A Labour candidate contesting the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate is alleging that photographs of their rival candidate from Te Pāti Māori are being used to fuel right-wing scare tactics as the election nears. The Labour challenger believes these images provide ammunition for opponents seeking to portray Te Pāti Māori as being linked to gangs. This comes just three weeks before the election, a critical period for shaping public perception. The concern centers around the potential for these images to influence voters based on fears rather than policy. The candidate suggests this is a deliberate tactic to undermine their campaign. The situation highlights the intense political environment surrounding this election and the sensitive nature of addressing gang affiliations during a campaign. The article was first published on Newsroom.