Labour Deputy Leader Clarifies Party’s Stance on Gang Patch Ban

Labour MP Peeni Henare, the party’s candidate for the Tāmaki Makaurau byelection, has faced scrutiny over his recent remarks regarding the party’s position on the gang patch ban. During a candidate debate with Te Pāti Māori candidate Orini Kaipara, Henare appeared to suggest that Labour would repeal the ban, which prohibits the public display of gang patches. This statement contradicted previous assurances from Labour leadership.

In response to Henare’s comments, Labour’s deputy leader, Carmel Sepuloni, clarified the party’s official stance at a press conference in Parliament. She emphasized that Labour would not repeal the ban and described Henare’s comments as a misunderstanding. “Certainly no need for a telling off. I think he’s mistaken and, you know, these things happen,” Sepuloni stated.

The gang patch ban, enacted under the previous Labour government, has been a contentious issue. Chris Hipkins, Labour’s leader, had indicated earlier that he did not support a repeal and had expressed intentions to evaluate the ban’s effectiveness if Labour returned to power. This inconsistency in messaging has raised questions about the party’s position as it heads into the byelection on November 18, 2023.

Henare’s remarks during the debate were unexpected, particularly given the party’s prior opposition to the legislation before it was enacted. Observers have noted that this confusion could impact Labour’s campaign strategy in the lead-up to the byelection, where public sentiment about crime and safety remains a significant concern.

Political analysts suggest that clarity on key issues such as the gang patch ban is crucial for Labour, especially in a competitive electoral environment. As the party seeks to maintain its support base, the leadership’s ability to effectively communicate its policies will be paramount.

The upcoming byelection in Tāmaki Makaurau is seen as a critical test for Labour, especially in light of recent polling that indicates shifting voter preferences. With the party’s internal dynamics under scrutiny, the focus will be on how they navigate messaging-related challenges as the election date approaches.

Labour’s leadership will need to ensure that all candidates are aligned with the party’s official policies to avoid further miscommunication. As the campaign unfolds, the ramifications of Henare’s comments will likely continue to be a point of discussion among voters and political commentators alike.