Luxon defends National MP after photo with gang members emerges

A photograph has emerged showing National Minister for Māori Development, Whānau Ora, and Conservation Tama Potaka standing with patched Mongrel Mob members. Potaka stated the image was taken in January 2024 at a Hui ā-motu organised by the late King Tūheitia. He explained that one of the individuals was a former school mate who requested the photo.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended Potaka, stating it would be "disingenuous" to equate the image with those of opposition politicians. Luxon noted that Potaka was not campaigning or fundraising for the Mongrel Mob. Police Minister Mark Mitchell added that Potaka was likely being "respectful" and trying not to create a scene when approached at the public event.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has accused Luxon of hypocrisy and a "massive double standard". Hipkins argued that National should hold its own MPs to the same standards applied to the resignation of Labour candidate Kerrin Leoni. Leoni resigned after footage emerged of her at a Mongrel Mob fundraising event.

The controversy follows several reports of politicians from the Greens, Te Pāti Māori, and Labour being photographed with gang members. Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong stated she and her candidates have never posed with gang members.

How it developed

• Sun 25 Oct, 11:56amOpportunity leader Qiulae Wong stated she has never posed with gangs and her candidates have not either.

Where reports differ

• Reports disagree on when the photo was taken, with one source stating January 2024 and another stating it was three years ago

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