission to provide that level of certainty."
It said one solution would be to clarify that parties and candidates can provide only a non-alcoholic beverage and a light snack in the context of a meeting during the regulated period.
"The Commission recommends Parliament reviews the treating offence in the Electoral Act to consider whether greater clarity can be provided, including cultural considerations."
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