Documents reveal details of Michael Forbes scandal and police investigation

Wednesday 13 August 2025 · 7 outlets · 5 reports · updated Wed 13 Aug 2025, 5:42pm

In this story Michael Forbes

Released documents show police escalated allegations regarding former press secretary Michael Forbes to senior leadership. While police notified the executive, Forbes was told the responsibility to inform his employer rested with him. The investigation involved allegations that Forbes covertly recorded sessions with sex workers.

How they headlined it

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1. The PostWed 13 Aug 2025, 3:08pm

   New documents reveal how the Michael Forbes scandal played out (opens in new tab)

   Also on Waikato Times (opens in new tab), The Press (opens in new tab)

2. RNZWed 13 Aug 2025, 3:08pm

   Former press secretary Michael Forbes told to inform employer himself after filming allegations (opens in new tab)

3. StuffWed 13 Aug 2025, 3:31pm

   Revealed: Who in police knew what and when in PM press secretary sex worker case (opens in new tab)

4. 1News via RNZWed 13 Aug 2025, 3:59pm

   Senior police told about press secretary's brothel images last year (opens in new tab)

5. NZ HeraldWed 13 Aug 2025, 5:42pm

   Prime Minister’s former press secretary Michael Forbes told to inform employer himself after filming allegations (opens in new tab)