Greens and Te Pāti Māori defend meeting with Mongrel Mob

Green Party and Te Pāti Māori candidates have faced criticism after meeting with the Mongrel Mob at a gang pad south of Auckland. The group, which included Green MP Hūhana Lyndon and candidate Michel Mulipola alongside Te Pāti Māori MPs Oriini Kaipara and Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke, posed for selfies and photos with patched gang members.

Green co-leader Marama Davidson defended the visit, stating the party is "unapologetic" about engaging with all communities, particularly those living on the margins. She noted that the party's focus is on prevention and that they would not rule out funding programmes that work to minimise the harm of methamphetamine.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins condemned the meeting, stating that gang members are "perpetrators of misery". Hipkins ruled out the Greens or Te Pāti Māori holding the police or corrections portfolios in a future Labour-led government.

National Party justice spokesperson Paul Goldsmith criticised the meeting, suggesting the Opposition was prioritising gangs over victims. He questioned whether the candidates had asked gang members about their actions, noting that "their victims know".

How it developed

• Thu 15 Oct, 12:58pmLabour leader Chris Hipkins ruled out the Greens and Te Pāti Māori from the police or corrections portfolios in a future government.
• Thu 15 Oct, 2:38pmMarama Davidson stated the Greens are open to funding programmes that work to minimise the harm of methamphetamine.

Compiled from reports by Stuff, Otago Daily Times, NZ Herald, RNZ and Newsroom.