Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com
Labour is facing renewed political pressure over its relationship with gangs after questions emerged about comments made by one of its candidates and the party’s approach to law and order.
The issue follows earlier controversy surrounding engagement between politicians and Mongrel Mob members, including visits and meetings involving figures from both the Green Party and Te Pāti Māori that attracted significant public debate during the election campaign.
National Campaign Chair Simeon Brown has now turned his attention to Labour, arguing the party has not adequately distanced itself from gangs and raising questions about comments made by Labour’s Tāmaki Makaurau candidate, Kerrin Leoni.
The criticism follows a debate in which Leoni reportedly declined to endorse Labour leader Chris Hipkins’ position that the Greens and Te Pāti Māori should not hold Police or Corrections portfolios in a future Labour-led coalition government.
Brown also questioned Labour’s response to speculation surrounding whether Leoni had visited a gang pad, arguing the party’s wording left unanswered questions.
More broadly, National says Labour’s record in government demonstrates a pattern of engagement with gang figures. It points to funding provided to programmes involving Mongrel Mob affiliates, Covid-era border exemption decisions, meetings between ministers and gang representatives, and Labour’s opposition to National’s gang patch ban legislation.
“From the top of the party down to its candidates, Labour keeps showing New Zealanders it is far too close to the gangs,” Brown said.
The attack comes as law and order remains a significant election issue and as National seeks to draw sharp distinctions between its anti-gang policies and those of its opponents.
Labour has previously defended engagement with community organisations connected to gang rehabilitation initiatives as part of efforts to reduce crime, addiction and social harm. The party has also argued that addressing gang influence requires a combination of enforcement and prevention measures.
At the time of publication, Labour had not responded to National’s latest allegations concerning Leoni or provided further comment on the specific claims raised by Brown.
With coalition negotiations already becoming part of the election debate, questions about gangs, crime and policing are likely to remain a key battleground in the campaign’s closing days.
