Christopher Luxon pictured with Black Power members at abuse apology
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is facing criticism after photos surfaced of him posing with Black Power gang members at a government event. The images have been used by political opponents to highlight perceived hypocrisy, as Luxon's National Party previously criticized other politicians for similar associations.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing political tension in New Zealand regarding the appropriate boundaries for politicians interacting with gang members, especially during official government business.
Black Power members Rob, Jason and Albie Epere and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Parliament for the Crown apology. Photo / Aaron Smale, Newsroom
Photos of National MPs with gang members are doing the rounds on social media in a rebuttal to National’s criticism of politicians connecting with gangs.
Mongrel Mob life member Harry Tam posted a photo of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon posing for a photo with three Black Power members.
“So should Luxon resign too? You be the judge,” Tam asked.
The photograph, taken by Newsroom journalist Aaron Smale at Parliament during the Crown’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care, shows Luxon standing alongside Black Power Dunedin members Rob, Jason and Albie Epere.
The gang members were not wearing patches or gang insignia.
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