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Labour leader Chris Hipkins is facing fresh questions after footage emerged of one of his candidates campaigning at an event attended by Mongrel Mob members.
The video shows Tāmaki Makaurau candidate Kerrin Leoni wearing Labour branding, standing beside her election hoardings and encouraging people to vote.
The gathering took place in Papakura on 3 October and also served as a fundraiser.
During a televised debate with Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara, Leoni denied visiting the gang pad where Kaipara and Green Party representatives had previously been photographed.
The newly released footage shows Leoni attending a separate gathering involving gang members.
Leoni acknowledged attending the event, saying, “I attended a whānau function where some of those present were whānau gang members.”
Leoni was open about having gang members in her family.
The controversy comes after Hipkins criticised the Greens and Te Pāti Māori for visiting a Mongrel Mob pad, describing the decision as poor judgement.
Hipkins said he accepted Leoni’s assurance that she had not visited a gang pad while campaigning.
Labour’s Tāmaki Makaurau candidate Kerrin Leoni at a Mongrel Mob chapter fundraiser in branded Labour clothing, soliciting votes. https://t.co/usiekQi4hi
— Suit and tie (@Suitandtie9999) October 22, 2026
National campaign chair Simeon Brown has accused Labour candidates of campaigning with the Mongrel Mob and questioned what Hipkins knew.
“Chris Hipkins has either lied to New Zealanders or has been totally negligent,” Brown said.
Brown wants to know whether Leoni told Hipkins the event was a fundraiser, whether money changed hands and what action the Labour leader intends to take.
ACT deputy leader Nicole McKee also questioned whether Leoni received political donations at the gathering.
“You can’t pick your whānau, but you can pick where you campaign,” McKee said.
McKee challenged Leoni’s explanation that she wanted to be a role model for her family.
“Ms Leoni says she wants to be a role model for her whānau. A role model would condemn the criminal behaviour that is ruining so many lives.”
In a Facebook post on Thursday night Leoni said “to be clear, I have not attended a gang pad, at all during this campaign. I said at the debate I have close whānau who are gang members.
“In early October, I attended a whānau function where some of those present were whānau gang members. Many of my whānau are proud of my involvement in politics and have supported me throughout my political career. I will not turn my back on them or pretend they are not my whānau because of their associations. I’ve always tried to be a role model for my whānau.
“I’m disappointed that this has become the main focus following last night’s Tāmaki Makaurau debate with Oriini Kaipara. We had a great evening discussing issues that genuinely matter to voters, and I would much rather the focus remained on those important conversations.
I have a lot of respect for Oriini and wish her all the best for the remainder of the campaign.”
