New Zealand Police admitted Te Pāti Māori inquiry was closed 19 months prior

New Zealand Police have admitted that an investigation into Te Pāti Māori was closed in January 2024 with no further action, despite previously claiming the matter was an ‘active’ investigation in responses to Official Information Act requests.

The inquiry concerned an Electoral Commission referral regarding text messages sent before the 2023 election, which allegedly failed to include the legally required promoter statement. In July 2024 and August 2025, Police refused to release information about the referral, citing section 6(c) of the OIA because the cases were still ‘active investigations.’

However, a recent response revealed the investigation had actually concluded 19 months prior to the latest disclosure. The discrepancy raises questions regarding whether the repeated refusals were due to administrative errors, incorrect records, or the misuse of exemptions by senior officers.