Crime footage in ad accusing Labour of 'gaslighting' happened under National's watch

The New Zealand National Party has faced criticism after an anti-Labour political advertisement featured footage of criminal activity that occurred during the National Party's own term in government. The ad, which accuses the Labour Party of 'gaslighting' the public regarding crime, drew scrutiny for its use of historical footage from a period when National was in power.

National Party leader Christopher Luxon addressed the controversy by dismissing the criticism. He argued that the debate should remain focused on current crime statistics rather than the origin of the footage used in the campaign material.