Two Auckland councillors have called on Manurewa Local Board member Marshal Ahluwalia to resign following allegations about his conduct that have been referred to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).
Ahluwalia took a leave of absence from his duties last month and is expected to return to the board next week.
According to reports, the allegations relate to Ahluwalia's role at a transport company in 2024. The SFO referral follows the emergence of a video that allegedly shows him asking a contractor for money in exchange for work as a driver. The footage also reportedly includes a request for a donation toward his 2025 election campaign, Stuff has reported.
Manurewa-Papakura ward councillors Daniel Newman and Matt Winiata issued a joint statement on Monday, confirming that Ahluwalia had been removed from Newman's Manurewa Action Team ticket after losing the confidence of the ward's elected representatives.
The pair said Ahluwalia should reconsider his future on the local board.
“We call on Marshal Ahluwalia to carefully consider whether he can be an effective member of the Manurewa Local Board while public debate and controversy swirls around him, as quoted by Stuff.
“While it would not be appropriate to comment on the details of matters that are in the hands of external agencies, Mr Ahluwalia has had ample time to assess the situation for himself and offer his resignation. We understand he has chosen not to do so,” Stuff has quoted.
The councillors argued that the ongoing controversy was becoming a distraction for both the board and the wider community.
“The Manurewa Local Board and Auckland Council is bigger than one member. That is why Mr Ahluwalia’s resignation would help the Manurewa community, he says he wishes to succeed,” as quoted by Stuff.
Ahluwalia has been approached for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.
Despite being on leave, he continues to receive remuneration as an elected member. Auckland Council governance and engagement general manager Lou-Ann Ballantyne said the council was required to continue payments during approved leave periods.
“Remuneration for local board members [all elected members] is set by the Remuneration Authority. The base annual salary for a Manurewa Local Board member is $59,582,” as quoted by Stuff.
Ballantyne said Auckland Council had referred the matter to the appropriate agency.
“The council does not have any remit to carry out its own investigation on this matter as it relates to issues outside of the council, Stuff has quoted.
“Under the legislative framework that all councils must operate, it is up to the elected members themselves to decide whether they stand down or want to take extended leave,” Stuff has quoted.
Newman said he became aware of the video last month and immediately escalated the matter to Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson.
“The matter was referred to the chief executive of Auckland Council by me because of the serious nature of the allegations,” Newman said, as quoted by Stuff.
He added that Ahluwalia had been asked during the candidate vetting process whether there was anything in his background that could cause embarrassment to the team.
“He indicated he had nothing to disclose.”
Last month, Ballantyne confirmed that the council had referred allegations concerning a local board member to the SFO after becoming aware of the claims.
“The member requested a leave of absence, which was granted by the Manurewa Local Board until 22 June 2026,” as quoted by Stuff.
The Serious Fraud Office has confirmed it is assessing a complaint submitted by the Auckland Council concerning a local board member.
“No further information can be provided at this stage, including details regarding the complaint and whether an investigation has commenced or will commence,” as quoted by Stuff.
Police also received a complaint relating to an allegation of fraud in October. However, after making inquiries, officers concluded there was insufficient evidence to establish a criminal offence.
“The complainant has since been advised, and the matter will be filed,” Stuff has quoted.
A letter sent by Ahluwalia to Manurewa Local Board chairwoman Heather Andrew on May 11 requested a leave of absence for what he described as “personal reasons” and thanked her for her “understanding and support,” as quoted by Stuff.