Hipkins calls old email “disgraceful”

You know what’s truly disgraceful? Allegedly cheating on your wife with a staffer and destroying your own family in the process

Recently, the media has latched onto a two-and-a-half-year-old email written by Wellington mayoral candidate Ray Chung, shining the spotlight on him with a level of outrage usually reserved for breaking scandals. Labour leader and MP for Remutaka, Chris Hipkins, wasted no time jumping in, calling Chung’s comments “absolutely disgraceful” and adding that it was “undoubtedly true” that women in politics face more abuse than their male counterparts. He also claimed women of colour suffer an even greater share of abuse and disrespect

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While we’re talking about dignity, respect, and leadership, one can’t help but recall a curious case from early 2023.

That January, as Hipkins was confirmed as Jacinda Ardern’s successor, Stuff ran the headline: "Chris Hipkins, married but separated with two kids, doesn't want his family in the limelight." In that article, Hipkins made a pre-emptive statement: “I am aware of the Wellington rumour mill... so I will put something on the record that will be my final comment on the matter.”

He confirmed that he and his wife had decided to live separately. “We remain incredibly close. She's still my best friend. But we have made that decision in the best interest of our family,” he said. In other words, don’t ask any further questions. He effectively drew a line in the sand, making it clear that his private life was off limits.

The media obediently complied. Unsurprising, given their multi-million dollar funding from Ardern’s government.

Now, with Hipkins in a public relationship with former staffer Toni Grace, it raises legitimate questions. Was the separation really a mutual, best-for-the-kids decision or was it fallout from an alleged affair with Grace? Was it Jade Hipkins who pulled the plug on the marriage after finding out about the betrayal?

Three months ago, on the Dom Harvey podcast, Hipkins opened up about the strain of public life and mentioned that introducing his new partner Toni triggered rumours, including whether Toni was a man.

Nice deflection, bro. The real issue isn’t whether people misunderstood Toni Grace’s gender. The issue is that Hipkins, who is quick to condemn others, still hasn’t faced a single serious media question about the circumstances that aledgely ended his marriage. Yet he feels entitled to slam a private email sent by a political opponent.

The media can accuse Ray Chung’s email of being crude or inappropriate. But it was based on a widely discussed rumour involving Mayor Tory Whanau’s alleged sexual behaviour in public while drunk, at a time when she already faced scrutiny for her excessive drinking. Eventually, she admitted to having a problem and sought help, which deserves recognition. The incident may have happened, and the public deserves to discuss the conduct of its elected officials.

Adultery, particularly when it involves a staffer, is not just a moral failure. It is a breach of trust. It can devastate a family, damage children emotionally, and leave lasting scars. If the rumours are true, and Hipkins’ relationship with his staffer led to the collapse of his marriage, it raises some difficult but necessary questions.

Is this the kind of leader Labour supporters want? Is this the man they believe models integrity, family values, and responsibility? Or is it just another case of a politician telling the public how to behave while doing the exact opposite behind closed doors?

Leadership isn’t just about public statements and staged compassion. It is about the private choices that show a person’s true character. Maybe it's time the same media holding Ray Chung to account start asking a few questions of their own about Chris Hipkins and his alleged affair?