By Duncan Garner
Two men have been charged with forgery, after allegedly enrolling more than 300 people to live at houses in South Auckland where they didn’t live.
Auckland Mayor John Banks says it shows some people are trying to steal the mayoralty, while Manukau Mayor Len Brown says it cannot be tolerated.
“Zero tolerance on voter fraud in New Zealand,” says Mr Brown.
“We don’t do it. I’m disappointed.”
But the alleged voting scam has given Mr Brown’s opponent some much-needed ammunition.
“I’m not making any allegations, but we can’t allow the first Auckland mayoralty to be stolen,” says Mr Banks.
Mr Brown accepts he knows one of the men involved.
“Whoever, or whatever their association with me or not, we just cannot tolerate that,” he said.
However, Mr Brown says his hands are “absolutely” clean in this situation.
Meanwhile Mr Banks was up early, rallying voters on the North Shore who have been slow to vote and voters finally appear to be waking up.
The turnout in the South Auckland wards of Otara and Papatoetoe continues to climb in record numbers – which is good news for Mr Brown.
Voters in central Auckland are also turning out in good numbers – Mr Banks is claiming that’s good for him.
While the North Shore turnout is still low, Devonport and Takapuna voters have finally started to vote – again, that’s good for Mr Banks.
“This is neck and neck and that’s why people need to know this is not over,” he says.
Mr Brown was out West today and remains confident.
But, he says he’s not claiming victory just yet.
“I do want to thank John for continuing to motivate my voters,” he says.
“But I’m not claiming victory at all.”
So Mr Brown and Mr Banks have just three days left to convince people.
Mr Brown has looked good, but Mr Banks isn’t giving up yet, and his voters may have just started to move.
3 News