Key Takeaways
- Michel Mulipola has been confirmed as the Green Party candidate for the Māngere electorate in South Auckland.
- Controversial social media posts have resurfaced showing Mulipola ripping up the New Zealand flag, referring to police as ‘pigs’, and calling a government minister a "piece of s***", alongside past depictions of ACT leader David Seymour with faeces and Simeon Brown as a baboon’s bottom.
- Green co-leader Marama Davidson defends Mulipola as a strong advocate exposing racism and injustice, stating he will be held to higher behavioural standards as a candidate but condemning the specific act of flag desecration as not aligned with Green Party values.
- Critics, including ACT leader David Seymour and NZ First leader Winston Peters, accuse the Greens of endorsing political violence through their defence, while Labour leader Chris Hipkins acknowledges past behaviour can change but objects to current politicians expressing such views.
- The legality of flag desecration (potential $5,000 fine) is noted, though Davidson expresses personal disinterest in the flag, emphasizing focus on substantive policy issues for Māngere communities.
Michel Mulipola Selected as Green Candidate for Māngere
Michel Mulipola has recently been confirmed as the Green Party’s official candidate for the South Auckland electorate of Māngere. His selection places him in a key battleground seat where the Greens aim to make significant inroads. Mulipola, known locally as an artist and community advocate, brings a profile rooted in grassroots activism, particularly focusing on issues affecting Māori and Pasifika communities in South Auckland. His nomination signals the Green Party’s strategy to field candidates with strong local connections and lived experience of the area’s specific socio-economic challenges, aiming to resonate with voters who feel underserved by mainstream politics.
Controversial Social Media Posts Surface
Following his confirmation, several of Mulipola’s past social media posts resurfaced, sparking significant public and political debate. These posts included imagery of him actively ripping up the New Zealand Flag, accompanied by derogatory language. Additional content showed him referring to police officers using the term ‘pigs’ and directing highly offensive language, specifically calling a member of the current coalition government a "piece of s***". Further investigation revealed earlier instances where Mulipola had created and shared political art depicting ACT Party leader David Seymour with faeces emanating from his eyes and portraying National Party MP Simeon Brown as a baboon’s bottom. The emergence of this content prompted immediate scrutiny of his suitability as a parliamentary candidate.
Green Co-Leader Defends Candidate’s Advocacy Record
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson publicly defended Mulipola, emphasizing his long-standing role as an advocate for marginalized communities. She described him as a "strong, outspoken advocate" who has dedicated significant time to "exposing racism, injustice, [and] unfairness for the communities he represents," particularly highlighting his work addressing systemic issues faced by South Auckland residents. Davidson acknowledged Mulipola’s identity as an independent creator and artist, stating he speaks authentically to the experiences of communities that have endured decades of neglect. While affirming his right to express community frustrations, she clarified that as a Green Party candidate, he is expected to adhere to the party’s specific standards of approach and language, focusing his campaign on critiquing government policies harmful to Māngere and promoting Green alternatives rather than engaging in personal attacks or destructive acts.
Davidson Addresses Specific Controversial Acts
Regarding the specific act of flag desecration shown in the resurfaced video, Davidson stated she had not personally viewed the footage but acknowledged its legal seriousness. She noted that in New Zealand, intentionally damaging or destroying the New Zealand Flag with dishonourable intent is an offence punishable by a fine of up to $5,000. Davidson explicitly distanced the Green Party from this action, stating it was "not an approach that the Green Party would take." However, she expressed her own personal detachment from the flag as a national symbol, saying she is "not passionate about the flag" and therefore not inclined to advocate for changing the associated legislation, prioritizing other policy issues instead. This nuanced position aimed to separate Mulipola’s broader advocacy role from the specific, legally contentious act while upholding the party’s expected standards of conduct.
Criticism from Political Opponents
The Greens’ defence drew sharp criticism from other party leaders. ACT Party leader David Seymour directly challenged Marama Davidson and Green co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick, arguing that justifying such behaviour based on feelings of disadvantage or anger sets a dangerous precedent. He contended that their stance – implying personal feelings override societal discipline – represents "the path to political violence," asserting that party leaders have a duty to clearly reject offensive language from candidates, stating that calling someone a "piece of s***" should prompt an unequivocal "we don’t accept that as candidates." Labour leader Chris Hipkins, while acknowledging that people can grow and change their views over time, stated he had not examined all comments in detail but found the language used unacceptable for any current politician seeking office. He expressed that he would "have an issue" if a politician standing for Parliament currently held such views, differentiating between past actions and present suitability for parliamentary responsibility.
Reactions from Government and Other Leaders
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon responded by stating he personally respects the New Zealand Flag but emphasized that the matter of candidate conduct and potential disciplinary action rests solely with the Green Party as the selecting body. He refrained from direct commentary on Mulipola’s specific actions, framing it as an internal party issue. In stark contrast, NZ First leader Winston Peters delivered a scathing assessment, declaring the Greens’ defence of Mulipola was "pretty much like the Green Party, they’re a disgrace." He lamented that the contemporary Green Party bears no resemblance to the principled environmental party led by figures like Jeanette Fitzsimons in the past, calling its current state an "utter disgrace" and condemning the associated language as "shocking" and "revolting in the extreme." This broadside underscored the deep ideological divide and moral condemnation from certain quarters of the political spectrum regarding the Greens’ handling of the situation.