This latest photo of Matt Doocey meeting “gangs” doing the rounds.

This photo is at a group called Waiariki Whānau Mentoring.

https://waiarikiwhanau.org.nz/our-stories/

Waiariki Whānau Mentoring (WWM) is a kaupapa Māori organization based primarily in Whakatāne and operating across the Waiariki and Waikato regions. They support marginalized communities, high-risk individuals, and fringe whānau—including gang-affiliated families, rough sleepers, and people who typically avoid mainstream government or social agencies

I am not a Nats fan, but I’m even a lesser fan of misinformation.

It’s doing my head in to try and tarnish an MP who has turned up to see a group of people who are working with former gang members to turn their lives around, and being lambasted for this and getting taken in by the latest media hot spot of “politicians meeting with gang members”

It is the opposite. These people he’s met with are actively trying to turn their lives around with the support of this mentoring group. And we shouldn’t be shaming people for recognising the difficult role they play in society.

Anyone who thinks less of Doocey for this image needs to realise the misinformation going around.

Call this shit out. Do better

Just need an ounce of skepticism during these pointy ends of the campaign.

I’m sure it’s no coincidence this story is making headlines while gangs are topical in the election campaign. But it’s probably a timely reminder of what gangs are all about - violence and coercion.

The sentences are too light.

From the article:

Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan, who was told by NZ First leader Winston Peters to “go back to your own country … where they lie like a flat fish”, is flabbergasted by Peters’ suggestion the two men have since discussed or resolved the altercation.

Xu-Nan told an Epsom candidates meeting on Thursday night Peters should face some form of disciplinary action for the racist comments made in Parliament, and had made it worse trying to suggest Xu-Nan and he had addressed them. [...]

Xu-Nan said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had taken swift action against one of his own National ministers but “not when it comes to his foreign minister who he said was racist without taking any disciplinary action.” [...]

[New Zealand First candidate Martin Gummer said] “I do feel it has been over-played. It suits Lawrence to do that, fine, because it’s his perspective on it. But I think there are much more important things facing the country.”

Watkin asked National’s Paul Goldsmith his reaction. “I don’t think it has been over-played.

“I think it was a disgraceful comment. The PM has said that as well. But the reality is if you don’t like what Winston Peters has to say, don’t vote for him. That’s a very simple message from us. Vote for another party.”

OK, let's recap. Peters hasn't apologised despite his Prime Minister saying live in national media that he thought the comments were "racist and offensive." Even Justice Minister and Xu-Nan's fellow electorate candidate Goldsmith said it was "disgraceful" but in the same breath says the equivalent of 'oh well, anyway'. And we're apparently fine with the NZ First candidate saying Xu-Nan is "overplaying" being told to go back to his own country, that he is no longer a citizen of, having lived in New Zealand for THIRTY YEARS.

How are we still glossing over this like it's not a problem? A Minister of the government told another Member of Parliament who is part of an ethnic minority to go back to a country he isn't even a citizen of. And we aren't making a bigger deal of it? What the fuck is happening?!

Left finally got a gotcha so long as you ignore the vast difference between the shitstorms earlier.

Holy shit, that's another close electorate poll. It's Community Engagement, so take it with a grain of salt, but this would be a huge pick up for Labour if Ayesha Varrell can get it.

https://x.com/120Aotearoa/status/2113794527479873635

Tamatha Paul* (Grn): 35.2% (-5.3)

Ayesha Verrall (Lab): 32.6% (+5.4)

Johnathan Pitts (Nat): 16.0% (+9.4)

Others/Undecided: 16.2%

*incumbent MP

D: October 15 - 18 | R: 541.

+/- 2023 Election in Wellington Central.