Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com
Marama Davidson says the Greens would repeal the gang patch ban, remain open to funding gang-run programmes that deliver results, and continue engaging directly with gang members, as criticism mounts over images from a South Auckland hui attended by Mongrel Mob affiliates.
The Green Party has doubled down on the controversy surrounding images showing Green and Te Pāti Māori politicians posing at a South Auckland whānau health hui attended by members of the Mongrel Mob.
Green co-leader Marama Davidson has confirmed that a future Green-led government would repeal the gang patch ban, describing it as “unnecessary work that needs undoing.” She has also stated that the Greens would be open to funding programmes run by gangs, including the Mongrel Mob, if they could demonstrate positive outcomes, and confirmed she would continue visiting gang pads and engaging directly with gang members.
The images show Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara, candidate Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke, Green MP Hūhana Lyndon, and Māngere candidate Michel Mulipola at the hui, surrounded by gang insignia and banners.
Davidson defended the visit as necessary engagement with marginalised communities, arguing that effective solutions require working with people where they are. Te Pāti Māori similarly defended the gathering, saying its kaupapa is to engage with all Māori without judgment.
The images have drawn criticism across the political spectrum. National’s Simeon Brown said the scenes highlighted what he described as a soft approach to crime, while Labour leader Chris Hipkins labelled the appearance a “huge error of judgement” and ruled out the MPs involved from holding justice-related portfolios under a Labour-led government.
The controversy has intensified scrutiny of the Greens’ approach to gangs, with opponents arguing the party is normalising criminal organisations, while supporters maintain engagement is essential to addressing social harm and improving outcomes in communities where gangs remain influential.
