Non-Aucklanders enrolled in vote scam

File photo / Martin Sykes

Police have been speaking with people throughout the North Island about a possible Auckland Super City voting scam involving the Papatoetoe ward.

Detective Inspector Mark Gutry, crime manager at Counties Manukau Police, said search warrants were executed at "properties of interest" this week.

Up to 40 officers were involved, and candidates and campaign staff would also be contacted for information as part of an inquiry into electoral roll irregularities around the upcoming elections.

The Registrar of Electors last week removed 306 enrolments after discovering people did not live at addresses stated on enrolment forms.

"Police are very aware of the electorate interest in this inquiry and we are working to complete it as thoroughly and quickly as possible," Mr Gutry said.

"It's too early to say what the outcome of our investigation will be," he said.

But he confirmed today that the irregularities involved people outside of Auckland.

"It all comes back to Papatoetoe but we're speaking to people outside the area who have changed their addresses."

It was too early to say whether arrests would be made, he said.

"Elections and the right to vote are part of New Zealand's democratic process. If people do have concerns about irregularities in the Papatoetoe ward then it's important they have the confidence to speak up and get in touch with us," Mr Gutry said.

Anyone with information should contact Counties Manukau police.

- NZPA