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New Zealand First’s candidate for the Papakura electorate has stood down as comments made before he threw his hat into the ring may come to light. Ngatai says he became concerned when he received communications threatening to make private information public.
“Over recent weeks, communications were received which we interpreted as linking demands for money with the prospect of private information being released publicly,” he confirms.
“The nature of the communications caused us to become concerned about whether we were dealing with potential harassment, blackmail or extortion. Those are serious words and I use them carefully.
“I am not saying that any individual has been found to have committed those offences. That determination belongs to the appropriate authorities.”
The matter has been referred to police.
“Where we believe conduct directed towards us raises serious questions of potential criminal wrongdoing, we will preserve the evidence, report it to the appropriate authorities and seek accountability through the proper processes.
“Relevant messages, voice communications and other material have been preserved and referred to the New Zealand Police so they can independently assess what occurred and determine whether any offence has been committed.”
The comments that Ngatai says have been threatened with being made public centre around a disagreement involving Radio Aotearoa as well as more recent issues involving the Manurewa Local Board.
“We do not accept that we have acted unlawfully in dealing with these matters. We saw this as a volunteer staffing situation,” he says.
“These matters were escalated against the backdrop of recent issues involving the Manurewa Local Board and concerns raised by my wife. Information relating to those matters has previously been taken to the appropriate authorities as well.
“My wife should be able to raise legitimate concerns involving local government without being subjected to intimidation or personal attacks. Likewise, anybody who disagrees with her allegations or actions is entitled to respond and provide their own evidence.”
While he has stepped aside from the election race, Ngatai says he has not been intimidated.
“My wife, myself and the organisations we are responsible for will not be bullied, intimidated or blackmailed into silence,” he says. “We [will not] be frightened into silence because someone threatens reputational, political or commercial consequences.
“I could remain a candidate and spend the coming weeks defending myself, explaining private conversations and responding to allegations online, but that would make the Papakura campaign about George Ngatai rather than New Zealand First. I am not prepared to do that to the party.”
Ngatai thanked people who have worked on his short campaign.
“For me, stepping aside means accepting responsibility for the circumstances I can control, dealing properly with those I cannot, and ensuring the party is not required to carry a distraction that belongs with me.”
