A New Zealand judge voided a local election due to 79 fraudulent votes, ordering a new vote in April 2026.

A New Zealand judge has voided the Papatoetoe local board election due to 79 irregular votes, including 53 cast without voters' knowledge, primarily benefiting the Papatoetoe-Ōtara Action Team. The ruling follows a petition by former deputy chair Vi Hausia alleging ballot theft and fraud. A new election is ordered for April 9, 2026, with nominations opening December 31 and voting starting March 9. The three Ōtara board members remain in office, but the board lacks a quorum. A police investigation into the alleged fraud is ongoing.