SFO probe prompts calls for Marshal Ahluwalia to quit Manurewa Local Board
Two Auckland councillors are calling for a Manurewa Local Board member to resign after allegations about his conduct were referred to the Serious Fraud Office.
Marshal Ahluwalia took a leave of absence last month but is due to return to his elected duties next week.
The Herald understands the allegations surrounding Ahluwalia relate to his role at a transport company in 2024.
The SFO referral follows the emergence of a video in which Ahluwalia allegedly asks a contractor for money in exchange for being given work as a driver.
The video also allegedly shows Ahluwalia requesting a donation towards his 2025 election campaign.
Councillors Daniel Newman and Matt Winiata represent the Manurewa-Papakura ward.
They issued a joint statement today saying Ahluwalia had been axed from Newman’s Manurewa Action Team ticket after he lost the confidence of his two ward councillors.
They are now calling for him to reconsider his position and resign.
“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.
“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.”
Newman and Winiata said the controversy surrounding Ahluwalia was a distraction for his colleagues and wider community while he remains in elected public office.
“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.”
The Herald has approached Ahluwalia for comment. He is yet to respond.
He continues to receive a remuneration package of nearly $60,000 a year while he is on leave.
Auckland Council’s governance and engagement general manager, Lou-Ann Ballantyne, said the council was required to pay members as usual when they took a leave of absence, as part of their entitlement as elected members.
“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.”
Ballantyne said the council had referred the investigation to the appropriate authority, which in this case was the SFO.
“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.
“Under the legislative framework that all councils must operate, it is up to the elected member themselves to decide whether they stand down or want to take extended leave.”
‘Serious nature of the allegations’
Ahluwalia was elected to the board as part of Newman’s Manurewa Action Team ticket in October last year.
Newman said the video first came to his attention earlier last month, and he immediately referred 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 told the Herald.
He added that, during the vetting process for the Manurewa Action Team, Ahluwalia was asked to disclose anything in his past that could cause embarrassment.
“He indicated he had nothing to disclose.”
Speaking last month, Ballantyne said the council had been made aware of allegations regarding a local board member and referred them to the SFO.
“The member requested a leave of absence, which was granted by the Manurewa Local Board until 22 June 2026.”
The Serious Fraud Office confirmed it was currently evaluating a complaint received from Auckland Council regarding 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.”
Police said they had received a report relating to an allegation of fraud in October.
They made inquiries but ultimately found insufficient evidence to prove that the incident constituted a criminal offence.
“The complainant has since been advised, and the matter will be filed.”
A letter dated May 11 was sent by Ahluwalia to Manurewa Local Board chairwoman Heather Andrew requesting a leave of absence.
It cited “personal reasons” and thanked Andrew for her “understanding and support”.
Lane Nichols is Auckland desk editor for the New Zealand Herald with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry.
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