Auckland Council has referred an allegation against an elected local board member to the Serious Fraud Office.
Marshal Ahluwalia is a member of the Manurewa Local Board. He has taken a leave of absence until June 22.
The Herald understands the allegations relate to Ahluwalia’s 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.
Manurewa councillor Daniel Newman said Ahluwalia was elected to the board as part of Newman’s Manurewa Action Team ticket in October last year.
Newman said the video only came to his attention earlier this month and he immediately referred the matter to council CEO 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.
Newman said 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.”
Lou-Ann Ballantyne, the councils general manager Governance and Engagement told the Herald the council had been made aware of allegations regarding a local board member.
“The member requested a leave of absence, which was granted by the Manurewa Local Board until 22 June 2026.
“We have looked into this matter and have referred it to the appropriate agency for further consideration. It would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.”
The Herald has sought comment from Ahluwalia.
More to come...
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