Labour candidate resigns after video shows campaigning with gang members

Labour candidate Kerrin Leoni has resigned from the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate race after footage emerged of her campaigning at an event attended by Mongrel Mob members. The video shows Leoni wearing a red Labour Party jacket while speaking to attendees, holding an election hoarding, and handing out pamphlets. Leoni, a former Auckland councillor, stated she attended a whānau function in early October where some gang members were present, but she denied visiting a gang pad.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said Leoni's actions were inconsistent with the standards he expects of candidates and described campaigning alongside gangs as unacceptable. Hipkins noted that while families are complex and people should be supported to leave gangs, candidates are responsible for their own choices. Although Leoni has resigned, her name will remain on the ballot because nominations have already closed.

The resignation follows recent controversy involving Green and Te Pāti Māori candidates who attended a health event at a Mongrel Mob pad. Hipkins previously criticised those visits as a "huge error of judgement" and stated he would rule out those parties from holding justice, police, or corrections portfolios in a Labour-led government.

Political opponents have criticised the incident, with National MP Paul Goldsmith calling the situation an "appalling look". National's Simeon Brown suggested Hipkins had either lied to New Zealanders or was "totally negligent". ACT deputy leader Nicole McKee questioned the distinction between visiting a gang pad and campaigning at a gathering where gang members are present.

How it developed

• Fri 23 Oct, 9:44amA photograph was obtained showing Leoni at the event with a group including people in Mongrel Mob regalia.
• Fri 23 Oct, 10:53amNational's Simeon Brown accused Labour candidates of campaigning with the Mongrel Mob and then lying about it.

Where reports differ

• Leoni initially denied visiting a gang pad during a debate, but later clarified she attended a whānau function in early October.

Compiled from reports by Stuff, The Post, RNZ, NZ Herald, Otago Daily Times, Newsroom and 1News.