Ahluwalia did not respond to the Herald’s request for comment on Friday.
As councillors, Newman and Winiata do not have voting rights on the board but do have speaking rights.
Newman said they often provide support to the members, but this would cease while Ahluwalia remains.
Newman and Winiata said Ahluwalia had once “paraded” about Manurewa with ambitions of becoming “a Minister of the Crown”.
Manurewa-Papakura ward councillors Daniel Newman (left) and Matt Winiata (right) say they have lost confidence in Marshal Ahluwalia
“We have lost confidence in Mr Ahluwalia, and we are dismayed that he has resumed his seat and was today participating in decision-making around the Manurewa Local Board table,” they said.
The councillors believed Ahluwalia’s presence was undermining the board at a critical time as it consulted the community on its local board plan and prepared to take on additional responsibilities.
They also criticised Ahluwalia for returning to the board without publicly addressing the allegations.
Allegations relating to Manurewa Local Board member Marshal Ahluwalia have been referred to the Serious Fraud Office
Speaking last month, Lou-Ann Ballantyne, Auckland Council’s governance and engagement general manager, 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”.
Rachel Maher is the education correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. She also covers a variety of other topics such as Auckland issues, crime and local government. She started at the Herald as a breaking news journalist in 2022, before joining the Auckland team this year.
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