Green MP, Tamatha Paul’s comments about the police w/ People Against Prison Aotearoa’s Dr Emmy Rākete: 31 March, 2025

Recently, Green MP, Tamatha Paul’s comments have made headlines across mainstream New Zealand political coverage.

At a panel with the University of Canterbury Greens and Peace Action Ōtautahi, Paul said Pōneke did not want to see police officers everywhere, as “for a lot of people it makes them feel unsafe,” as well as accusing police of “waiting for homeless people to leave their spot and throwing out their belongings” which she sez is a comment she received from a local MP from the Downtown Community Ministry and Salvation Army.

Paul has received backlash from some politicians, including Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, and Opposition Leader, Chris Hipkins.

However, many believe that what Paul said has been sensationalised.

On Friday, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the Press Spokesperson for People Against Prisons Aotearoa and Criminology Lecturer at the University of Auckland, Dr Emmy Rākete, about Paul’s comments, and how she is viewing this whole situation.

They started off by asking her how she is feeling about the reception of Paul's comments.