A new MP?

As detailed in previous post Donna Awatere-Huata has been charged with using a document for pecuniary advantage. This would appear to be under Section 259 of the Crimes Act 1961 and has a maximum prison term of 10 years. There may be further charges laid also.

The Electoral Act 1993 states in paragraph (d) of Sections 55(1) that a conviction “of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term of 2 years or upwards” will create a vacancy for that MP’s seat.

So if convicted, the 10th ranked ACT candidate Kenneth Wang from Auckland will become an MP. It is possible she will resign her seat prior to trial, but I would be surprised.