Outcome of Police investigation into electoral returns of Hon John Banks
Statement from Assistant Commissioner Malcolm Burgess:
Police investigating allegations that the Hon John Banks knowingly transmitted a false electoral return have decided
there is insufficient evidence to consider a prosecution for an offence under section 134(1) of the Local Electoral Act
2001.
This follows complaints about returns filed relating to donations from Sky City Casino, Mr Kim Dotcom and a radio
advertising donation to the 2010 Auckland Super City mayoralty campaign of Mr Banks.
The inquiry has established the return was compiled by a campaign volunteer who assured Mr Banks it was accurate before
Mr Banks signed and transmitted the return.
In terms of Section 134 (2) of the Local Electoral Act relating to transmitting a false return there is a statutory
limit of six months from the time of elections when complaints must be laid. Police first received the complaint for
investigation on 27 April 2012, well after the expiry of six month period. Police are therefore unable to consider
charges pursuant to Section 134 (2).
END