Luxon distinguishes between his gang photos and those of opposition figures

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has stated that photos of him with gang members are fundamentally different from those involving opposition politicians. He argued that his presence alongside Black Power members at a Crown apology to survivors of state care should not be conflated with candidates campaigning for votes in gang-related settings.

The photograph of Luxon with three Black Power members was taken at Parliament during an apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. The men in the photo, identified as Rob, Jason, and Albie Epere, were not wearing gang patches or insignia. Luxon noted that while abuse in state care might play a role in gang membership, individuals still have free will and must take personal responsibility.

The controversy follows the resignation of Labour candidate Kerrin Leoni, who stepped down after footage emerged of her appearing to campaign alongside Mongrel Mob members. National MP Tama Potaka also faced scrutiny over a 2024 photo with patched Mongrel Mob members, which he defended as being taken at a public hui before the gang patch ban.

Prison reform advocate Cosmo Jeffery noted that politicians have engaged with gangs for decades, citing Robert Muldoon's meetings with Black Power in the 1970s. He also criticised the government for cancelling the Kahukura methamphetamine rehabilitation programme, which was run by a consultancy founded by Mongrel Mob life member Harry Tam.

How it developed

• Mon 26 Oct, 4:00amCosmo Jeffery highlighted historical precedents of politicians meeting with gangs, including Robert Muldoon and John Key's era, to provide context to the current controversy.

Where reports differ

• While Harry Tam described Luxon as a 'two face hypncratie [sic] politician', Luxon maintained there is a significant difference between his official engagement and political campaigning

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