A former Te Pāti Māori co-leader is defending current MPs chatting with the Mongrel Mob. 

MP Oriini Kaipara went to the gang's South Auckland HQ last week, and today defended the visit.

Leaders of other parties have criticised the two Te Pāti Māori MPs at the meeting, joined by Greens candidates.

But Te Ururoa Flavell says this politicians of all stripes have done this for decades. 

"Rob Muldoon, back in the day with his wife, sat down with gang members because they wanted to get a better handle on what they're about, and I'm pretty sure that all of our political parties at one point or another have met with gang members." 

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