Te Pāti Māori co-leader defends whakapapa connections amid Tāmaki Makaurau election controversy

Te Pāti Māori has come to the defence of former Labour candidate Kerrin Leoni, asserting that Māori should not be forced to choose between political responsibilities and maintaining relationships with their whānau. The statement, issued on Sunday, October 25, follows Leoni’s resignation as the Labour candidate for Tāmaki Makaurau on Friday, October 23. Leoni resigned after footage and photographs emerged showing her at an October 3 gathering that included family members and individuals associated with the Mongrel Mob. Waatea News reports that Leoni described the event as a whānau gathering involving children, kaumātua, and relatives, where she had encouraged attendees to enrol and participate in the upcoming general election. She maintained that she would not turn her back on her whānau regardless of their circumstances. Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi described the resignation as a sad day for Māori, arguing that gang affiliation does not erase whakapapa connections or the inherent responsibilities people have toward their relatives. Waititi accused other political parties of turning Māori whānau into "political ammunition" just two weeks out from the general election, scheduled for November 7. He argued that the fallout from the controversy risks further stigmatising Māori communities and creating unnecessary divisions. Waititi further acknowledged Leoni’s contributions to Tāmaki Makaurau and the efforts of her campaign team. Despite her withdrawal, Leoni’s name will remain on the ballot for the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate as nominations have already closed. Te Pāti Māori continues to advocate for a campaign strategy that respects Māori community engagement, maintaining that political presence within these groups should not be automatically interpreted as an endorsement of criminal activity, but rather a recognition of complex social and familial ties.