Senior press secretary Michael Forbes resigns following police investigation

Thursday 5 June 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Thu 5 Jun 2025, 1:02pm

In this story Christopher Luxon, Louise Upston, Richard Chambers, Michael Forbes, Prime Minister's Office

Michael Forbes has resigned from his role as acting deputy chief press secretary after being accused of recording audio of sessions with sex workers. Questions have been raised regarding why the Prime Minister's office was not informed of the police investigation last year.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZThu 5 Jun 2025, 5:00am

   Why wasn't PM told about police investigation into senior press secretary Michael Forbes? (opens in new tab)

2. 1News via RNZThu 5 Jun 2025, 8:41am

   Why wasn't PM told about police investigation into staffer? (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesThu 5 Jun 2025, 8:47am

   Why wasn't PM told about inquiry into staffer Michael Forbes? (opens in new tab)

4. NZ HeraldThu 5 Jun 2025, 8:56am

   Why wasn’t the PM told about the police investigation into senior press secretary Michael Forbes? (opens in new tab)

5. The Press via The PostThu 5 Jun 2025, 1:02pm

   Police executive did not tell Ministerial Services of complaint about PM’s press secretary (opens in new tab)