Kerrin Leoni upholds whānau connections and role model commitment in campaign trail clarification

Labour candidate for Tāmaki Makaurau, Kerrin Leoni, has spoken out about the importance of maintaining whānau bonds and serving as a positive influence within her community. On Thursday evening, 22 October 2026, Leoni used a social media post to clarify her attendance at a family event earlier this month, where she sought to encourage civic participation among her relatives. The clarification followed comments made during a Whakaata Māori debate by her opponent, Te Pāti Māori’s Oriini Kaipara. Leoni, a former Auckland councillor, explained that while some of her close whānau members are associated with gangs, she attended a private whānau function rather than a gang pad to engage with her family. During the event, video footage showed Leoni wearing her Labour jacket and encouraging those present to enroll to vote, telling them they have the power to influence the government. Leoni expressed a firm stance on her identity and family obligations, stating she would not turn her back on her relatives or pretend they are not her whānau due to their associations. She noted that she has always strived to be a role model for her family. Her whānau, she added, are supportive of her political career and her aspirations for the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate. Labour leader Chris Hipkins addressed the matter on Thursday, stating he had accepted Leoni’s explanation that she had not visited a gang pad for campaigning. Hipkins noted that Leoni is entitled to interact with her own family. While the Labour leader has previously expressed concern regarding formal political visits to gang headquarters, he acknowledged the personal nature of Leoni's whānau connections. Leoni says she remains focused on the core issues affecting voters as the 2026 election approaches.