Labour candidate Kerrin Leoni resigns over gang association footage

Kerrin Leoni has resigned as the Labour Party candidate for Tāmaki Makaurau following the emergence of video footage showing her campaigning alongside members of the Mongrel Mob. The footage, which surfaced late in the election cycle, shows Leoni wearing Labour-branded clothing and encouraging attendees at an October 3 gathering in Papakura to vote.

Leoni initially maintained that she was attending a whānau function involving relatives with gang affiliations rather than a gang pad. However, Labour leader Chris Hipkins, who had expressed “absolute” confidence in her just a day prior, reversed his position after reviewing the footage. Hipkins stated that the video was “inconsistent with the standards I expect of Labour candidates,” noting that while families are complex, candidates are responsible for their own choices.

Because nominations had already closed, Leoni’s name will remain on the ballot, though she will no longer represent the party. The incident has sparked political debate regarding consistency, as Hipkins had previously criticized politicians from the Green Party and Te Pāti Māori for similar associations.