A controversy surrounding photographs of politicians and alleged gang members has erupted in the lead-up to the election for the Tāmaki Makaurau seat in New Zealand. Labour’s candidate challenging for the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate is claiming these photos are being exploited as scare tactics by right-wing political forces. The situation has brought renewed focus to the intense competition between Labour and Te Pāti Māori for the Tāmaki Makaurau seat, with only three weeks remaining before the election. The challenger believes the photos are designed to create fear and negatively influence voters. This development adds a layer of complexity to an already closely contested race. The use of such imagery raises questions about political strategy and the potential for exploiting sensitive issues during election periods in Tāmaki Makaurau. This story first appeared on Newsroom.