Kerrin Leoni to contest Tāmaki Makaurau as independent after quitting Labour

Kerrin Leoni said she will stay in the Tāmaki Makaurau Māori race and sit as an independent MP if voters elect her. Leoni resigned from Labour last week after a video showed her at a whānau function in Papakura wearing a Labour jacket while Mongrel Mob members were present. She removed the Labour branding from her Facebook and posted independent campaign material. Nominations had already closed, so her name remains on the ballot next to the Labour logo. Leoni told Te Ao Māori News that overwhelming messages, phone calls and encouragement from whānau and supporters across the electorate asked her not to walk away, prompting her decision to continue. Labour leader Chris Hipkins said at the Hawke's Bay A&P show that Leoni “paid a high price” and stressed she no longer represents the party. He added Labour will not endorse another candidate and left the choice to the people of Tāmaki Makaurau. It is unclear whether the Electoral (Integrity) Amendment Act 2018 – the anti‑party‑hopping law that forces MPs to lose their seat if they leave the party they were elected under – could be used to challenge Leoni’s seat if she wins. The controversy first surfaced after a Whakaata Māori debate where incumbent Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara claimed Leoni had visited a gang pad and deleted a social‑media post about it. Leoni denied the pad visit but admitted her answer could be seen negatively.

Context

The anti‑party‑hopping law aims to keep party representation stable by removing MPs who switch allegiance after election. Independent candidates like Leoni can still appear on ballots if they resign before nominations close, but winning may trigger legal scrutiny under that law.