Chris Hipkins heckled by Vision NZ candidate at Ōtara markets

Labour leader Chris Hipkins was confronted by Vision NZ candidate Karl Mokaraka during a campaign visit to the Ōtara Markets on Saturday morning. The confrontation occurred as Hipkins was heading to his car in heavy rain. Mokaraka, who is standing as the Vision NZ candidate for the Ōtāhuhu electorate, repeatedly shouted "what's a woman?" and accused Hipkins of leaving South Auckland "in a mess".

Former Labour Speaker Trevor Mallard intervened by stepping between the two men. During the intervention, Mallard appeared to bump into Mokaraka and told him, "stop that".

Before the confrontation, Mokaraka appeared friendly and shook hands with Hipkins. Hipkins, who was accompanied by deputy Carmel Sepuloni and other local candidates, noted that the campaign could be conducted "quite civilly".

The visit to the markets was part of a larger campaign day that included a rally at Waatea Marae in Māngere. Hipkins stated that winning Auckland is "really important" for the party and focused on increasing voter turnout.

How it developed

• Sat 26 Sep, 2:48pmHipkins stated that winning Auckland is important for the party and noted that the Electoral Commission could improve voter enrolment.

Where reports differ

• One report described the encounter as a brief altercation, while another noted Mokaraka appeared friendly and shook hands before the confrontation.

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