Kiri Tamihere-Waititi's criticism

Te Pāti Māori's general manager Kiri Tamihere-Waititi called the cross-party rebuke of Te Pāti Māori and Green MPs meeting with Mongrel Mob members at their South Auckland gang pad 'manufactured outrage' from the right bloc.

“manufactured outrage”

Tamihere-Waititi's defense

She described the meeting as normal for Māori to sit with gang whānau, saying they don't discriminate and that every gang member is part of New Zealand society.

Oriini Kaipara's photos

Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara posted photos from a 'health and wellbeing election hui' at the Mongrel Mob gang pad featuring her and MPs Hūhana Lyndon and Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke.

Kaipara's explanation

Kaipara stated the kaupapa wasn't about them but about the health and wellbeing of the Mob community, with every gang member being part of a whānau and whakapapa.

Hipkins' response

Labour leader Hipkins ruled out giving Greens or Te Pāti Māori police or corrections portfolios in a future coalition government.

Luxon's comment

National leader Christopher Luxon called Hipkins' stance 'a new coalition member today, it's the Mongrel Mob'.

“a new coalition member today, it's the mongrel mob”

Goldsmith's criticism

National's justice spokesman Paul Goldsmith called Greens' willingness to fund Mongrel Mob drug prevention programs a 'sick joke'.

“sick joke”

Tamihere-Waititi's tactic warning

She warned political opponents had orchestrated the backlash to stress Labour and make them say they're not working with Māori or Green parties.

Tamihere-Waititi's call for vigilance

Tamihere-Waititi said it's important to watch for different tactics used by opponents to sow division and whakawehiwehi.

“whakawehiwehi”

Davidson's defense

Greens co-leader Marama Davidson called the meeting 'proud' engagement for marginalised communities, while Chlöe Swarbrick wanted to understand context.

“proud”

Hipkins' walkabout

Hipkins restated his belief that the meeting was 'an error of judgment' after a walkabout at New Lynn Mall.

“an error of judgment”

Hipkins' stance on gangs

Hipkins said visiting gang pads is not responsible for politicians and that gang members' harm in society shouldn't be given credence.

Tamihere-Waititi's whānau connection

She emphasized that Māori consider gang members as part of their whānau, whakapapa, and New Zealand society.

Political fallout

The meeting has triggered backlash from Labour, National, and other parties over whether politicians should engage with gang communities.

Mongrel Mob context

Mongrel Mob is a South Auckland gang with significant influence in local politics and community affairs.

Election 2026 context

The 2026 New Zealand election involves multiple parties including Labour, National, Te Pāti Māori, and Green Party.