From NZ Herald · · 2m
Chlöe Swarbrick needs more info on Green MP’s Mongrel Mob meeting
Green Party leader Chlöe Swarbrick says she needs more context on her MP’s meeting with Mongrel Mob members.
In brief
Green Party leader Chlöe Swarbrick says she needs more context on her MP’s meeting with Mongrel Mob members. Green Party leader Chlöe Swarbrick says she needs more context on her MP’s meeting with Mongrel Mob members. Originally reported by NZ Herald.
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson
Marama Davidson says meeting with Mongrel Mob is not new and her party is unapologetic about engaging with marginalised communities.
“We’re proud and we have done that year and year again”
Chlöe Swarbrick’s response
Swarbrick says she needs more context to understand the meeting’s implications for community health and wellbeing.
“I just contextualise this and the fact that in this past term of Parliament, we have received the Royal Commission of Abuse into state care”
Mongrel Mob meeting details
Mongrel Mob members met with Green MP Hūhana Lyndon and Te Pāti Māori MPs Oriini Kaipara and Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke.
“Mongrel Mob whānau, health and wellbeing election hui with the Green and Māori Party candidates”
Swarbrick’s health focus
Swarbrick says Lyndon attended the meeting on the basis that gang members need healthcare access.
“Asked about the meeting, Swarbrick said it was her understanding Lyndon, the party’s health spokeswoman, attended 'on the basis that those who are in gangs also need access to healthcare'”
Marama Davidson’s 2021 meeting
Davidson met Mongrel Mob members in 2021 with the Human Rights Commissioner, calling it a 'fabulous community event for justice'.
“We are unapologetic about making sure that we can engage with all communities, especially communities who are living on the margins”
Swarbrick’s cycle of violence
Swarbrick says politicians must end the cycle of violence and criminality by understanding the root causes.
“The way that we best do that is that we understand what is driving that in the first place and we stop that cycle”
Swarbrick’s voter concerns
Swarbrick denies the meeting was about gaining votes but says understanding marginalized communities is key to addressing issues.
“Swarbrick was asked if she would have advised against it if Lyndon had come to her about the meeting before attending”
Swarbrick’s advice
Swarbrick says politicians must understand the experiences of marginalized communities to address healthcare and housing issues.
“She said if politicians wanted to address issues like criminality and ensuring access to healthcare and housing”
Marama Davidson’s pride
Davidson says her party is proud of its long-term engagement with marginalized communities.
“We’re proud and we have done that year and year again”
Mongrel Mob’s health focus
Mongrel Mob members emphasized health and wellbeing as the focus of the meeting with political candidates.
“The kaupapa [theme] wasn’t about us but about the health and wellbeing of the Mob community”
Swarbrick’s context
Swarbrick says the meeting is part of a broader effort to address systemic issues in marginalized communities.
“I just contextualise this and the fact that in this past term of Parliament, we have received the Royal Commission of Abuse into state care”
Marama Davidson’s engagement
Davidson says her party has engaged with marginalized communities for years, including through meetings with Mongrel Mob.
“We are unapologetic about making sure that we can engage with all communities, especially communities who are living on the margins”
Swarbrick’s next steps
Swarbrick says the Green Party will continue to work on understanding the needs of marginalized communities.
“We again are trying to understand the needs of every New Zealander”
Mongrel Mob’s community focus
Mongrel Mob members claim the meeting focused on health and wellbeing, not political gain.
“The kaupapa [theme] wasn’t about us but about the health and wellbeing of the Mob community”
Swarbrick’s cycle of violence
Swarbrick says the Green Party must end the cycle of violence and criminality by addressing root causes.
“The way that we best do that is that we understand what is driving that in the first place and we stop that cycle”
Marama Davidson’s pride
Davidson says her party is proud of its long-term engagement with marginalized communities.
“We’re proud and we have done that year and year again”
At a glance
Green Party leader Chlöe Swarbrick says she needs more context on her MP’s meeting with Mongrel Mob members.
