Councillors call on Manurewa board member to resign after SFO referral

about 1 hour ago

Marshal Ahluwalia

Photo: Supplied

Two Auckland councillors have called on a Manurewa Local Board member to resign following accusations of financial intimidation and corruption that have been referred to the Serious Fraud Office.

Marshal Ahluwalia, who won a seat on the Manurewa Local Board with the highest number of votes in the 2025 election, is under scrutiny following a video alleging misconduct linked to his earlier role as operations manager at a freight transport company in 2024.

The video suggests Ahluwalia asked a contractor to make payments in exchange for being allocated more work and requested a donation towards his 2025 local government campaign.

In a media statement, councillors representing the Manurewa-Papakura ward said Ahluwalia should reflect on whether he could remain an effective member of the board amid the public debate and controversy.

"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," councillors Daniel Newman and Matt Winiata wrote.

"We understand he has chosen not to do so. 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 serve."

They also said Ahluwalia had ample opportunity before the election to disclose any information about his past that could later cause embarrassment, but he had chosen not to do so.

"The Manurewa Action Team has resolved that Mr Ahluwalia is no longer a member of that caucus or the team, and he has lost the confidence of his two ward councillors," the statement said.

In May, Auckland Council told RNZ that Ahluwalia had requested leave from the Manurewa Local Board, which was granted until 22 June.

Ahluwalia has been approached for comment.