ACT Deputy Leader Nicole McKee has entered the growing political controversy surrounding Labour’s Tāmaki Makaurau candidate Kerrin Leoni, accusing Labour leader Chris Hipkins of applying inconsistent standards to political engagement with gang-affiliated communities.
The criticism follows the circulation of footage reportedly showing Leoni attending a Mongrel Mob-associated event, adding to an election campaign dispute involving Labour, Te Pāti Māori and questions about politicians’ engagement with gang members.
McKee says the footage raises questions about Labour’s position on gang-related activities and whether the party’s public criticism of other political figures is consistent with the conduct of its own candidates.
ACT Questions Labour’s Judgement
In a statement, McKee alleges the footage shows Leoni wearing Labour campaign branding, standing near campaign hoardings and encouraging people to vote at an event attended by Mongrel Mob members.
She argues that the appearance conflicts with criticism directed at other political parties over their engagement with gang-affiliated communities.
McKee has also challenged Hipkins over his reported distinction between attending a gang-associated event and visiting a gang pad.
ACT maintains that the distinction does not adequately address its concerns about political campaigning involving gang members.
However, the presence of gang members at a community event does not, by itself, establish that a candidate visited a gang pad or endorsed criminal activity.
Questions Over Campaign Donations
McKee has also raised questions about whether Leoni received campaign donations or fundraising contributions connected to the event.
The ACT Deputy Leader has called attention to the source of any potential contributions, although the statement provides no evidence that Leoni received donations from gang members or that any campaign finance rules were breached.
Any claims about donations would require supporting financial records or confirmation from the candidate or Labour Party.
The allegations come as political parties face heightened scrutiny over their campaign activities in the final weeks before the November 7 general election.
ACT Highlights Its Law and Order Policies
McKee has used the controversy to reinforce ACT’s position on crime and gang-related policy.
She points to the reinstatement of Three Strikes sentencing provisions for serious violent and sexual offending, alongside ACT’s support for redirecting funding away from gang-run programmes towards victims and crime prevention.
The party is also campaigning to extend Three Strikes provisions to burglary.
ACT argues that its approach prioritises accountability for serious offending and public safety.
Those policy positions form part of a wider election debate about criminal justice, rehabilitation, community-based services and the most effective ways to reduce offending.
Wider Debate Over Māori Community Engagement
The controversy also raises broader questions about political engagement with communities where gang affiliations exist alongside wider whānau relationships.
Te Pāti Māori candidate Oriini Kaipara has defended engagement with gang-affiliated communities in the context of health and wellbeing initiatives.
The debate has highlighted differing views about whether attending such events constitutes legitimate community representation or creates concerns about political judgement.
For Māori communities, the issue also touches on the distinction between engaging with whānau affected by gang involvement and supporting the activities of gang organisations.
Those are not necessarily the same thing, and the circumstances of individual events remain important when assessing political conduct.
Hipkins and Leoni Face Further Questions
The latest statement places additional pressure on Labour to clarify the circumstances surrounding Leoni’s attendance.
Key questions include the nature of the gathering, whether campaign fundraising took place, and how the event relates to Leoni’s earlier comments during the Whakaata Māori electorate debate.
McKee’s criticisms represent ACT’s political position, rather than established findings of wrongdoing by Leoni or Labour.
With election day approaching, the dispute has become part of a wider contest over political accountability, public safety and the boundaries of engagement with gang-affiliated communities.
The central issue remains whether the parties can establish a clear and consistent distinction between community engagement, election campaigning and support for gang organisations.
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