Gang Pad Visit Controversy

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson defended a candidate's gang pad visit during the election campaign amid controversy.

“i will listen to anyone who wants to turn their life around for the better”

Act's David Seymour Criticism

Act's David Seymour criticized the visit as sending the wrong message, questioning the restoration of mana to the Mongrel Mob.

“why on earth would you go to the very place that causes so much of that trouble and say that you want to restore mana to the mongrel mob”

Opportunity Leader's Stance

Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong called the campaign engagement with gangs inappropriate and supported first-home buyer policies.

“i think there are lots of things that happened in the 50s and 60s that would be inappropriate today”

Debate Participants

The debate featured Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson, Act's David Seymour, Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong, and NZ First leader Winston Peters.

Te Pāti Māori Withdrawal

Te Pāti Māori pulled out of the debate after co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer's mother passed away.

Debate Dynamics

The debate was fiery with Ryan Bridge summoning the spirit of Paula Bennett to calm the leaders after it got out of hand.

Seymour on KiwiSaver

Seymour criticized Opportunity's policy of axing KiwiSaver withdrawals for first-home buyers as harmful to housing affordability.

“that’s going to mean that the only people who can buy a house in this country are those dependent on the bank of mum and dad”

Wong on Land Tax

Opportunity proposed a land tax and tax reset to support first-home buyers through a citizen's income policy.

“that’s why we have proposed the land tax and the tax reset as a whole”

Peters on Smacking

NZ First leader Winston Peters discussed his childhood experience with physical discipline and anti-smacking laws.

“as a child i got a few smackings and guess what i thoroughly deserved them”

Wong on Peters' Criticism

Wong countered Peters' criticism of her centrism as 'dreamtime stuff' and emphasized her right to answer questions.

“i think there are lots of things that happened in the 50s and 60s that would be inappropriate today”

Davidson on Coalition Removal

Davidson stated her party is the only one committed to removing the coalition government from power.

“i am one of the most powerful people standing here tonight being the only leader in the room committed to removing the anti-worker anti-environment harmful government”

Wong on Government Removal

Wong called Davidson's focus on government removal 'sad' and emphasized proactive policies over political bottom lines.

“how sad is it that our politics is in a state that a bottom line has to be getting rid of the government”

Davidson's Response

Davidson rejected Wong's criticism, stating the government cannot withstand another month or term.

“the people know that they cannot withstand another month let alone another term of this government”

Wong on Coalition Government

Wong stated the Greens are not proposing to prop up the coalition government.

“and we are not proposing to prop up this coalition government”

Debate Outcome

The debate highlighted tensions between political parties over gang engagement, housing policies, and government removal.