Full Breakdown
Labour Leader Chris Hipkins Addresses Instagram Account Run by Former Staffer Posting Objectionable Memes
5/12/2026, 6:00:30 AM
Instagram Account Posts Objectionable Content
The Instagram account luxury_marmite_sandwich_ posted memes containing homophobic language, obscenities toward government officials, and a video described as a “pig video”. One meme caption read “Luxon thinks about a lot of men in a shower”. The account also reused footage from the Labour Party’s official Instagram, showing a toaster in a parliamentary kitchenette.
Background and Key Figures
The account is followed by several Labour MPs, though the New Zealand Herald has not seen any MP share the material. Stuff’s investigation found at least one post reusing Labour Party footage. Labour leader Chris Hipkins said the operator is a former staffer who previously worked for the party in Parliament. The meme caption references Christopher Luxon.
Timeline of the Controversy
- The Instagram account posted homophobic and other objectionable memes, and Stuff’s investigation found it reused Labour Party footage.
- Chris Hipkins, following a Tuesday caucus meeting, said the operator is a former staffer, Labour is not providing current material, MPs were reminded not to share external content, and the former staffer was told not to reuse party material.
Official Statements & Responses
Hipkins said he knows who runs the Instagram account and does not condone its content. He asserted Labour has not supplied the account with current material and that MPs have been reminded not to share material with external parties. His office instructed the former staffer to refrain from using any material obtained during their employment in future posts.
Criticism & Opposition
Media described the memes as homophobic and obscene, noting obscenities toward government officials and an objectionable video. The New Zealand Herald’s observation that no MPs were seen sharing the content raised concerns about internal oversight.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The number of Labour MPs following the account is undisclosed, and no MP identities have been confirmed. The former staffer’s name and a precise timeline of the posts have not been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I do know who that person is,” — Chris Hipkins, Labour leader
- “It’s not the sort of stuff that I would condone,” — Chris Hipkins, Labour leader
- “Hipkins said Labour was not to his knowledge “feeding any current material to that person”.” — Chris Hipkins, Labour leader
- “shouldn’t be using any material that they had during their time employed by us in any content they are producing now” — Chris Hipkins, Labour leader
What’s Next
Labour will continue to monitor the Instagram account and maintain guidance to MPs on sharing external content. Additional clarification may be issued if further misuse is identified.
